It has only taken eight Premier League games for Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim’s time in charge to turn into a nightmare.
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The former manager of Portuguese side Sporting CP has created an unwanted slice of history in becoming the first Red Devils manager in 103 years to lose five of their first eight league games in charge.
Those five defeats have come in the space of month.
United have not suffered such a low since 1962.
Their 2-0 loss at Old Trafford to Newcastle to finish off a drama-filled 2024 – which has included the high of an FA Cup triumph and the lows of sacking Erik ten Hag and sitting 14th on the Premier League table at year’s end – was also their three straight home defeat.
That has not has not happened for 45 years.
Those statistics make for incredibly grim reading but their recent woes have been lumped onto the shoulders of ten Hag and the club’s directors off the pitch.
Amorim is yet to see a transfer window, so the squad is full of players that were brought in to be a part of ten Hag’s vision.
But now, the finger is being pointed at Amorim for his role in their latest horror show, and he is already feeling the pressure after Newcastle scored both their goals in the opening 20 minutes of the game.
It was the sort of move teams pushing for a top four berth do at this time of the year when the workload is heavy.
Strike early, make a big blow and then allow the game to peter out because the scoreboard is under control.
Which is exactly what Newcastle did and they showed why they have won four straight Premier League contests, without conceding a goal, to climb into fifth place, three points shy of fourth placed Chelsea.
United on the other hand were a shemozzle.
Club great Gary Neville called them “the worst pound-for-pound team in the country” in his commentary on Sky Sports and Amorim shocked the Premier League in his post-match interview by admitting that their “focus is on survival”.
“I think [the team] is a little bit lost in this moment, so it’s a little bit embarrassing to be a Manchester United coach and to lose a lot of games,” Amorim said. “But we have to cope with difficult moments in the life of everybody, so it’s a hard moment.
“I think people are tired of excuses in this club and I think sometimes I talk about relegation because of that.
“We have to acknowledge our position the way you see the league, that everybody can beat everybody, so we have to win games and to focus on surviving. I think our club needs a shock, you know? It needs a shock and we have to understand that.”
United sit seven points above the relegation places at the halfway mark of their Premier League campaign with a trip to Anfield to face league leaders and fierce rivals Liverpool awaiting them next.
Amorim’s words are a startling change of tone from the 39-year-old who less than two months ago said United fans may think he is the “new Sir Alex Ferguson” if he pulled off a victory in his final home game in charge at Sporting, a Champions League tie against Manchester City.
He claimed a 4-1 triumph that night, and also tasted victory in his first Manchester Derby, but those highs feels like a lifetime ago.
The “shock” Amorim speaks of indicates that rock bottom is still yet to come.
“It’s worrying times for Manchester United and Amorim,” Neville said on Sky Sports.
“He knew it was a big job but l think it is far bigger than he ever imagined.”
Concerns about whether Amorim is up to the task are growing with each loss.
Perhaps the low point of the Newcastle loss was making a substitution 33 minutes into the match to fix a severe blunder in the set up of the team.
Striker Joshua Zirkzee was sent to the bench, but he initially opted for the dressing room to hide from the embarrassment, in favour of Kobbie Mainoo to bolster his struggling midfield.
The move did pay off as United played better with the 19-year-old England international on the pitch, but Zirkzee was cheered off by sections of Old Trafford in what was an awful look for the club.
“A sure sign of an ongoing implosion, the tactical first-half sub,” The UK Telegraph’s senior sports writer Thom Gibbs wrote.
The issues in midfield were caused however, by Amorim’s decision to start an ageing pair instead of their younger counterparts.
“Casemiro and Eriksen in midfield are like mannequins. Little one-two around them, it’s so easy,” Neville said.
“They’ve been two fabulous players throughout their careers but the last thing either of them wants to see is the other next to them. All you want around you is legs. They shouldn’t be playing a game together in the Premier League. They really shouldn’t.”
United’s players are battling with the adjustment to Amorim’s tactics which stand in stark contrast to ten Hag’s.
The Portuguese manager regularly opts for three at the back with a clear focus on high pressing and possession, in contrast to the Dutchman’s preference of four defenders supported by two defensive midfielders.
Rashford’s supposed reluctance to press has been part of his exclusion from the team under Amorim, and it was alleged by UK radio station talkSport that part of the reason Amorim’s negotiations with Liverpool broke down was because of his devout commitment to his tactical philosophy.
That dedication has brought him unstuck at United so far with it often looking like he is trying to fit square pegs into round holes.
“Amorim was culpable. He picked the wrong team, in the wrong formation. His trademark 3-4-3 was unlocked,” the UK Independent’s senior football correspondent Richard Jolly wrote after the Newcastle loss.
“It was a manager with a well-planned strategy against one trying to impose his blueprint on players unsuited to it.
“In midfield, United’s indiscipline came at a cost. Lacking their midfield ball-winner Manuel Ugarte and captain Bruno Fernandes because of bans, they were weak, but weakened by the system and managerial choices.
“The pensionable pair of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro were pitted against the trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton: far more athletic, featuring two classy passers.
“United were outnumbered, out-thought, overrun, overcome.”
Based on the results, and Amorim’s comments, it is clear a clean out is on the cards in the upcoming January transfer window, as well as in the summer.
United have undergone that process many times since Ferguson’s reign ended, and their recent history shows it is no certainty to work.
Their upcoming transfer targets remain unclear and coming to Old Trafford is now a far harder sell than almost ever before.
The current squad is the result of a clean-out with Neville believing that the United team from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s final game as manager in 2021 to be better than the current XI.
“I sent through that team this morning of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s last game in charge. They’re playing against Watford a few years ago and you’re thinking that Manchester United team is not good enough, we all accepted at the time it wasn’t good enough,” Neville said on Sky Sports.
“But that was David de Gea in net, who’s a better goalkeeper than the one that United have currently got, it was Lindelof, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka and Shaw, which is a better defensive line than the one that they have currently got.
“It was Matic and McTominay in midfield, which is not brilliant, but it’s better than Casemiro and Eriksen, and it was Sancho, Rashford, Bruno and Ronaldo up front, which is a better forward line than the one that’s currently there.
“So that’s the concerning thing, when you feel that you’ve got to a point whereby the team can’t get any worse, and then you get further investment into the tune of £455m, and you see that this current team that’s played today, and at Wolves, I think that they’ve got a lot to do.
“That is being very, very kind because I don’t think this group of players that are playing at this moment in time are of the quality that the ones that Ten Hag has had, Ole’s had, Jose Mourinho’s had, or Louis Van Gaal, they weren’t good enough for Manchester United in those periods.
“But they were better teams and better squads than the one that currently is in this club.”
The 21 goals United have scored in 19 matches this campaign, which is the fifth lowest in the league helps prove Neville’s point.
Last season, their run to FA Cup glory kept United’s spirits alive, but with a third round clash at Arsenal after their trip to Liverpool, their hopes of keeping that flame alive are dwindling.
The Europa League may have to be their beacon of hope with United sitting seventh – the top eight automatically progress to the knockout rounds – with two league matches remaining, at home to Scottish heavyweights Rangers and away to Romanian outfit FCSB.
But it appears that 2025 could start with more pain for Amorim’s team.
Arne Slot insisted Darwin Nunez is still an important part of Liverpool’s plans despite the struggling striker falling below the “standard” in the Champions League win against Girona.
Mired in a lengthy slump, Nunez has scored only one goal in his last 10 appearances and three in total all season.
In Liverpool’s victory in Girona on Tuesday, the Uruguay international cut an increasingly frustrated figure after missing several chances.
Slot admitted he kept Nunez on for an extended period, before eventually replacing him in the 71st minute, in the hope he would score a confidence-boosting goal.
After receiving criticism in midweek, Nunez posted on Instagram: “They are not all, they are some. Thank you Reds for your support, we are all still together.”
Slot believes the 25-year-old needs the support of fans and his team-mates to help him rediscover the form that made him such a sensation at Benfica prior to his move to Anfield in 2022.
“All our players feel the support of our fans but he is definitely one of them. Mo (Salah) is scoring so many goals he likes the support of the fans but doesn’t really need it at the moment,” Slot told reporters on Friday.
“We all saw they did something with him when he missed a few chances on Tuesday and everyone needs an arm around you, either from a team-mate, the fans or your manager.
“But I also made it clear to him that he is not only judged on the goals he scores, he is also judged on the team performance and he adds something to the team performance as well with his work-rate and how much he does winning the ball back high up the pitch.”
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez shoots during the UEFA Champions League match against Girona.Source: Getty Images
Slot’s only issue with Nunez was a dip in his work-rate against Girona that drew a rebuke from the Reds boss.
