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      Ten Hag’s worst XI of Man Utd signings cost £300MILLION as manager is finally sacked with flops in 14th

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      ERIK TEN HAG has been sacked with Manchester United 14th in the Premier League and £300MILLION out of pocket. The Dutchman was shown the exit door following 2-1 defeat at West Ham with club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy to take charge in the interim. Ruud van Nistelrooy will take interim charge after Erik ten Hag’s sackingCredit: AlamyTen Hag leaves with an FA Cup and Carabao Cup to his name but in the league and Europe results were underwhelming. And so too was his transfer business. In his two seasons, Ten Hag signed 21 players costing over £545m. Perhaps the biggest disaster of them all was the £86m forked out to sign winger Antony, who previously played for Ten Hag at Ajax.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe has struggled to thrive since moving to Manchester – with just 12 goals over 87 games.Joshua Zirkzee joined from Bologna for £36.5m this season and got off to the perfect start by scoring on his debut. But it is his only goal in United red. Rasmus Hojlund is in his second season having been brought in for £72m from Atalanta but the Dane is showing signs of settling in. Most read in FootballAntony is still struggling for formCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee has just one goal for Man UtdCredit: GettySergio Reguilon had his loan cut shortCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThat does not compare to loanee Wout Weghorst, who left United after six months and just two goals.Hojlund arrived alongside Mason Mount, who joined in his own controversial £60m transfer from Chelsea, but has so far flopped. Roy Keane left red-faced after Sky Sports colleague tells Man Utd legend to ‘bring this look back’Mount has just a single goal for United since his move and missed chunks of both seasons out injured.Casemiro came in for £60m from Real Madrid and had an excellent first season under Ten Hag. But his form has taken a dip since and got so bad United were linked with selling him. Marcel Sabitzer and Sofyan Amrabat, who arrived with a hefty loan fee of £7.7m, have both failed to make an impact under Ten Hag. A big decision made under Ten Hag was to sign Andre Onana for £47m opposed to giving David de Gea a new deal. The stopper has performed both excellently and poorly at times – but it has been enough to keep £4.3m back-up Altay Bayindir out of the side.Bayindir starts in our flop XI after managing just two appearances – at Newport County and Barnsley in cup competition. Mason Mount has spent much of his Man Utd career injuredCredit: AlamyCasemiro has failed to follow up on his stellar first seasonCredit: PAJonny Evans featured far more than anticipatedCredit: GettyJonny Evans was signed on a free transfer, eight years after leaving United, raising eyebrows.The Northern Irishman initially penned a short-term deal but stayed all season and has seven appearances this campaign. Sergio Reguilon features after signing on loan from Tottenham, only to be sent back halfway through the season despite a lack of fit left-backs.Luke Shaw has struggled for fitness while his back-up Tyrell Malacia – another Ten Hag signing –  missed last season followingfollowing knee surgery.That’s enough to start at right-back in this XI, despite some positive performances for the Red Devils after signing for £13m.Matthijs de Ligt will go down as one of Ten Hag’s last big signings but the £42m paid to Bayern Munich has so far looked like money poorly spent. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe now-former Old Trafford boss was even forced to bench De Ligt amid a run of shaky starts. Ten Hag’s XI of underperformers cost over a staggering £300m and will be just one of several reasons for his sacking. More

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      Man Utd transfer target Alphonso Davies, valued at £42m, speaks out on becoming free agent this summer

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      ALPHONSO DAVIES has broken his silence over a transfer to Manchester United.The Bayern Munich star, 23, has been widely reported to be considering his future in Germany.Alphonso Davies has broken his silence over a possible transfer away from Bayern MunichCredit: GettyThe Canada international’s contract expires next summer, and after joining the Bavarians in January 2019 from Vancouver Whitecaps it seems he may want to pursue a new challenge.Reports suggest that Man Utd transfer chiefs have started gathering information on Davies ahead of a potential offer.However, Real Madrid are known to be long-term admirers and are one of the main teams to be linked with his signature.Despite this, he has continued to play regularly under Vincent Kompany this season with six Bundesliga appearances under his belt ahead of the club’s trip to VfL Bochum on Sunday afternoon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRegardless, in early October Davies made his feelings clear about his future.He told ESPN: “As of now, my full focus is to stay healthy and to play the game with the club I’m with right now.”I’m not focused on what’s going on in the future.”I’m just focusing on staying healthy and helping my team win. My team make me feel valued. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The whole Bayern community make me feel valued. I see that each and every day.”Davies has an estimated transfer value of £42million ($50m) as per Transfermarkt, but will able to speak to clubs from January over a FREE transfer due to his contract expiring in the summer. Jose Mourinho reveals he’s still holding out hope of winning Premier League title with Man UtdDavies is seen as one of the world’s best left-backs.It is a position Man Utd has struggled with over the last two seasons with the long-term injury of Tyrell Malacia and the ongoing fitness troubles of Luke Shaw.Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui and Toby Collyer have all lined up there at various points this season.Meanwhile, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who was sold to West Ham in the summer, lined up there at times last season.Davies was also one name on a three-star transfer list of players from Bayern Munich, including Leon Goretzka and Leroy Sane.Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More

