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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

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      Cristiano Ronaldo tells Al-Nassr chiefs to make Kevin De Bruyne transfer offer he can’t refuse to leave Man City

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has told Al-Nassr chiefs to make Kevin De Bruyne an offer he cannot refuse.Ronaldo is a huge fan of Manchester City hero KDB, who will be out of contract at the end of the season.Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Al-Nassr chiefs to sign Manchester City star Kevin De BruyneCredit: GettyDe Bruyne’s contract with Man City runs out in JuneCredit: GettyAnd the former United superstar has made a personal plea to his bosses to try and tempt De Bruyne, 33, to join him in Saudi Arabia.Icon Ronaldo wants them to go all out for the Belgian midfielder — stressing what a coup his capture would be for the Saudi league.De Bruyne’s representatives were discreetly sounded out last year.The playmaker is perfectly happy in Manchester and has never pushed to jump on the mega-money bandwagon.Read More on FootballYet the City star also admitted the incredible figures being mentioned could make it very difficult to turn down an official approach.De Bruyne is currently out injured but relaxed Etihad bosses plan to sit down to discuss his future when the timing is right.Yet they are aware there is no chance of coming close to the incredible £1million-a-week — plus £50MILLION signing-on fee — Al-Nassr are reportedly happy to pay him.The Belgium international has enjoyed a glittering nine-year stint at City.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDe Bruyne has amassed a staggering total of 103 goals and 171 assists in 388 appearances with the Citizens.Since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2015, the midfield maestro has consistently been among the Citizens’ top performers.I know Cristiano Ronaldo but I didn’t know man behind the athlete, says Francis Ngannou about ‘motivator’ Man Utd iconThe Belgian has won a whopping six Premier League titles, two FA Cup trophies, five League Cups and of course the 2023 Champions League.The attacking midfielder was also among Pep Guardiola’s standout performers in the 2022-23 Treble-winning campaign.Transfer fees scrapped Q&A: How landmark ruling could mean NFL-style trades and stars suing for millionsFORMER Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra has won his landmark case at the European Court of Justice.SunSport’s Martin Lipton explains what it was all about – and what it might mean for the future of football…What was the case about?Diarra argued Fifa’s transfer rules were illegal after the world body backed Lokomotiv Moscow’s claim that he had broken his contract by refusing to train with them.Is that it?No. Belgian club Charleroi wanted to sign Diarra but were told they would have to pay the money he was fined by Moscow, while Fifa refused to issue an International Transfer Certificate unless they coughed up.Okay, so what does the ruling mean?Theoretically players will have the right to break their contracts and switch clubs without a fee changing hands – just like any employee in any other industry.Hang on – does that mean the END of transfer fees?Potentially, yes. Although players would have to want to move.We would basically end up with a US-style “collective bargaining” model where players would be free to move within transfer windows without impunity.Clubs might be able to “trade” players – swap deals – but with no extra cash changing hands.Is everybody agreed about this?Absolutely not. Fifa claimed the ruling “only puts in question two paragraphs of two articles” of its transfer regulations.Yet the Judges said the current rules were “prohibited” under EU law and “anti-competitive” as they “limit the freedom of action” of players to change employer.Read SunSport’s full Q&A with football on the brink of the biggest shake-up in 30 years… More

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      Man Utd confirm signing of former Arsenal wonderkid, 16, who scored TEN goals in one game against Liverpool

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have announced the signing of ex-Arsenal wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin.Obi-Martin, 16, has put pen to paper with United after a goal-laden two-year stint in the Gunners’ youth system.Man Utd have announced the signing of teenage sensation Chido Obi-MartinObi-Martin scored a staggering 32 goals in 21 appearances with Arsenal’s Under-18sCredit: GettyThe highly-rated striker snubbed offers from the Gunners before leaving in the summer after amassing a staggering 32 goals and three assists in 21 appearances with the Under-18s.That led the Denmark Under-17 international to the Under-18 Premier League golden boot last term.The forward, though, really caught the eye by scoring a whopping TEN GOALS in one match against Liverpool.Obi-Martin also registered a seven-goal haul against Norwich, five goals against West Ham, four strikes in back-to-back games with Crystal Palace and Fulham as well as two more hat-tricks.Read More on Man UtdAnd the teenage sensation is looking forward to his new challenge at United.Obi-Martin said: “I’m very happy to sign with Man United, an amazing club.“It’s now time to focus and achieve all my dreams.”Obi-Martin is eligible to play for Nigeria but has also represented both England and Denmark at youth level.Most read in FootballThe ex-Arsenal centre-forward has played for the English and Danish Under-16 sides.The Denmark youth star scored twice as he helped his country reach the semi-finals of the Under-17 Euros in May.How would Southgate and Tuchel transform Man Utd flops and who is best for job?United have seen a number of youth stars break into the first team in recent years, such as Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. More

