Football

Manchester United, under the interim leadership of Ruud van Nistelrooy, will face off against Chelsea in a highly anticipated Premier League clash on Sunday (IST) at Old Trafford. The Red Devils enter the match reeling from a disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Ham, which led to the sacking of manager Erik ten Hag.Chelsea, on the other hand, come into the game on a high after securing a 2-1 victory over Newcastle. The Blues currently occupy sixth place in the league standings, while Manchester United languish in 13th.Key Players to Watch:* Manchester United: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford* Chelsea: Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, Mason MountMatch Preview:Manchester United will be eager to bounce back from their recent setback and prove that they can compete with the league's top teams. Van Nistelrooy will be tasked with instilling a sense of urgency and discipline into the squad.Chelsea, meanwhile, will be looking to continue their winning ways and consolidate their position in the top six. Manager Graham Potter will be hoping for a strong performance from his attacking trio of Sterling, Havertz, and Mount.Match Details:* Date: Sunday, November 3* Time: 10 PM IST* Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester* Live Telecast: Star Sports Network* Live Streaming: Disney+ HotstarPrediction:Chelsea are slight favorites to win this match given their recent form and superior squad depth. However, Manchester United have a history of performing well against their rivals and will be determined to make a statement under their new interim manager. A close and competitive match is expected, with Chelsea likely to edge out a narrow victory.

Erik ten Hag, the former Manchester United manager, has expressed his gratitude to the club's fans and staff following his departure. Ten Hag was sacked on Friday after a disappointing start to the season, with Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim appointed as his permanent successor.During his two-year tenure at Old Trafford, Ten Hag guided United to victory in the League Cup final and a third-place finish in the Premier League in 2023. He also led the team to FA Cup glory against Manchester City in his second season. However, United's eighth-place finish in the league last season and a poor start to the current campaign ultimately cost Ten Hag his job.In a statement released by his representatives, Ten Hag thanked the fans for their unwavering support. "Thank you for always being there for the club," he said. "Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable."Ten Hag also praised the atmosphere at Old Trafford, which he described as "electrifying." "I felt it many times," he said. "Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents' stadiums."The Dutchman also expressed his gratitude to the club's staff for their support. "I would like to thank all the staff at the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad," he said.Ten Hag admitted that he had hoped to bring more trophies to United. "Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet," he said. "Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end."Despite his departure, Ten Hag wished United fans nothing but success in the future. "I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies, and glory," he said. "Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Thank you for this chapter in my life."

Manchester United's managerial search has reportedly zeroed in on Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim, despite the Portuguese coach's cautious stance. With United's interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy set to lead the team against Leicester in the League Cup, Amorim remains the frontrunner to take over permanently.Amorim's impressive track record at Sporting, where he has won two Portuguese titles, has caught United's attention. The 39-year-old's tactical acumen and ability to develop young players have made him a highly sought-after manager.However, Amorim has remained tight-lipped about his future, stating that "nothing is decided yet" regarding a move to Old Trafford. Sporting has confirmed that United is willing to meet Amorim's €10 million release clause, but the club has declined to comment further.Despite his youth, Amorim's age is not seen as a concern by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who believes that "knowledge is knowledge" and that "if you are good, age doesn't matter."United's squad, largely assembled by Erik ten Hag, faces challenges with several expensive signings failing to deliver. Antony, the Brazilian forward acquired for nearly £90 million, has struggled to justify his price tag.Ten Hag's departure has left United with a rebuilding task, and Amorim's appointment would signal a shift towards a more progressive and attacking style of play. The Portuguese coach has a reputation for developing young talent and implementing a high-pressing, possession-based system.If appointed, Amorim would inherit a squad with a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters. The club's co-owner, Jim Ratcliffe, has expressed a desire for United to challenge for trophies, and Amorim's track record suggests he could be the man to deliver.

Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager. The Portuguese coach, 39, is reportedly in talks with United after ten Hag's dismissal on Monday following a dismal start to the season.Amorim, considered one of Europe's top young coaches, has been linked with the Liverpool manager's role in the past. He was also linked with United after Jurgen Klopp's departure this year, but Arne Slot was appointed instead.United's decision to sack ten Hag came after a 2-1 defeat to West Ham left them 14th in the Premier League. Despite heavy spending in the summer transfer market, United have won only one of their last eight games in all competitions.Amorim's potential appointment would mark a significant shift in United's managerial strategy. The club has traditionally favored experienced managers, but Amorim's youth and attacking philosophy could signal a new era.However, Brentford's Thomas Frank and Fulham's Marco Silva are also reportedly being considered. Frank has impressed with Brentford's performances in the Premier League, while Silva has guided Fulham to promotion and a strong start to this season.United's search for a new manager comes amid a wider restructuring of the club's football operations. Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has promised to rejuvenate the club, which has not won the Premier League title since 2013.Ten Hag's departure marks the end of a turbulent two-year reign. He won the League Cup and reached the FA Cup final in his first season, but his second season has been marred by poor results and a lack of clear playing style.Injuries to key players and the failure to integrate expensive signings have contributed to United's struggles. The club's new sporting structure, led by Ratcliffe, has also faced criticism for its lack of clarity and direction.Amorim's potential appointment would be a bold move by United. The Portuguese coach has a proven track record of success, but he has also shown a willingness to take risks. If he is appointed, he will face the challenge of rebuilding a United team that has lost its way in recent years.