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      Wolves lining up £20million transfer for Watford Euro 2024 star to help rescue them from Prem relegation

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      WOLVES will make Watford’s Georgian star Giorgi Chakvetadze a top target in January as they seek a Premier League saviour.Gary O’Neil’s men need new attacking inspiration and lively Chakvetadze, 25, has been on top form this season.Wolves are eyeing a January move for Watford midfielder Giorgi ChakvetadzeCredit: RexScouts watched the midfielder against Leeds on Tuesday and he is short-listed as a buy if the Molineux club can wheel and deal in the window.Wolves have been sellers recently but a purchase may save their top-flight skins.Watford would want up to £20million for a player who signed a fresh five-year deal only a month ago, however, and other Prem clubs have an eye on Chakvetadze.The Georgian international initially joined the Hornets on loan from Gent last summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis loan move was then made permanent in February for around £2million.As well as penning a new deal, he has scored once and provided two assists in 12 Championship appearances this term.Meanwhile, the midfield ace also has nine goals in 33 caps for Georgia.He made his international debut in 2018 aged just 18 and was part of the Crusaders’ Euro 2024 squad.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWilly Sagnol’s side were one of the surprise packages of the tournament in Germany during the summer.Chakvetadze played in all four of their matches as they reached the last 16, losing to eventual winners Spain.I watched Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al-Nassr, the atmosphere and standard had me shocked… but he didn’t seem botheredHis arrival would boost Wolves’ survival hopes after a difficult start to the season.O’Neil’s side are currently 19th following Saturday’s dramatic 2-2 draw at Brighton.However, they have yet to win any of their opening nine Premier League fixtures. More

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      Where it’s all gone wrong for Crystal Palace from failed signings and moody strikers to struggling England stars

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are the most surprising member of the four clubs yet to win a Premier League game this season.The Eagles won six of their last seven matches to finish 10th last season after beating the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle and Aston Villa.Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace haven’t won a Premier League match this seasonBut they have fallen flat on their face this term, leaving Austrian boss Oliver Glasner having to front up to question marks over his future.He has a reputation for falling out with chiefs at previous clubs but staff and players haven’t noticed a shift in his mood yet. And despite the terrible start Glasner has credit in the bank.SunSport’s JACK ROSSER looks at a few reasons why things are not as they should be at Selhurst Park…DEFENSIVE ISSUESCRYSTAL PALACE were not only devastating going forwards once they hit their stride at the end of last season, they had a solid foundation — using three centre-backs — to build from too.Read More on FootballBut there appear to be one too many cracks at the back so far this season — few of the Eagles’ own making.Joachim Andersen was sold to Fulham in a £30million deal, breaking up the successful pairing of the Dane and Marc Guehi.Whether it is fatigue or distraction, Palace star Marc Guehi has not looked his usual self this termAlthough, due to Guehi’s knee injury last season, the duo only played in the same Glasner team once and the England man was used in central midfield in that game on the last day of the campaign.Guehi, 24, himself had a hectic summer, first starring at Euro 2024 with the Three Lions before a drawn-out pursuit by Newcastle ended up with him staying put.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhether it is fatigue or distraction, Guehi has not looked his usual self this term.Spanish-born Morocco centre-back Chadi Riad, 21, was signed from Barcelona to add depth but picked up a knee problem in the Carabao Cup second-round, while USA ace Chris Richards, 24, has also had fitness issues.Visit the restaurant serving tasty food at affordable prices just steps away from historic Premier League groundSTRIKER STRUGGLESJEAN PHILIPPE-MATETA’S transformation into a lethal striker was key to Oliver Glasner’s early success with Crystal Palace.The 27-year-old French striker scored 13 goals in as many games under the Eagles boss to end last season.But a summer spent playing at the Olympics and frustration over contract negotiations have marred this season.The Olympics and frustration over his contract have marred Palace ace Jean-Philippe Mateta’s seasonMateta has just two Prem goals this term — both against Leicester — with relations between him and the club threatening to turn sour after he was offered a deal with wages well below where he feels they should be.Palace signed Eddie Nketiah, 25, for £25million from Arsenal, though the former England Under-21 international is yet to net for his new club in the Premier League.WHARTON HAMPEREDADAM WHARTON’S rise from the Championship to the England squad was one of the stories of the second half of last season.The midfielder, signed from Blackburn in January for an initial £18million, was an instant hit in South London and was at the heart of Crystal Palace’s superb finish to 2023-24.However, after not getting a single minute in Germany with the Three Lions, Wharton, 20, sustained a groin injury during his short pre-season which has continued to niggle and impacted his form.Adam Wharton has suffered a frustrating season so farCredit: GettyHe has still been playing games but has required injections and painkillers to do so while it is expected he will need surgery.There has been some frustration that after withdrawing from the England U21s squad this month and then not being involved against Nottingham Forest that the operation was not done during the last international break.A fit Wharton at the top of his game would make a world of difference.OLISE’S ABSENCECRYSTAL PALACE accepted early last season that it would almost certainly be their last with Michael Olise on the books.His electric form earned a £50million move to German giants Bayern Munich and the Frenchman has been sorely missed as talisman.Oliver Glasner points out that Olise, 22, was not even fit for half of his games as Palace manager last season, which is true, but he was involved in five of the seven wins that they picked up.Palace have really been missing Michael Olise after he left for Bayern MunichThe lack of a like-minded presence appears to have hit Eberechi Eze’s form too.While he has gone close on many occasions and had a perfectly-good stunner ruled out against Brentford, the mercurial midfielder has not been at his best.The man brought in to effectively replace Olise, Daichi Kamada, has struggled to adapt.READ MORE SUN STORIESJapan international Kamada was one of Glasner’s stars at former club Eintracht Frankfurt but has looked out of place in the Premier League so far.The 28-year-old, one of the top earners following his arrival on a free transfer after a year at Lazio, has struggled to compete deeper in midfield and has not been able to create enough when played further forwards. 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      Mario Balotelli, 34, closes in on shock Serie A return after four months unemployed