“Ideally he would have scored a few goals more. But what should always be there is work-rate and I think that is what he has, apart from two games,” Slot said.
“I said that to him yesterday and the last half-hour against Girona wasn’t of the standard he should have.
“That had a lot to do with him being disappointed at missing a few chances.”
Nunez’s position will come under increasing pressure with Diogo Jota and long-term absentee Federico Chiesa set to return to the squad for the visit of Fulham on Saturday.
Chiesa has played for just 18 minutes in the Premier League since joining Liverpool from Juventus in the close-season.
The Italy forward has only three appearances in all competitions for the Reds, who sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League as they chase a first title since 2020.
“Federico missed quite a lot for a long time, was ill last week, so we have to wait and see how he is exactly doing,” Slot said.
“But maybe Diogo is in the squad and maybe Federico as well, but that depends a bit on the numbers we have and also how he recovered from his illness.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot.Source: AFP
MANCHESTER UNITED
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim insists he did not speak to Manchester City about replacing Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium before making his move to Old Trafford.
As Amorim prepares for his first Manchester derby on Sunday, the 39-year-old’s link to City prior to his arrival at United has become a hot topic.
United hired the highly-regarded Amorim from Sporting Lisbon in November after sacking Erik ten Hag.
Amorim had been mentioned as a contender to take over from Guardiola after City announced Sporting’s director of football Hugo Viana would replace Txiki Begiristain at the end of this season.
Guardiola eventually ended speculation over his future by signing a new two-year contract shortly after Amorim’s arrival in Manchester.
Asked if he ever had a conversation about the prospect of joining City, Amorim told reporters: “Never. Never had and this was my only option.
“When Manchester United talked to me, I had no doubts because I had already something in my mind that it could be a possibility.
“With Manchester City or Hugo Viana? Nothing about that.”
Amorim’s side ended a run of two successive defeats with a 2-1 victory at Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday.
But United have won just three of Amorim’s six games in charge and are languishing in 13th place after recent losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest underlined the extent of the rebuilding job he faces.
Yet, for the first time in years, City go into the derby mired in more turmoil than United after a dismal run of one win in 10 games in all competitions.
Rival EPL boss defends “under-fire” Ange | 02:30
Wednesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat at Juventus was City’s seventh loss in their last 10 matches, an astonishing decline for a club that has won the last four Premier League titles.
One of those losses was masterminded by Amorim, whose Sporting side enjoyed a 4-1 Champions League triumph over City.
“I never think about these things,” Amorim said of City’s woes. “We will face a great opponent and I’m more focused on our problems, so we have a lot of issues here.
“I’m more focused on what we should do on Sunday to win the game, so I’m really focused on my team.”
Asked if United are facing a different, weaker City, he said: “No, no, no, no. “The great teams can respond in any moment, and I think they are in a better place than us in the type of understanding the game, the way they play, the confidence they have. Even in these kind of moments.”
City may be struggling but they still enter the weekend fourth in the Premier League, eight points better off than their neighbours.
“I just want to improve the team, so I cannot live it like a normal derby like it should be, like two great teams fighting for the title. It is not that in this moment,” Amorim said.
“Both teams are struggling in the moment, so I hope in future I can feel that real feeling of a derby, but I know it’s really important for our fans.
“But my goal now is to improve the team, win games and I will try to win this game.”
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.Source: Getty Images
MANCHESTER CITY
Pep Guardiola admits troubled Manchester City will not recapture their peak form until his injury-plagued side are finally whole again.
Guardiola’s fourth-placed side head into Sunday’s derby against Manchester United reeling after a dismal run of one win in 10 games in all competitions.
A 2-0 defeat at Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday left City in danger of failing to make the last 16, while they are languishing eight points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
After winning an unprecedented four successive Premier League titles and six in the last seven seasons, City have looked more vulnerable than ever before in the Guardiola era.
The City boss attributes their stunning decline on injuries to key players, mostly notably Spain midfielder Rodri, who won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award earlier this year.
Rodri, who helped Spain win Euro 2024, is not expected back from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee for several months, although he has hinted he could feature at some point this season.
“What I want is my players back. The complete squad we had at the beginning of the season. My regret is that we don’t have these and not needing new ones,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.
“We have known it from the beginning but Rodri is a Ballon d’Or player. We are playing without the best player in England last season. That is the problem.
“Not one other team plays with a central midfielder who has a Ballon d’Or. It is difficult. The moment he comes back, we will be strong again. We will be a good team.
“Of course, we still have to try and play the same way and to win. Sooner or later we are going to be back.”
With City mired in such a woeful period, the champions have been linked with new signings in the January transfer window.
On the day City announced record Premier League revenues of £715 million. Guardiola didn’t rule out the possibility when it was put to him that reinforcements were needed to save their season.
“If we need players then we go to the transfer market but I don’t know who is around,” he said.
“Massive congratulations on the accounts because the club must be sustainable. That doesn’t mean we have big resources to buy whatever we want, especially with how expensive the transfer market is.”
Beating United at the Etihad Stadium this weekend would be a significant boost to Guardiola’s hopes of ending City’s spiral.
The Spaniard, who recently signed a new two-year contract, vowed to solve City’s crisis eventually and claimed he was not feeling under pressure.
“In our jobs we will always do our best and when the best doesn’t happen you are more uncomfortable than when the situation is going well. As a manager you are in scrutiny for every step of the team,” he said.
“But I am fine. I have more thoughts at this moment but what I feel right now is the same as what I’ve said for the last few weeks or month.
“We have to shoot more and cut out the mistakes. But we have been in the games.
“We have not been consistent for the 90 minutes but I know the reason why. We just have to keep working and moving forward.”
Adding to Guardiola’s mounting problems, Swiss defender Manuel Akanji has been ruled out of the Manchester derby with a pelvic injury.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.Source: Getty Images
ARSENAL
Mikel Arteta is adamant Arsenal’s search for a new sporting director to replace Edu will not affect their ability to sign players in the January transfer window.
Edu’s sudden resignation last month has left Arteta without one of his trusted inner circle at a key point in the season.
The Gunners are third in the Premier League and sit six points behind leaders Liverpool after an inconsistent first half of the campaign.
Arteta could look to the transfer market to bolster his squad in the new year, but Edu’s exit has raised questions about Arsenal’s ability to land the Spaniard’s top targets.
Jason Ayto, who has been at Arsenal for a decade as a scout and then Edu’s assistant, has assumed the post on an interim basis.
But Dan Ashworth’s shock exit from Manchester United has seen him linked with a move to north London ahead of the transfer window opening on January 1.
Ahead of Saturday’s home game with Everton, Arteta was asked if not having a permanent sporting director in place could pose an issue.
“We have one. Jason Ayto is our interim sporting director. He has got the full capacity and support of the football club right now,” Arteta told reporters on Friday.
“He is doing really well with his team. The process is open, as you know. And the club, with the support of all of us, will decide who is the best person to move us forward.
“I never expect January to be super busy, but we have to wait and see where we are. There might be some opportunities, too.
“Hopefully the availability of the squad will be better in a few weeks. We have to wait and see.”
While Arteta is calm about the situation, he would like it to be resolved before the end of the season.
“Yes, but when we are convinced that we have the right person who can work the right team who are doing a great job at the moment,” he said.
“Someone who is going to take us to the next level. We might have him internally. Timing wise it’s hard to understand. I’m not running the process so it’s more for the club to respond.”
Arteta could be forced into the transfer market, with defenders Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu all sidelined by injuries.
Jurrien Timber was only fit enough for the bench in Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Monaco in the Champions League in midweek.
Gabriel Magalhaes has also been absent for the past three matches, but he has returned to training and is expected to be available against Everton.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, was handed a full Champions League debut against Monaco and is in line to secure his first Premier League start this weekend.
“He certainly deserves to be in contention to be selected because he performed and competed really well,” Arteta said.
“At his age to show that maturity and personality is strange.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.Source: Getty Images
CHELSEA
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said Friday he felt privileged to work with Cole Palmer after labelling him as “different” to the Premier League’s other star forwards.
Palmer has been Chelsea’s outstanding player in their unexpected rise to second place in the Premier League.
With 11 goals in 15 games, the England international is Chelsea’s top scorer and has also provided six assists.
Palmer’s confidence and quality were on display once again with the cheeky chipped penalty in last weekend’s win at Tottenham.
It was the kind of eye-catching moment that Maresca claimed as evidence that the 22-year-old is a truly unique talent.
“I feel very proud and privileged to work with Cole. Cole is a different one to the rest,” the Italian said.
Chelsea host west London neighbours Brentford on Sunday looking to keep up the pressure on Liverpool in the title race.
The Blues are four points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand, and are also looking to qualify for the Champions League.