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

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

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      Lassana Diarra transfer case has everybody worried – the result could be complete chaos and anarchy

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      THE outcome of the Lassana Diarra case has got everybody worried.But one thing is for certain: if a player has the right to terminate their contracts because they want to go elsewhere, then so would their club.Lassana Diarra’s transfer court case could change football foreverCredit: GettyWest Ham CEO Karren Brady suggests that most footballers would suffer from an overhaul of the transfer systemCredit: GettyAnd the result of that would be complete chaos and anarchy.It would make a mockery of any financial rules in the Premier League and it will crash the system.The issue here that caused the problem is that Fifa’s rules were not thought through properly.It’s ludicrous to suggest that it’s not a just cause to break your contract if you’re not being paid, which is what happened with Diarra and Lokomotiv Moscow.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNo matter where you work, whether you’re a milkman or play for Manchester United, if you’re not getting paid you should be able to leave.I guess it’s the typically Russian approach to things that they don’t believe that.Most proper clubs wouldn’t dream of not paying their players. We have integrity and recognize that contracts work on both sides.If players can simply break their contracts and move around the world the entire system will collapse.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNot just transfer fees. Wages will collapse because there won’t be enough money in the game.Big clubs will hoard all the best players and some players will get really rich.Dream team Transfer Suggestions for Game Week 7 Transfer fees scrapped Q&A: How landmark ruling could mean NFL-style trades and stars suing for millionsFORMER Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra has won his landmark case at the European Court of Justice.SunSport’s Martin Lipton explains what it was all about – and what it might mean for the future of football…What was the case about?Diarra argued Fifa’s transfer rules were illegal after the world body backed Lokomotiv Moscow’s claim that he had broken his contract by refusing to train with them.Is that it?No. Belgian club Charleroi wanted to sign Diarra but were told they would have to pay the money he was fined by Moscow, while Fifa refused to issue an International Transfer Certificate unless they coughed up.Okay, so what does the ruling mean?Theoretically players will have the right to break their contracts and switch clubs without a fee changing hands – just like any employee in any other industry.Hang on – does that mean the END of transfer fees?Potentially, yes. Although players would have to want to move.We would basically end up with a US-style “collective bargaining” model where players would be free to move within transfer windows without impunity.Clubs might be able to “trade” players – swap deals – but with no extra cash changing hands.Is everybody agreed about this?Absolutely not. Fifa claimed the ruling “only puts in question two paragraphs of two articles” of its transfer regulations.Yet the Judges said the current rules were “prohibited” under EU law and “anti-competitive” as they “limit the freedom of action” of players to change employer.Read SunSport’s full Q&A with football on the brink of the biggest shake-up in 30 years…But most players will be in the alternative situation, that clubs can get rid of them, wash their hands of  a player they don’t want anymore.The current system is designed to send money through the game.When we bought Max Kilman from Wolves this summer, they had to give £4m to Maidenhead as part of the deal.That’s life changing money for a non-league club but if there are no fees anymore that won’t happen and the impact will be incredible.We’ve been here before with the Bosman ruling in the 1990s but I could see the logic of that. The idea that you could still get compensation for a player when he was no longer under contract was ludicrous.Just as I told people, Bosman didn’t end the transfer system.Jean-Marc Bosman’s 1995 court victory changed transfers for out of contract playersCredit: ReutersThe reality is that if a player has two years left on their contract you either have to extend it or sell them because their value starts to diminish quickly.Players can run down their contracts and get a free transfer.Of course there’s nothing free about it. The money that would have gone in transfer fees instead goes to the player and their agent’s pockets.This is the opposite of Bosman and if anybody should be worried I’d say it’s not the clubs but players.I’d like to think that in the Premier League we’d have some sort of gentleman’s agreement to stop this happening.But what could we do to stop clubs in Italy, France, Spain or Germany taking advantage?Max Kilman’s move to West Ham from Wolves earned non-league Maidenhead £4millionCredit: GettyI’m sure there will be some players and agents who are licking their lips but while this will be good for the few it will be bad for the many.You might have one or two players who could go to a bigger club for a lot of money but you might think of getting rid of more and replacing them with players who are earning less to balance your books.READ MORE SUN STORIESCurrently I can pay £80m to sign a player over a five-year contract and put that into my accounts to make it sustainable.But if that player can walk to Manchester City for free and I have to write off £80m every time we’d go bankrupt. So whatever we could have bought him for we can’t afford to pay that. More

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

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