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      MARIO BALOTELLI is closing in on a major Serie A return after spending the last four months as a free agent.Balotelli, 34, has been without a club since his departure from Adana Demirspor in June, after seven goals and one assist in 16 appearances last season.Mario Balotelli is closing in on a return to Serie A with GenoaCredit: GettyBalotelli has been a free agent for four months after leaving Adana DemirsporCredit: GettyBut the striker now looks set for a return to elite football after three years out in the wilderness playing for Demirspor in Turkey and Sion in Switzerland.According to transfer insider Nicolo Schira, the ex-Italy international has been training in his bid to regain match fitness.And it looks like the Manchester City cult hero has impressed Genoa club chiefs, who are keeping a close eye.Read More on FootballSchira claims the former Liverpool star is now awaiting the “final green light” to put pen to paper with Alberto Gilardino’s side.And the Italian is “very excited” about a possible return to the Serie A.Balotelli has experienced tremendous success in Italy as he burst onto the scene with Inter Milan in 2007 at the age of 17.The centre-forward went on to amass a total of 28 goals and 15 assists during his three-year stint at Inter.Most read in FootballThat led to a lucrative move to City where he spent three turbulent years that saw him racking up 30 goals in 80 appearances as well as numerous on and off-field run-ins.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat included setting his own house on fire by letting off fireworks in his bathroom and the infamous ‘Why always me’ shirt celebration against Manchester United.But will remain in City folklore for setting up Sergio Aguero for his famous league-winning strike against QPR in 2012.Former Premier League bad boy Mario Balotelli takes up new sport as he ‘calls out former UFC champion’Balotelli moved to his beloved AC Milan in 2013 where he spent one year and registered 18 goals as well as eight assists in 41 appearances.A Premier League return soon followed to Liverpool but he couldn’t meet expectations and was loaned back to Milan in 2015 after only four goals in 28 games at Anfield.Stints at Nice, Marseille, Brescia and Monza soon followed as his star status started to dwindle.Balotelli also amassed 14 goals in 36 caps with Italy and shone bright during Euro 2012 as he helped his national team reach the final. More

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      Former Man Utd wonderkid and Premier League title winner spotted in Wrexham training and set to sign on free transfer