Palmer will be key to Chelsea’s hopes of keeping pace with Liverpool and returning to Europe’s elite club competition.
Maresca, who worked with Palmer during his time in charge of Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad, praised his forward’s ability to handle the pressure and expectations of being Chelsea’s main man, “Many top players have that way,” he said. “They look like they almost don’t care but it’s just their way and being in that way gives them more freedom.
“They can relax and you can see Cole is the same way. Cole was this way five years ago and he’s still the same.”
Asked whether he believed Palmer is the best player currently playing in England, Maresca said: “At this moment, he could be, but England are lucky because there are so many good players and Cole is one of them. There are so many good players in the Premier League.
“Absolutely he can be world class but as you said, he is only 22 and there are many things he can improve, including that at the moment, everyone is marking him man-to-man, but there are many things he can still improve.”
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.Source: Getty Images
NEWCASTLE
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe admits he is battling to lift the mood at his struggling club as they come to terms with reduced expectations.
The Magpies are languishing in 12th place in the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s clash with Leicester.
That is a far cry from the top four place they had targeted after competing in the Champions League last season.
When the Saudi takeover at St James’ Park was completed to much fanfare in 2021, Newcastle had hoped to establish themselves as one of the world’s top clubs.
But Premier League profit and sustainability rules have hampered the Saudis’ efforts to build on the fourth-place finish Newcastle achieved two season ago.
And with little sign of significant spending on new signings in January, Howe knows it could be harder to keep his players happy and attract fresh talent.
“Players are very astute human beings. I always say players feel everything at a football club,” he told reporters on Friday.
“They are the most perceptive people because they are on the front line. They are the ones delivering for us, so whatever is going on at a football match, they’re the ones absorbing it.
“Naturally, PSR has had an effect on the club and we haven’t been able to strive and reach as quickly as we wanted to initially. That has been halted somewhat in various ways.
“Of course they have felt that and been aware of that. The challenge for me is for that not to affect performances and mood and belonging to the club.”
Newcastle spent £400 million on new signings during the first four transfer windows under their new owners but have not made a major signing since.
Howe, who replaced Steve Bruce at Newcastle in 2021, finds himself under pressure after last weekend’s 4-2 defeat at Brentford, with his side having won just two of their last 11 league games.
“The best players we have, they’re like gold dust, and I’ve said that many times. They’re difficult to find, you’re not going to pick them up off the street,” Howe said.
“When you have them, you’ve got to cherish them and really care for them, and try to make the environment as strong as you can so they want to stay as part of that.”
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.Source: Getty Images
WEST HAM
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui and his players will visit Michail Antonio in hospital as the Jamaica forward recovers after his “miracle” escape from a car crash.
West Ham star Antonio was rushed to hospital after being cut out of his Ferrari following the accident in Epping last weekend.
The 34-year-old needed surgery on a lower limb fracture and is reported to be facing weeks in hospital recovering from multiple injuries.
Antonio was able to speak to his team-mates via a video call from his hospital bed before they beat relegation rivals Wolves 2-1 on Monday.
West Ham players wore ‘Antonio 9’ shirts while warming up at the London Stadium, with Jarrod Bowen holding up his team-mate’s shirt after scoring the crucial winner.
“We are going to visit him today or tomorrow,” Lopetegui told reporters on Friday ahead of Monday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth.
“But the main thing is we are very happy because he is recovering very well. We are very close to him and his family and we wish him the best for the next days.
“The best news about Michail Antonio was that he was able to talk with us before the Wolves match, because looking at the car crash, it was one miracle he was ok, so we are happy for him.
“Now for sure he is strong, he is recovering himself in the next months to be a man first and then a player.”
Mohamed Salah urged Liverpool to deliver a hammer blow to Manchester City’s fading title hopes after inspiring the Premier League leaders’ dramatic 3-2 win against Southampton on Sunday.
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Arne Slot’s side moved eight points clear of second-placed City thanks to Salah’s second half double at St Mary’s.
After taking the lead through Dominik Szoboszlai’s early strike, Liverpool were rocked by Adam Armstrong’s equaliser before Mateus Fernandes put bottom of the table Southampton ahead in the second half.
As he has so often done before, Salah came to Liverpool’s rescue with a typically predatory equaliser and a coolly converted penalty in the closing stages.
Liverpool’s 10th win in 12 league games ensured they capitalised on City’s dismal 4-0 defeat against Tottenham 24 hours earlier.
Chasing a first Premier League crown since 2020, the Reds have a golden opportunity to throttle City’s hopes of a fifth successive title when Pep Guardiola’s team visit Anfield on December 1.
City have lost five in a row in all competitions and Salah said: “Hopefully, we keep going in that direction. We have a game against them so hopefully, we win it and go 11 points clear.
“Man City is Man City. They have a bad time now but they have great players.” Salah now has 12 goals in all competitions this term, including six in his last five league games.
“They were very important, especially after being down 2-1. It’s the most important thing to have won the game,” he said.
“Each game is different. They had a game plan and played very well. We managed to come back and win the game.”
Pep: “We have got to fix something” | 01:14
– ‘Urgency and intensity’ –
Having Salah on form has been crucial to Slot’s dream beginning to life at Anfield.
Slot has made a remarkable start, winning 16 of his first 18 games in all competitions.
The former Feyenoord manager’s deft touch has established Liverpool as title favourites in his maiden season at Anfield after replacing Jurgen Klopp.
Slot conceded Liverpool lacked intensity in the first hour at St Mary’s, but he was pleased with the way his players responded to falling behind.
“In the second half I saw the intensity I was looking for in the first half. Southampton make it really difficult for many teams, including top clubs, and they made it difficult today, though we dominated the game completely in my opinion,” Slot said.
“There was not enough urgency to arrive in the box in the first half, we just kept the ball instead of attacking the box.
“Although we fell behind in the second half we showed more urgency and intensity. That led to numerous chances and eventually two goals.”
Ange reflects on Man City thumping | 01:01
With Salah’s contract due to expire at the end of this season and the forward yet to sign a new deal, Slot was quick to praise the contribution of his talisman.
“If you want to win you need to score goals and we know Mo can score,” he said. “For me his first goal is the most important as we scored out of nowhere, then after that it was just waiting for us to score another.”
Before City’s crucial trip to Anfield next weekend, Liverpool host Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday and Slot is relishing the blockbuster clashes.
“They are two teams who have dominated football the last few years. So two big games and that’s why we needed to win today and that is what I am happy about,” he said.
Spurs extend champions horror run | 02:07
– Man Utd held by Ipswich in Amorim’s first match in charge –
Ruben Amorim was given a stark illustration of the size of his task at Manchester United after his uninspiring team were held 1-1 by struggling Ipswich in his first match in charge on Sunday.
The Portuguese — the latest man tasked with restoring the club to the top of English football — spoke before kick-off about the need to be “patient”.
But he had barely settled in his seat at a blustery Portman Road before Marcus Rashford turned in Amad Diallo’s inviting cross, stunning the home crowd.
Ipswich, who started the day in the relegation zone, battled back, earning the equaliser they deserved through Omari Hutchinson just before half-time.
Neither side could find a winner in the second period despite chances at both ends, with the result leaving both managers unsatisfied.
The result leaves United 12th in the Premier League, six points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, while Ipswich are still in the drop zone.
Before kick-off two Manchester United fans held up a home-made sign saying: “Good luck Ruben Amorim, Make our team great again.”
The former Sporting Lisbon boss, who replaced the sacked Erik ten Hag, made three changes from the final line-up named by United’s interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy before the international break.
And he changed his formation to play three at the back as widely expected, with England forward Rashford operating as a lone central striker ahead of captain Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho.
United were ahead within two minutes when Diallo surged down the right, shrugging off the attentions of Leif Davis and Jens Cajuste to whip in a cross that Rashford touched home from close range.
Amorim, wearing a black coat and dark trousers, remained impassive in his seat as United’s players celebrated in the corner.
“I’d stay” – Pep on City ‘relegation’ | 01:04
Christian Eriksen flashed wide from just outside the box in the seventh minute after more incisive work from Diallo.
But Ipswich responded well, creating openings of their own and looking the more dangerous team as the half wore on.
The home side should have been level in the 40th minute but Andre Onana somehow kept out a close-range effort from Liam Delap with a strong right hand before Cajuste flashed over the bar.
Ipswich got the equaliser they deserved just before half-time when Hutchinson hit a stinging shot that skimmed off the head of Noussair Mazraoui and beyond the diving Onana.
The watching Ed Sheeran celebrated wildly in the stands among the 30,000-strong crowd.
Garnacho had a chance to put United back ahead in the opening moments of the second half but Arijanet Muric got down to his left to keep out the shot.