Manchester United's struggles under Erik ten Hag have drawn attention from former manager Jose Mourinho, who believes the club has the potential to succeed despite their recent setbacks. Mourinho, now in charge of Fenerbahce, will face his former club in the Europa League on Thursday.Mourinho expressed confidence in United's long-term prospects, stating, "They have a better team than the results are showing." He attributed their struggles to a lack of patience from the club's hierarchy during his tenure. "They kept faith with the coach, they support the coach, who is staying season after season," he said of Ten Hag's situation.Mourinho also highlighted the high quality of the Premier League, which he believes sets it apart from other European leagues. "The Premier League is a different level of quality, intensity, pace, tactical culture -- a different level of everything," he said.Despite United's recent struggles, Mourinho believes they remain one of the favorites to win the Europa League. "If I have to say now which are the two biggest candidates to win the Europa League, I think it's easy -- Manchester United and Tottenham," he said.Mourinho's comments come as United prepare to face Fenerbahce in Istanbul. The Portuguese manager expects United to field a strong team despite their recent setbacks. "One thing are the results that Manchester United are having and another thing is the potential of the team," he said. "The potential of the team is high."

Manchester United's dismal run continued on Sunday as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Aston Villa at Villa Park. The result extended United's winless streak to five games and piled further pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.Despite dominating possession, United failed to create clear-cut chances throughout the match. Bruno Fernandes came closest to breaking the deadlock with a free-kick that rattled the crossbar in the second half. However, the Red Devils have now failed to score in their last three Premier League outings.Ten Hag made several changes to his starting lineup, dropping Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt in favor of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans. The Dutchman also replaced Marcus Rashford at halftime, a decision that raised eyebrows given Rashford's impressive performance in the first half.Villa, who had stunned Bayern Munich in midweek, were also unable to find their rhythm. They had a few half-chances but lacked the cutting edge to trouble United's defense.The draw leaves United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table, having won just two of their opening seven games. Villa, meanwhile, missed the opportunity to move into the top four and remain in fifth place.Ten Hag's position is now under intense scrutiny. The club's hierarchy must decide whether to give him more time or make a change during the upcoming international break.

Manchester United's co-owner, Jim Ratcliffe, has cast doubt over Erik ten Hag's future at the club, admitting that the team is not performing as expected under the Dutch manager. Despite having a chance to dismiss rumors of Ten Hag's potential dismissal, Ratcliffe's comments have raised concerns about the manager's job security.United's dismal start to the season, with only two wins in six Premier League matches, has put Ten Hag under immense pressure. The team's 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham and their failure to hold onto a two-goal lead in their 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League have further intensified the scrutiny on the manager.Ratcliffe, who took charge of United's football operations in February, refused to guarantee Ten Hag's future, stating that the decision would be made by the club's management team, including sporting director Dan Ashworth and chief executive Omar Berrada. He emphasized that the team has only been together for a short period and needs time to make sensible decisions."Our objective is very clear, we want to take Manchester United back to where it should be, and it's not there yet, obviously," Ratcliffe said.Ten Hag's tenure at United has been turbulent, with the team finishing eighth in the Premier League last season. Despite leading United to an FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May, the club's poor start to this season has raised questions about his ability to turn things around.Ratcliffe's comments have added to the uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag's future. The manager will be hoping to turn things around in United's upcoming Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday. However, the pressure on him is mounting, and the club's hierarchy will be closely monitoring the team's performance in the coming weeks.

Erik ten Hag's Manchester United endured a rollercoaster ride in their Europa League clash with Porto, salvaging a 3-3 draw thanks to a late Harry Maguire equalizer. The result came amidst mounting pressure on Ten Hag, whose team has struggled in the Premier League this season.Ten Hag's plea for patience until the end of the season highlights the challenges he faces. Despite winning the League Cup and FA Cup in his first two seasons, United's poor start to the current campaign has raised concerns. The Red Devils languish in 13th place in the Premier League and have drawn their opening two Europa League games.The match in Porto started brightly for United, with Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund giving them a 2-0 lead within 20 minutes. However, Porto fought back with goals from Pepe and Samu Omorodion before halftime. Omorodion put the home side ahead early in the second half, and United's woes were compounded by Bruno Fernandes' red card.Maguire's header from a corner rescued a point for Ten Hag, but the performance raised questions about United's defensive solidity. The English giants have failed to win any of their last four away European games despite scoring three times in each of them.Ten Hag acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "We will get there, don't judge us in this moment. Judge us in the end of the season. We will improve, we have two seasons where we achieved finals. Just wait, we will develop and progress this team."Maguire, who has lost his starting spot to Matthijs de Ligt, defended his manager, saying, "When you go on a bad spell players come under pressure and also the manager does. He's experienced enough and been at this club long enough so I'm sure he knows how to deal with it."The upcoming international break could provide a crucial opportunity for Ten Hag to reassess his team's performance and prepare for the challenges ahead. United's next match is against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.

Manchester United's struggles continued as they were held to a 3-3 draw by Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, October 3, 2024. Despite taking an early 2-0 lead, Erik ten Hag's team conceded three goals and saw Bruno Fernandes sent off for the second consecutive game.United started brightly, with Christian Eriksen setting up Marcus Rashford for the opening goal in the seventh minute. Eriksen was also involved in the second goal, finding Rashford who assisted Rasmus Højlund for a powerful strike.However, Porto responded with two goals in quick succession from Pepê and Samu to level the score before halftime. After the break, Samu scored again to give Porto the lead, but United fought back with a late equalizer from substitute Harry Maguire in the first minute of injury time.Fernandes' red card in the 81st minute for a high boot on Nehuen Perez compounded United's misery. The Portuguese midfielder had also been sent off in a 3-0 loss to Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.Ten Hag expressed frustration with his team's performance, saying, "We started the game very good, we dominated, we scored two good goals but then we lost control. The middle part was no good and then we finished very good. ... We got the equalizer so it is good for the spirit."The draw leaves United with two draws in the Europa League group stage and without a win in their last four games in all competitions. They will face Omonia Nicosia in their next Europa League match on October 13.