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      AN ex-Manchester United star and Premier League winner is set to join Wrexham, according to reports.Matty James is currently without a club after his deal with Bristol City expired at the end of last season.Wrexham chiefs Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are closing in on signing a former Man Utd starCredit: PAMatty James is set to sign a short-term deal at the clubCredit: AFPBut he has been spotted training with Wrexham ahead of signing a short-term contract until January.James has reportedly had interest from Championship sides but is choosing Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s League One outfit.The 33-year-old midfielder came through the ranks at Man Utd but never made a senior appearance for them.He was instead loaned out to Preston twice before he was signed by Leicester in a double deal with Ritchie De Laet.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJames went on to play 117 times for the Foxes in nine years at the club.He played a huge role in the club’s promotion and then survival in the Premier League back in 2014.The former England Under-20s star was in the squad as Leicester famously clinched the title, but he did not play a minute that season due to a ligament injury.He has since had spells at Barnsley, Coventry and Bristol City.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJames will help Wrexham’s promotion push as they currently sit second in League One.Ex-West Brom man James McClean and ex-Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher are the other former Premier League players in the squad.Wrexham’s James McClean catches beer thrown by Birmingham fans and pretends to drink it as he winds up supporters in huge League One clash More

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      Arsenal boost as Newcastle NOT in contract talks with star striker Alexander Isak amid fears he could quit

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      ALEXANDER ISAK is not in talks with Newcastle over an extended contract as Arsenal continue to lurk and potentially pounce.The Swede, 25, became the first Toon star since Alan Shearer two decades ago to hit 20 Premier League goals.Alexander Isak has scored one goal this seasonCredit: GettyHe has now scored 32 in his 58 top-flight appearances since arriving in a club-record £63m deal from Real Sociedad in 2022.That form caught the eye of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Arsenal believed to be keen.Isak remains under contract until 2028 and preliminary discussions between the Magpies and the star over a new package were held before the summer.SunSport understands that more talks are NOT currently taking place and there are none pencilled in due to him still having three years left.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNeither party believes that a new contract is a top priority currently, while it is also understood the forward’s camp want to see how this season pans out.Isak, who has only scored once for Newcastle so far this term, has ambitions to keep playing in the Champions League after having a taste at Toon a year ago.But if Eddie Howe’s side miss out on a top four finish then he could potentially look to leave, with a lack of an extended deal increasing that possibility.And despite his poor form in front of goal, Arsenal remain keen and Toon would still easily be able to demand £100m plus for the hitman.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNewcastle are set to be in action this Sunday in the Premier League.Isak and Co travel south to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.Arsenal fans in meltdown as transfer target Alexander Isak ‘spotted in London with ex-Man Utd star Adnan Januzaj’ TV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports) More

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      Man City ‘identify Erling Haaland replacement that would be a bitter blow to Arsenal transfer plans’

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      MANCHESTER CITY have lined up a potential replacement for Erling Haaland, according to reports.Haaland, 24, has once again shown his lethal edge this season with 13 goals in 12 games in all competitions.Man City transfer chiefs have lined up their Erling Haaland replacementCredit: GettyHe netted an acrobatic stunner against Sparta PragueCredit: RexViktor Gyokeres is one of Europe’s most lethal strikers of the past two seasonsCredit: ReutersHe added two more goals to his collection – the first being an acrobatic stunner – on Wednesday night as City won 5-0 against Sparta Prague.However, Haaland is rumoured to be mulling over his future for 2026, with a possible move to Spain on the cards thanks to a £125million release clause in his contract.With that in mind, City transfer chiefs have wasted no time in drawing up plans to replace the clinical Norwegian.And they have landed on one of Europe’s most prolific attackers of the past two seasons, Viktor Gyokeres.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 26-year-old who has previously linked to Arsenal, is remarkably keeping pace with Haaland this season with 13 goals and four assists in 13 games for Sporting Lisbon.He joined the Portuguese outfit in the summer of 2023 after a stellar campaign with Coventry that saw him score 22 goals and add 12 assists in 50 games.The Swede’s debut season in Portugal marked his card as a top forward, scoring 43 goals and adding 15 assists in 50 games – more than Haaland’s 38 goals and five assists in 45 games.According to Sky Sports, the reigning Premier League champions have already contacted the representatives of Gyokeres about coming to the Etihad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA significant boost to a possible deal is incoming director of football Hugo Viana, who will arrive from Sporting at the end of the season to replace Txiki Begiristain after 12 years in the job.This has led to speculation about Sporting manager Ruben Amorim also swapping Lisbon for Manchester, with Pep Guardiola openly saying he is unsure whether he will quit City when his contract expires.Man City player ratings: Even Pep Guardiola can’t believe how good Erling Haaland is as new Samba man fails to shine (1)City host Southampton in the league on Saturday before a trip to Tottenham in the League Cup. More