Onana saved well with his foot from a Delap flick from close range before Cajuste produced a perfectly timed challenge at the other end to cut out a Garnacho pass to Rashford after a swift break.
Amorim threw on Luke Shaw and Manuel Ugarte for Jonny Evans and Casemiro about 10 minutes after the restart but United continued to labour against a team with just one Premier League win all season.
Ange praises Pep as “one of the greats” | 00:57
He later introduced forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee to add fresh legs to his attack.
Fernandes hit a free-kick just wide of the post from a central area and Onana saved from Conor Chaplin at the other end but neither side found the quality to earn the win.
Amorim is United’s sixth permanent appointment since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 after leading to the team to a 20th English title.
At 39, he is the youngest United boss since Wilf McGuinness followed Matt Busby in 1969.
Arsenal crushed Nottingham Forest to end their winless run as skipper Martin Odegaard made a long-awaited injury return. Meanwhile, Chelsea survived a late Leicester scare to put more pressure on Manchester City.
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ARSENAL REIGNITE TITLE HOPES WITH BIG WIN
Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal team “flows in a different way” when Martin Odegaard is playing after the Gunners crushed Nottingham Forest 3-0 to end their winless run.
Stunning strikes from Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey and a first Premier League goal for teenager Ethan Nwaneri gave Arsenal a first victory in five league games, reigniting their title challenge.
Arsenal, Premier League runners-up for the past two seasons, started the campaign strongly but their form dipped and they kicked off on Saturday nine points behind leaders Liverpool.
Victory at the Emirates lifts them to 22 points, level with third-placed Chelsea.
Arsenal took the lead in the 15th minute when Saka exchanged passes with Odegaard on the edge of the area before lashing a left-footed shot into the roof of the net.
Captain Odegaard was making his first appearance at the Emirates since late August and showed what a huge miss he was for Arsenal during his two-month injury absence.
Time and again the Norwegian found space in the penalty area with his quick feet and he teed up Gabriel Jesus, who curled narrowly wide, before linking up with Saka again.
Partey doubled Arsenal’s lead early in the second half after collecting Saka’s pass 20 yards out and taking a touch, before curling his shot away from the dive of Matz Sels and inside the far post.
Seventeen-year-old Nwaneri tucked away Raheem Sterling’s cutback to wrap up an emphatic win in the 86th minute.
“I think we started really well,” Arteta told the BBC. “The sense I was getting in the last 48 hours after the international break, the boys coming together and were all at it.”
Speaking about Odegaard, who returned to action at Inter Milan earlier this month, he said: “It’s not a coincidence. The team flows in a different way when he is playing.” And he also had warm words for Nwaneri.
“He is the second-youngest (Premier League goalscorer) in our history,” Arteta said. “That’s a story in itself.
“He’s brave. You see the reaction of fans and they were singing ‘He’s one of our own’. I think we have to put brick by brick and make sure the cement doesn’t get dry. Hopefully we can build a beautiful thing with him.”
CHELSEA SNEAK PAST LEICESTER
Chelsea survived a late scare to beat Leicester 2-1 on Enzo Maresca’s return to the King Power Stadium, climbing just a point behind second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League.
The visitors looked comfortable after goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez, but they faced a nervy final few minutes after Jordan Ayew pulled a goal back from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time.
Chelsea’s win, which came after two draws, lifts them to 22 points — one behind City and three clear of fourth-placed Arsenal ahead of the later kick-offs on Saturday.
Maresca said he was proud of his team after so little preparation time following the international break.
“The only thing I asked the players before the game, I said, ‘Guys, we have the chance today to make a statement in terms of (who) we are’,” he told TNT Sports.
“Because when you play this kind of game, all the clubs that they are behind, like in this moment, I don’t know, Arsenal or Villa or Brighton or (Manchester) United, Tottenham, they are watching.
“They are waiting for us to drop points. And we show that we are there. And we’re going to compete until the end and then we’ll see where we arrive.”
It was Maresca’s first game at the King Power since he took Leicester back to the Premier League last season in his only campaign at the club.
Chelsea took control from the kick-off and Joao Felix, making his first Premier League start of the season, had two early efforts.
But the visitors got the goal they deserved when Jackson won his tussle with Leicester defender Wout Faes.
The ball fell to Fernandez, who found Jackson and the Senegal forward poked home with the outside of his right foot for his seventh league goal of the season.
Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen kept out Noni Madueke’s sharp effort and Madueke had a goal disallowed for a tight offside against Marc Cucurella just after the half-hour.
But as the first period wore on there was a momentum shift and Leicester suddenly started looking more dangerous.
Steve Cooper’s men broke at pace and Oliver Skipp found Kasey McAteer on the right. McAteer, making his full Premier League debut, cut inside but steered his shot just beyond the far post.
Wilfred Ndidi then screwed wide as half-time approached.
Chelsea looked certain to double their lead 10 minutes after the restart but somehow contrived to squander the chance, when Madueke got in the way of a Cole Palmer shot on the goalline in a comical episode.
England international Madueke did his best to try and jump out of the way of Palmer’s effort but it hit him and rolled out for a goalkick, with Palmer seeing the funny side.
But Chelsea did find the net in the 75th minute when Fernandez headed home after Hermansen kept out Jackson’s header.
Leicester substitute Stephy Mavididi appeared to have a strong case for a penalty after he tumbled in the box about 10 minutes later but no foul was given.
Fellow substitute Ayew did pull a goal back from the penalty spot in the 95th minute after Bobby De Cordova-Reid was brought down but it was too little, too late.
Leicester, the 2016 Premier League champions, remain just three points above the relegation zone.
OTHER RESULTS
Aston Villa are now winless in six games in all competition and had to twice come from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace.
Brighton’s incredible start under 31-year-old boss Fabian Hurzeler continued with a 2-1 win at Bournemouth to climb to fifth.
Wolves are out of the bottom three thanks to a stunning 4-1 win at Fulham, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice.
Everton failed to take advantage of an early red card for Brentford’s Christian Norgaard in a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park.
Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim takes charge of Manchester United for the first time in the pick of Monday’s action when the Red Devils visit Ipswich.
Ange Postecoglou said it is his responsibility to solve Tottenham’s inconsistency after slumping to a shock 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich on Sunday.
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Victory would have taken Spurs into the top four but instead they slipped to 10th after failing to recover from another slow start at home.
Ipswich celebrated their first Premier League win in 22 years thanks to first-half goals from Sammie Szmodics and Liam Delap.
Rodrigo Bentancur pulled a goal back in a second-half rally from Spurs, but it was too little, too late.
Tottenham have now fallen behind in 13 of their 15 Premier League games at home in 2024.
“It was hugely disappointing and, from my perspective, unacceptable, because we started the game nowhere near the levels we needed to be,” said Postecoglou.
“We gave ourselves a mountain to climb. In the second half, we had the ascendancy and enough opportunities to get the job done, but we didn’t do enough with it.”
Defeat continued a rollercoaster second season in charge for the former Australia manager.
Brighton comeback sinks Man City | 00:50
A run of one win from their opening four games was followed by five consecutive victories, including an impressive 3-0 win at Manchester United.
Postecoglou’s men have since scored impressive home wins over West Ham, Manchester City and Aston Villa, but have also lost their past three away games.
“It’s my responsibility, I’ve got to fix it,” added Postecoglou. “We’ve been inconsistent this year, fair to say, we shouldn’t be that inconsistent, and when you are, that responsibility lies with me to try to help the players overcome that.”
By contrast, it was an afternoon to remember for Ipswich as they finally got their first win back in the top flight at the 11th time of asking.
Victory lifts Kieran McKenna’s men, who had drawn five of their opening 10 matches, out of the relegation zone.
“So proud. It’s been a long time for the club, 22 years since the supporters saw a win in the Premier League,” said McKenna.
“The journey to get to here has been a big one. It feels a bit special today. “We believe we’ve been improving. We’ve picked up five out of 10 results but were waiting for the first win to validate the work and improvements. It’s a massive moment, one to cherish.”
Spurs won’t take Ipswich town lightly | 00:41
Van Nistelrooy thankful for ‘special’ period as Man Utd boss
Ruud van Nistelrooy said his four games as interim manager of Manchester United was a “short but amazing period” after ending his run unbeaten with a 3-0 victory over Leicester on Sunday.
The Dutchman, who remains a legend at Old Trafford for his goal return during a glorious playing career, also oversaw victories over Leicester in the League Cup and PAOK in the Europa League either side of a 1-1 Premier League draw with Chelsea last weekend.
Ruben Amorim will be in charge when the Red Devils next take the field away to Ipswich in two weeks’ time with Van Nistelrooy’s own future still unclear.
“We said ‘let’s make the most of these four games’, get the maximum out of it and I think we did an OK job,” said Van Nistelrooy.
“I really enjoyed it, it’s been a short but amazing period. We are in an uncertain position but we tried to do our jobs and help the club which is important.
“There are a lot of feelings there, the way the fans supported me and the team always in difficult moments it was a special moment. To close down this block of games with good results and a good connection I can’t thank them enough.”
Ishige scores A-League STUNNER | 00:50
Bruno Fernandes continued his scoring streak under Van Nistelrooy with a powerful effort for his fourth goal in as many games.
On his 250th appearance for the club, Fernandes also had a hand in the second goal as his header was deflected into his own net by Leicester defender Victor Kristiansen.
Alejandro Garnacho then came off the bench to rifle in a brilliant third goal as United shrugged off their problems in front of goal so far this season.
The Red Devils remain down in 13th in the Premier League table but are only four points adrift of the top four.
Van Nistelrooy returned to the club where he scored 150 goals in June as an assistant to Erik ten Hag.
A decision is yet to be made over whether he will have a role in Amorim’s coaching team but the 48-year-old is proud of the work he has done in recent weeks to stabilise the club in troubled times.
“We tried to stabilise after a difficult and emotional period. We wanted to get players performing at their best, we got the right feeling to them and got them believing in themselves,” he added.
“This spell was a big responsibility, I took it very seriously. I wanted to help and get United into a better place, that was my goal.
“With three wins and a draw it’s a standard where you want to grow to as a club.”
Melb City claim win derby classic | 01:03
Neto rescues Chelsea draw as Arsenal title bid suffers fresh blow
Pedro Neto dealt a fresh blow to spluttering Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge as the Chelsea winger’s superb strike rescued a 1-1 draw in the London derby on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s side had taken the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s second-half goal at Stamford Bridge.
But Neto’s equaliser 10 minutes later earned Chelsea a deserved point and left the Gunners without a win in their last four league games.
Neto’s first Premier League goal since his move from Wolves in August kept third-placed Chelsea above fourth-placed Arsenal on goal difference.
Both teams are nine points behind leaders Liverpool, but while Chelsea will be encouraged by their position after exceeding expectations in Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge, Arsenal head into the international break assailed by questions about their malaise.
Beaten 1-0 by Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday, hot on the heels of last weekend’s loss at Newcastle, Arsenal have won just three of their last nine league games.
Chasing a first title since 2004 after finishing second to Manchester City in each of the past two seasons, Arsenal lack the fluency that carried them so close to the trophy last term.
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The north Londoners’ only wins in their last seven matches in all competitions came against Shakhtar Donetsk in Europe and second-tier Preston in the League Cup.
Maresca has repeatedly claimed he does not believe Chelsea are ready to challenge for the title, but the Italian has laid impressive foundations since arriving at the underachieving club in the close season.
Although they were unable to secure a first home win against Chelsea for six years, Maresca’s young team appear to be heading in the right direction at last.
Cole Palmer, the jewel in Maresca’s crown, quickly forced David Raya into action with a 25-yard drive that the Arsenal keeper tipped over.
Astutely dropping deep to take possession in midfield, Palmer led several Chelsea counter-attacks that had Arteta fretting on the touchline as Malo Gusto’s shot was blocked and Noni Madueke’s header looped wide.
Gusto should have put Chelsea ahead midway through the first half when Neto teased Ben White with some nimble footwork before whipping in a pin-point cross that the defender somehow headed over from close range.
Coach attacks his own player | 00:17
– Frustrated Arteta –
Chelsea had imposed their will on Arsenal with a tenacious display featuring some bruising challenges.
But their propensity for overplaying from their own goal kicks nearly proved fatal when Levi Colwill’s sloppy pass led to Martinelli forcing a good stop from Robert Sanchez.
Martin Odegaard started his first Arsenal game since August 31 after returning from an ankle injury as a late substitute against Inter in midweek.
Odegaard seemed to have laid on Arsenal’s opener when his quick free-kick found Kai Havertz, who slotted past Sanchez in the 32nd minute.
But Havertz’s celebrations were curtailed by a VAR check that showed the former Chelsea striker was offside by the narrowest of margins.
Despite that narrow escape, Chelsea had enjoyed a strong spell and they went close to earning a tangible reward when Wesley Fofana volleyed just over from Madueke’s cross early in the second half.
Syd FC midfielder ready for Socceroos | 01:12
Arsenal kept plugging away and snatched the lead on the hour. Surrounded by defenders on the edge of the Chelsea area, Odegaard cleverly worked just enough space to clip a sublime pass to the unmarked Martinelli and the Brazilian’s close-range strike beat Sanchez too easily at his near post.
It was exactly the sort of magical moment that Arsenal had so sorely missed in Odegaard’s absence.
Suitably inspired by his captain, Jurrien Timber almost doubled Arsenal’s lead with a buccaneering run that end with a low drive that whistled just wide.
But Arsenal’s lead was short-lived as Maresca’s tactical switch paid dividends in the 70th minute.
Moving Neto from the left to the right flank allowed the Portugal winger to cut inside for a blistering low strike that arrowed into the bottom corner from 25 yards and left Arteta holding his head in frustration.
Manchester City suffered their first Premier League loss since December as Bournemouth stunned the champions, while Arsenal were rocked by Newcastle and Liverpool seized top spot.
City were unbeaten in their previous 32 league games, dating back to a defeat at Aston Villa last year.
But Pep Guardiola’s second-placed side saw that streak came to an unexpected end in a 2-1 loss on England’s south coast.
The Cherries had never beaten City in their 21 previous meetings, losing 19 of those matches, yet Andoni Iraola’s team sprang a huge upset to derail the champions’ push for a fifth successive title.
Manchester City’s Swiss defender #25 Manuel Akanji reacts after Bournemouth’s Brazilian striker #09 Evanilson (not pictured) scores the team’s second goal during the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on November 2, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /Source: AFP
Bournemouth recently damaged Arsenal’s title hopes with a 2-0 win at the Vitality Stadium and they inflicted pain on City as well.
Guardiola had claimed City faced an injury “emergency” after they suffered fitness problems in Wednesday’s League Cup defeat at Tottenham.
Exhausted or not, City were rocked in the ninth minute when Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo drilled Milos Kerkez’s cross past Ederson from inside the area.
Guardiola’s men were unable to muster a response to that blow and Evanilson doubled Bournemouth’s lead in the 64th minute with a composed finish from Kerkez’s cross.
Gvardiol’s header reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute, but it was too late to save City from a second defeat in four days.
“We have a lot of players with no minutes so the balance is a bit uncomfortable. Today we could not handle their intensity. That’s why we lost the game,” Guardiola said.
United appoint Amorim as new head coach | 01:16
“All the situations with the long balls, we couldn’t win it.
“And when you don’t win these types of balls to Semenyo and others, our central defenders and strikers have to defend deeper.
“We have players with rhythm and the other players have a lack of rhythm because we could not train due to injuries. But we knew it.”
Before the game, Guardiola urged his players to be inspired by tennis legend Rafael Nadal and push through the pain.
City were already missing Jack Grealish, Rodri and Oscar Bobb before Guardiola said in his pre-match interview that Rúben Dias and John Stones were also “ruled out for a little bit of long time.”
Captain Kyle Walker was one of several players who had not been expected to feature on Saturday but started, while Kevin De Bruyne was back on the bench after a lengthy injury layoff.
“Kyle in 16 days didn’t train one session with us, made an incredible effort,” Guardiola said.
“[But] it’s not just about that,” the City boss added. “[Bournemouth] were difficult to play in the first half; the second half we were much better.”
Newcastle put a huge dent in fourth-placed Arsenal’s title aspirations with a 1-0 win at St James’ Park.
Alexander Isak netted in the 12th minute, heading home Anthony Gordon’s pinpoint cross.
Injury-hit Arsenal struggled to get out of first gear and produced just one shot on target in the entire game.
Mikel Arteta’s team, runners-up to City for the past two years, have taken just one point from their last three games.
“Today we weren’t our best version. It’s about how you react to that. We’re not going to find the right words or answers to describe how we feel,” said Arteta, whose side are seven points adrift of first place.
At Anfield, Liverpool were in danger of a surprise loss of their own before regrouping to take advantage of their rivals’ stumbles with a 2-1 win over Brighton.
Ferdi Kadioglu gave Brighton the lead in the 14th minute with a fierce strike that cannoned in off the post after Danny Welbeck flicked on Kaoru Mitoma’s cross.
But Liverpool had beaten Brighton in the League Cup last 16 in midweek and they repeated the trick thanks to a late revival.
Cody Gakpo bagged the equaliser in the 69th minute with a cross that looped straight into the net.
Three minutes later, Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead, the Egypt forward curling a fine finish into the top corner for his ninth goal this season.
Liverpool’s Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring the team’s second goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on November 2, 2024. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /Source: AFP
In Arne Slot’s first season in charge, Liverpool are two points clear of City after their eighth win in 10 league games.
“More than the position we are in, if you face a team like this and are 1-0 down and can come back to a 2-1 win that gives me a lot of confidence,” Slot said.
Nottingham Forest are up to third place after beating 10-man West Ham 3-0 to make it three consecutive top-flight victories for the first time since 1999. It is their highest Premier League position for 26 years.
Chris Wood grabbed his eighth goal in 10 league games in the 27th minute and West Ham had Edson Alvarez sent off in first-half stoppage-time.
Callum Hudson-Odoi struck in the 65th minute and Ola Aina sealed the points 12 minutes from full-time at the City Ground.
Jordan Ayew’s stoppage-time equaliser denied third-bottom Ipswich their first top-flight win since 2002 as Leicester rescued a 1-1 draw at Portman Road.
Leif Davis’ 55th-minute volley put Ipswich ahead but the hosts had Kalvin Phillips sent off in the 77th minute.
Second-bottom Southampton earned their first league win this season as Adam Armstrong’s 85th minute strike sealed a 1-0 success against Everton.
United dropped to a lowly 14th in the table after suffering their fourth defeat in nine league games at West Ham on Sunday and have won only one of their last eight games in all competitions.
They are also 21st of 36 teams in the Europa League table, having drawn their three opening fixtures.
Ruben Amorim, who is currently in charge of Sporting Lisbon, is close to agreeing a deal to take over at Old Trafford, according to multiple reports in the UK press.
“Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager,” said a club statement.
“Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao (League) Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.
“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.”
United added Van Nistelrooy, who returned to the club as Ten Hag’s assistant in July, would now serve as interim manager while they went in search of a new full-time boss.
Manchester United Manager Erik ten Hag has been sacked. Picture: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Ten Hag’s position had been repeatedly called into question after United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe kept him on board after an internal review at the end of last season when the club finished eighth in the Premier League.
The 54-year-old was even rewarded with a one-year extension of his contract to June 2026 after a shock FA Cup final victory over rivals Manchester City in May.
Former Ajax boss Ten Hag, who joined United in May 2022, had fiercely defended his record in recent weeks after winning two trophies in his two full seasons in charge.
United ended a six-year wait for silverware by beating Newcastle in the 2023 League Cup final.
– FA Cup reprieve –
The Red Devils also reached the FA Cup final and finished third in the Premier League in an encouraging debut season for Ten Hag.
However, the wheels came off in his second season as injuries to key players, the lack of a meaningful impact from big money signings and Ten Hag’s failure to implement a clear style of play led to a number of embarrassing results.
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United crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage after defeats by Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen, while Bournemouth, Brighton and Fulham were among the other sides to win at Old Trafford in the 2023/2024 campaign.
The implementation of a new sporting structure at United, spearheaded by Ratcliffe, saw widespread change over recent months off the field with the appointment of a new chief executive, sporting director and technical director.
But Ten Hag’s surprise victory over Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City side at Wembley in the FA Cup final, saw him handed a stay of execution.
He was further backed in the transfer market with the signings of Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui taking the total spent in his reign to over £600 million (A$1.2bn), nearly half of which went on former Ajax players.
Yet, there was no improvement in United’s fortunes as Liverpool and Tottenham coasted to 3-0 wins at Old Trafford in September.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: A man gives a thumbs down sign next to a photograph of former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag outside Old Trafford stadium.Source: Getty Images
– ‘Unacceptable’ –
Former United captain Gary Neville said Ten Hag had paid the price for an “unacceptable” league position.
“The big shock for me is how bad they’ve been with the new signings that have come in,” Neville told Sky Sports.
He added: “The fact that they are 14th is unacceptable. You can’t be in 14th after nine or 10 games with the level of spend that’s occurred without being under significant pressure — and that’s what’s happened.”
Alan Shearer said ten Hag had been a “dead man walking” after it emerged Manchester United had sounded out other managers in pre-season about the possibility of taking over at Old Trafford.
“We were just waiting for it to happen,” said former England striker Shearer. “Even the way he was talking that ‘we’re all on the same page’.
“Well, they weren’t really on the same page because everyone knew they were talking to (other) managers in the summer.
“If they’re on the same page why on earth are they speaking to managers in the summer? As soon as that came out we all said he was a dead man walking, unfortunately.”
Rio Ferdinand compared ten Hag’s time as manager to a boxer getting “knocked down” and “never recovering”.
“They kept the man in charge, season kicks in, I actually thought we were starting to see some new signs in the first two or three games, and then we get beat by Liverpool and never recovered.
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“It was like a boxer getting hit and knocked down in the third round and never recovering and getting knocked out, knocked down, every single round on the way to the 12th round.
“And finally, we’re here. The fight’s been called off in the last round for the manager.”
Former England manager Gareth Southgate and ex-Barcelona coach Xavi are among the leading contenders to take charge at Old Trafford.
For all Ten Hag’s faults, he oversaw just a small period of United’s more general decline since legendary former manager Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
Since the Scot’s departure, five permanent managers have now been dismissed without United even challenging for the Premier League title — a trophy they won 13 times under Ferguson.
CANDIDATES TO REPLACE TEN HAG AT MAN UTD
Ruben Amorim (Sporting)
Amorim, who is currently in charge of Sporting Lisbon, is close to agreeing a deal to take over at Old Trafford, according to Sky Sports, The Sun, the Daily Mail and the Athletic among other media outlets.
Amorim, 39, is considered one of Europe’s leading young coaches. He was widely linked with the manager’s role at Liverpool following the departure of Jurgen Klopp this year, but Dutch coach Arne Slot headed to Anfield instead.
Amorim also held talks about replacing David Moyes at Premier League club West Ham, before later apologising for the timing.Amorim was just 36 when he led Sporting to a first league title in 19 years in 2021 and he won his second with the club last season.
Gareth Southgate (unattached)
Fresh from leading England to a second consecutive final of the Euros, Southgate is available after ending his eight-year reign in charge of the Three Lions in July.
The 54-year-old’s impact in turning his nation into a force again at major tournaments has reportedly gained him admirers among United’s new leadership group, including co-owner Jim Ratcliffe.
However, Southgate has not managed at club level since a spell at Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009.
Although widely acclaimed for changing the wider culture around the England team’s relationship with the media and supporters, Southgate’s tactical nous was often questioned during his time in international football.
But he has previously worked with some of the big names Ten Hag struggled to get the best out of at Old Trafford in Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford.
Gareth Southgate is available after ending his eight-year reign in charge of the Three Lions in July.Source: AFP
Thomas Frank (Brentford)
The Brentford boss was on the visitors’ bench for Ten Hag’s final home game that ended in a 2-1 United victory.
But with far more meagre resources, the Dane has the Bees sitting ninth in the Premier League table, two points above United.
Frank has been in charge of Brentford for six years, leading them to the Premier League for the first time in 2021 and establishing the London club in the top-flight despite often having to sell his star players.
Graham Potter (unattached)
Potter has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023. His struggle to cope with the demands of a top club during an ill-fated seven months at Stamford Bridge will count against the Englishman.
However, he was a rising star of the Premier League prior to that appointment for the attractive brand of football he instilled at Brighton.
Potter was previously linked with taking over at French club Nice, who are also owned by Ratcliffe’s INEOS sports group.
Xavi (unattached)
United officials reportedly held talks with the former Barcelona boss last week. The legendary former midfielder left the club where he made his name as a player at the end of last season following disagreements with the Barca hierarchy.
He defied the Catalan giants’ financial restrictions to win La Liga in 2022/23 and took them to the quarter-finals of last season’s Champions League.
Should he succeed Ten Hag it would set up an intriguing battle with his former mentor, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
Simone Inzaghi (Inter Milan)
Inzaghi has also been linked to the United job, with the 48-year-old Italian earning a reputation as a skillful tactician in his homeland after leading Inter to the Serie A title last season and the Champions League final in 2023.
According to reports in Italy, Inzaghi has been studying to improve his English in the expectation he will one day manage in the Premier League.
Mohamed Salah rescued Liverpool as the Egypt star’s late equaliser earned a pulsating 2-2 draw against title rivals Arsenal on Sunday.
Arne Slot’s side were on the brink of only their second defeat this season until Salah netted with nine minutes left at the Emirates Stadium.
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Liverpool had fallen behind to Bukayo Saka’s early opener and, although Virgil van Dijk equalised, Mikel Merino put Arsenal back in front before half-time.
Salah’s eighth goal in 13 games in all competitions this season was aided by Arsenal’s latest rash of injuries, with defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber both forced off in the second half.
Manchester City were the real winners on Sunday as the draw in north London ensured they finished the weekend on top of the Premier League.
Unbeaten City, who beat Southampton 1-0 on Saturday, are one point ahead of second-placed Liverpool, with third-placed Arsenal sitting five points adrift of top spot.
It was only the second time Liverpool had failed to win since Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp in the close-season, starting his Anfield reign with 12 victories from 13 games in all competitions.
Barcelona pump Real Madrid in El Clasico | 00:59
Even so, Liverpool will be happier with the point after showing impressive resolve to twice come from behind against a fellow title contender.
Arsenal were left to lick their wounds after the defensive injuries that left them fatally exposed.
They were already without Riccardo Calafiori, sidelined by an injury suffered against Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek, while William Saliba served a suspension following his dismissal in last weekend’s loss at Bournemouth.
Mikel Arteta’s side have now gone two league games without a win, leaving them with only three victories in their last seven top-flight matches in a major setback to their hopes of a first title since 2004.
– Saka’s perfect start –
Saka, back from two games out with injury, had given Arsenal the perfect start in the ninth minute.
Ben White’s sublime long pass sent Saka surging down the right flank before he deftly cut back into the Liverpool area, leaving Andrew Robertson trailing in his wake as he lashed a fierce close-range strike into the roof of the net.
Merino nearly gifted Liverpool an immediate equaliser when he carelessly let the ball run to Salah, who rifled his shot just wide from the edge of the area.
So often over the last two seasons, Arsenal have been dead ball masters thanks to their set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, but for once they were exposed as Liverpool drew level in the 18th minute.
Luis Diaz beat Kai Havertz to flick on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner and Van Dijk got in front of Thomas Partey as the Dutch defender stooped to head home from close-range.
But Arsenal’s prowess from set-pieces enabled them to regain the lead in the 43rd minute.
Declan Rice’s teasing free-kick arrowed into the Liverpool area and Merino was perfectly placed to thump his header past Caoimhin Kelleher from six yards.
A lengthy VAR check followed to confirm Merino was just onside as the Spain midfielder celebrated his first goal since his close-season arrival from Real Sociedad.
Arsenal keeper David Raya plunged to his right to keep out Alexis Mac Allister’s header on the final seconds of a thrilling first half.
Arteta’s already makeshift defence suffered another blow when Gabriel limped off with a knee injury after a challenge from Darwin Nunez early in the second half.
Without their first choice centre-back, Arsenal adopted a more cautious approach and Raya was booked for time-wasting with over 20 minutes to play.
But the Gunners lost Timber to an injury in the closing stages as their defensive issues reached crisis point and handed Liverpool a lifeline.
With just nine minutes left, Arsenal’s under-manned rearguard was ruthlessly exposed as Alexander-Arnold’s lofted pass sent Nunez clear of teenage substitute Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Nunez slipped in the unmarked Salah and he slotted home as Arsenal slumped to the turf in frustration.
Defending champs fight back to 1-1 draw | 01:11
VAR FURY AS MAN U PLUMMET TO NEW LOWS
Manchester United’s under-fire manager Erik ten Hag said he could only fault his side’s finishing after a damaging 2-1 defeat for the Dutchman at struggling West Ham on Sunday.
United slipped to 14th in the Premier League table after Jarrod Bowen’s controversial stoppage time penalty winner handed the Hammers all three points.
Crysencio Summerville put West Ham in front against the run of play 16 minutes from time before Casemiro equalised.
Ten Hag was furious at the award of the spot-kick after VAR intervened when Matthijs de Ligt clashed with Danny Ings inside the box.
United captain Bruno Fernandes had a red card rescinded after being sent-off in a 3-0 defeat by Tottenham last month and Ten Hag highlighted the inconsistency of when VAR decides to challenge the referee’s on-field decision.
“Before the season they explained the process of VAR – only when (it is) clear and obvious they should interfere,” said Ten Hag.
Victory stun City in Melbourne derby | 01:07
“What they didn’t do against Spurs, that was a wrong decision. Now they make a wrong decision interfering and both have big impact on the games. I don’t criticise the personnel, I criticise the process.” However, it was a familiar lack of wastefulness in front of goal that cost United a much-needed victory.
Diogo Dalot missed an open goal, while Alejandro Garnacho and Fernandes were also guilty of missing huge chances in a dominant first-half display.
“We created so many chances, played so good football, especially in the first half. How I want my team to play in and out of possession,” added Ten Hag.
“Six or seven 100 per cent chances we should have scored. That is a point of improvement. But overall I had not so many criticisms of my team, apart from not scoring.” United’s return of eight goals from their first nine games is their worst in the Premier League era.
Ten Hag’s men have won just three of those matches and drawn all three of their opening games in the Europa League to leave their manager clinging on to his job.
But he claimed to have seen positive signs in a 2-1 win over Brentford last weekend and a 1-1 draw at Fenerbahce prior to their visit to the London Stadium.
“At this moment the luck is definitely not on our side. Last season was not different and near the end we turned it around,” said Ten Hag.
“We are so determined it will be the same (this season). We have to turn this around and it will turn around if we keep playing like we are now.
“Brentford, Fenerbahce, today, we played really good football.”
Ten Hag doubled down on his feelings of being hard down by at the moment when speaking to the BBC’s Match of the Day.
The Dutchman is firmly pointing the finger at the referees for contributing to their lowly start to the season.
“Three times this season we feel injustice,” he said.
“We have to score, we created so many chances. We should’ve been two or three up. Second half we were forcing it but we allowed them into the game. When you are losing 1-0 you need big personality and character of the team and showed resilience to get back into it. Unfair and unjust the way we conceded the penalty.
“I spoke with them (the referees). But the decision is made. There’s no way back and that’s football. That’s a third time I have felt injustice in the season and it has a big impact on our team and on our scores and where we are in the table. It’s not right.”
The under-fire manager boss is feeling little sympathy from fans and the English press pack, however.
Many believe it is a matter of when, not if, he will be given his marching orders and the UK Telegraph columnist Jim White believes the loss to West Ham is the sort of game that could be Ten Hag’s curtain call.
“When the obituary of Erik ten Hag’s time in charge at Manchester United is written, this match might well serve as exhibit A,” White wrote.
“Quite how his team managed to lose here for the third time is indicative of his time in charge – if never quite in control – at Old Trafford. “For the first half United looked smart, together, organised. They passed quickly and imaginatively, Bruno Fernandes at his quick-witted best. And they carved out chances. Loads of them. The trouble was, they wasted the lot.
“Diogo Dalot was the most culpable, blasting over an empty net after dinking the ball over Lukasz Fabianski’s head. So bad was United’s finishing, it was only the manner of their misses that silenced the growing insurrection in the London Stadium stands: it is hard to be too revolutionary when you are smirking at others’ incompetence in front of goal.
“And woeful as West Ham had been for 45 minutes, there was time for Julen Lopetegui to make adjustments. He duly did. Tightening, sharpening, probably reading the riot act, he managed to make West Ham look competitive again. So, the inevitable happened.”
On the weekend Arsenal’s title challenge slipped up, the Premier League’s leading two sides consolidated their place atop the table.
Liverpool’s win over Chelsea continued Arne Slot’s fine start to life in England, while City were on the receiving end of a controversial refereeing decision that kept them within a point of the Merseysiders.
Read about all that and more in our wrap of the overnight Premier League action!
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‘HARSH’ STONES WINNER DRAWS ‘SUBCONSCIOUS’ BIAS QUESTIONS
“Harsh.”
That’s how Wolves coach Gary O’Neil described the decision to award John Stones’ 95th minute winner against his side.
The Manchester City defender’s header was initially ruled out after the fourth official deemed Bernardo Silva to be in an offside position, disallowing the goal.
However, a VAR review found Silva wasn’t in Wolves keeper Jose Sa’s line of vision and had no impact on him, despite footage showing the Portuguese midfielder backing into Sa as Phil Foden’s corner made its way toward the box.
At the last moment, Silva moved away from Sa, creating enough separation for VAR to judge he’d not fouled his countryman in the build-up to the winner.
While Silva was technically in an offside position, according to the FA’s rules website players cannot be offside from a corner, much in the same way they cannot be offside from a throw-in.
As outlined in The Athletic, this means that ‘as long as the referee decides (Silva’s) not in Sa’s line of sight nor fouls the keeper at any point, the goal should be given according to the laws.’
O’Neill drew comparisons between Stones’ winner and a goal disallowed against former Wolves defender Max Kilman last year, where Wolves player Tawanda Chirewa was deemed to be in an offside position and blocking West Ham keeper Lukasz Fabianski’s line of vision.
Wolves’ manager made his feelings known about the decision in his post-game press conference, stating:
“Is there something in the subconscious around decision making, or without even knowing it, are you more likely to give it to Manchester City than Wolves?”
“My senses are heightened when we’re facing Man City and it’s Pep and Haaland. Are the officials the same when it’s Haaland and Manchester City?” he added.
“Is there something in there that they, not on purpose, influences decision making?”
O’Neill’s post-game protest matters ultimately can’t change the result – a much-needed victory for Manchester City in the context of the Premier League weekend.
Fellow title challenges Arsenal slipped at Bournemouth, while Liverpool beat Chelsea, meaning anything other than a City win would’ve opened the title race up completely.
The result also marks the still-winless Wolves’ seventh loss of the season, leaving them anchored to the bottom of the Premier League table with just a single point.
On another day the hosts may have left this game with a point, or perhaps all three, after they opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The Norwegian striker’s goal marked the fourth time in their last seven league games that City have conceded first, with Rodri’s lack of controlling presence in central midfield seen as a major contributing factor to this.
Josko Gvardiol’s equaliser came after the half hour mark, when the Croatian central defender curled his shot beyond Sa from the edge of the area.
Until Stones’ winner, Wolves largely kept City at bay. Guardiola’s side failed to create a big chance throughout the game, despite taking 22 shots.
Post-game, Guardiola praised his side for being “patient and making runs and crosses,” in their bid to break Wolves down.
“We have a lot of chances, but we don’t have the tallest team to attack crosses.
“That’s why I have the opinion that it’s an excellent performance.”
Bernardo Silva separated himself from Jose Sa at the perfect time, allowing VAR to award John Stones’ winner against Wolves.Source: FOX SPORTS
STELLAR SALAH KEEPS SLOT’S DREAM START ROLLING
Arne Slot said Liverpool passed the hardest test of his time in charge as a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield moved the Reds back top of the Premier League on Sunday.
Mohamed Salah’s penalty and Curtis Jones’ winner made it 10 wins in 11 games since Slot succeeded Jurgen Klopp.
Nicolas Jackson briefly levelled for Chelsea, who enjoyed nearly 60 percent possession, but they slipped to a first league defeat since losing to Manchester City on the opening weekend of the season.
Victory takes Liverpool one point ahead of City and four clear of Arsenal, who they face at the Emirates next weekend.
“Many other games were hard but this might have been the hardest because of the amount of quality players they have and the structure they have,” said Slot. “We had to fight really hard to get this one over the line.”
Chelsea are now seven points off the top down in sixth, but there was plenty cause for optimism for the Blues from a performance that stretched Liverpool to their limits.
“We lost, we are not happy, but the performance with and without the ball was very good,” said Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
“I’ve been in this stadium many times and to see Liverpool in their (half) for a long time is not easy.” Liverpool’s only defeat under Slot came to Nottingham Forest following September’s international break.
– Jones makes his mark –
The Dutchman responded by this time leaving all of his South American internationals — Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez — on the bench after their exertions in recent days across the Atlantic.
The decision to hand Jones just his second league start of the season proved an inspired one as the England international won Liverpool’s penalty and scored the decisive goal.
Chelsea settled nicely into their rhythm and pushed the home side back by dominating the ball in the opening half hour.
However, Liverpool’s pace on the break was a constant threat and Chelsea were caught out when Salah fed Jones, who was chopped down by Levi Colwill.
Salah slammed home his 10th goal against his former club from the resulting penalty.
The Egyptian now has 162 Premier League goals, equal with former Spurs and England striker Jermain Defoe, to sit within the top 10 all-time scorers in the competition’s history.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ post-game coverage, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes the 32-year-old will “have an eye on Thierry Henry (175 PL goals) and Frank Lampard (177 goals) by the end of this season.”
Despite rumours Salah’s time at Anfield could draw to a close at season’s end, Carragher is of the opinion “stats like this are one of the biggest reasons why Mo Salah will sign a new contract at Liverpool.”
“I think these are things that really get the juices flowing for Mo Salah.”
Moments later, Cody Gakpo slotted in at the end of a lightning Liverpool counter-attack, but Salah had strayed offside before delivering the assist.
At the other end, Jackson smashed off the angle of post and bar in the first sign that Chelsea had some punch to their possession football.
Chelsea, though, had another escape just before half-time when referee John Brooks initially pointed to the spot once more when Jones went down under a challenge from Robert Sanchez.
VAR intervened, however, as the Spanish goalkeeper got a touch on the ball before making contact with Jones.
Within three minutes of the restart for the second half, the Blues were back level as VAR played another helping hand for the visitors.
Jackson latched onto Moises Caicedo’s through ball and coolly slotted past Caoimhin Kelleher for his fifth goal in eight Premier League games.
The Senegalese striker was ruled offside on the field, but was shown to be played on by Ibrahima Konate on replay.
Liverpool took just three minutes to restore their lead as Jones timed his run perfectly to control and flick in Salah’s cross.
Chelsea forced Slot’s men to defend their lead for the final 40 minutes but struggled to create clear-cut chances for the equaliser until seven minutes of stoppage time.
Renato Vega headed over Cole Palmer’s free-kick before Christopher Nkunku failed to get a telling touch to Pedro Neto’s teasing cross
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur have again fallen to their bitter rivals, while Newcastle has claimed a comeback victory over winless Wolves.
Spurs have lost back-to-back games and two of their first four in the new season, with Monday’s result coming after a 64th-minute Gabriel Magalhaes broke the deadlock.
Tottenham owned 63.8 per cent of possession but managed just one more shot on target than the Gunners, who recorded eight fewer total shots in North London.
Four games into the campaign, Spurs sit 13th on the table with one win, one draw and two losses from their opening slate, after finishing fifth last season.
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Ange’s Spurs fall again in London Derby | 01:17
As he pointed to before the start of the season, history suggests Postecoglou’s teams improve in his second year in charge.
The 59-year-old led Celtic to silverware in the Scottish Premiership in his second year at the helm, and when he was reminded of the statement he made in the pre-season, he didn’t shy away.
“Absolutely, and I think I’ll correct myself and say that I don’t usually win things, I always win things in my second year,” he said convincingly after the 0-1 loss.
“I don’t say things unless I believe it … Nothing has changed.”
After a follow-up question about repeating history with these Spurs, Postecoglou didn’t waver, saying: “Well, I sort of said it now. I don’t say things unless I believe them.”
Ange Postecoglou was defiant. (Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta labelled it an “ugly” win for his club, which has now won on their last three visits to Tottenham, losing just once, in May 2022, in their last eight meetings with their hated neighbours.
“Super happy obviously. We know what it means for our club and our people to win a north London derby,” Arteta said.
“We had moments in the game where we had to suffer. We had to adapt a little bit because of some of the players we lost.
“I prepared for Tottenham for five days, then in one moment I lost one player and in another I lost another. I didn’t sleep much!
“There were no excuses, no crying. The players have thick skin. They love the game. Sometimes to win you have to do the ugly things and they love to do that.
“I loved it, because day after day the players are hungrier and hungrier.”
Newcastle down Wolves to jump to third | 00:35
Arteta’s side were without skipper Odegaard due to an ankle injury suffered on Norway duty, while fellow midfielder Rice served a suspension for his red card against Brighton.
But the Premier League title contenders dug deep with a combative display, benefitting from Tottenham’s latest display of wasteful finishing before Magalhaes bagged the winner in the second half.
The Brazilian defender’s first goal since February made it three wins from four league games for unbeaten Arsenal as they chase a first title since 2004 after two successive runners-up finishes.
Gabriel celebrates scoring his side’s first goal. (Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
At Molineux Stadium, Wolves scored first through Mario Lemina but conceded two goals within a six-minute span to Newcastle in the last quarter of an hour to lose their third match in four to start the season.
Fabian Schar and Harvey Barnes did the damage for Newcastle, who moved above Liverpool into third on the table, having won three of its first four meetings.
The Magpies’ performances have been far from convincing so far this season. Yet, Eddie Howe’s men have still picked up 10 points from a possible 12.
Howe responded to another lacklustre opening 45 minutes with a triple half-time change with Alexander Isak among those to come off at the break.
Newcastle could have found themselves 2-0 down before the fightback started when Jorgen Strand Larsen smashed off the post.
Instead, fortune favoured the visitors when Schar’s speculative shot flicked off the head of Craig Dawson and flew beyond Sam Johnstone.
Barnes needed no such luck as he arrowed a rocket into the top corner 10 minutes from time to snatch all three points.
Newcastle still required a brilliant save from Nick Pope to deny Matheus Cunha in stoppage time and leave Wolves in the bottom three.
However, they survived to move level with second-placed Arsenal, just two points behind Manchester City.
