ERIK TEN HAG has been slammed by a Manchester United legend for not improving the club’s performances.

The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday night.

3

3

Advertisement

It leaves United winless from their opening three matches and 21st in the league phase standings.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag’s side are also in the bottom half of the Premier League eight games into his third season as manager.

Following their draw in Turkey, Paul Scholes was asked if he has seen any improvement in style or performances so far this term.

The 11-time Premier League winner told TNT Sports: “No, not yet.

“I think they have played in spells where they’ve looked okay. They have missed a lot of chances as well.

“But I think league position tells you everything. And I’m talking about both leagues, 11th in the Premier League, 21st in the Europa League.

“There’s been no improvement. I think that’s the biggest disappointment with two and a little bit years in, a lot of money has been spent and we’re not seeing improvement.

“You’d like to think by now they’re up there challenging them. The top three teams I know Liverpool, City and Arsenal are ahead of most other teams.

FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS

“You’d like to see them getting even a little bit closer to that, but it doesn’t feel like it.

“I do actually think on Saturday they got closer to having the best team out, which has been a while.

“I think Luke Shaw still needs to come into that. They’ve got the young lad Leny Yoro who will probably come into that.

“Mainoo back into midfield and I thought there were signs, second half especially, that they scored two really good goals which excited you. So look fingers crossed they can go on and improve.”

United were pegged back during the second half in Istanbul after Christian Eriksen’s early opener.

They also had Andre Onana to thank after a pair of stunning saves to deny the hosts.

Sitting in 21st, United are only in the play-off places on goal difference and could drop out of the Europa League altogether.

They are next in European action at home to PAOK on November 7.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag takes his side to London to face West Ham this Sunday, with the club 12th after three defeats already this term.

3

Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker

MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.

Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.

Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.

But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.

Advertisement

SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…

Andre Onana – 7

Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.

His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.

Advertisement

Diogo Dalot – 5

Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.

Matthijs de Ligt – 6

Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.

Advertisement

Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.

Victor Lindelof – 4

Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.

Hauled off in the 54th minute.

Advertisement

Lisandro Martinez – 5

Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.

Christian Eriksen – 7

Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.

Advertisement

Manuel Ugarte – 6

Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.

Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.

Noussair Mazraoui – 6

Advertisement

Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.

Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.

Marcus Rashford – 5

Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.

Advertisement

Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.

Alejandro Garnacho – 6

Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.

Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.

Advertisement

Joshua Zirkzee – 5

A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.

Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute.

Francis Ngannou almost didn’t come back to fighting.

This past weekend, Ngannou made his long-awaited return to MMA, fighting Renan Ferreira in the main event of PFL Superfights: Battle of the Giants. But Ngannou’s return was far from a certainty. Earlier this year “The Predator” suffered a terrible tragedy when his 15-month-old son Kobe died due to a medical issue, and speaking with TMZ Sports, the lineal heavyweight champion admits after it happened, he wasn’t sure if he’d ever fight again.

“Yes, there was a point that I didn’t know anything,” Ngannou said when asked if he thought he might never fight again after his son’s passing. “Everything seemed so fragile. You didn’t know if maybe if it would not happen to you to, if it’s not some sort of genetic pandemic, genetic disease, I don’t know, a curse. If it was just bad luck that was going to keep happening. A lot of stuff happens in your head that you don’t usually think about, or you never think about.”

Ultimately, Ngannou did decide to fight on and returned in good form, finishing Ferreira with strikes in the first round. But though he made the performance look easy, Ngannou says the preparation was anything but.

“By far. It was by far the toughest [training camp of my life],” Ngannou said. “When I thought about retiring, it wasn’t an option, because retiring … was to put the responsibility on my son again, which is not his responsibility. Then I said maybe I should wait for a little while before going back to fighting but I didn’t know when exactly. I didn’t know when there would be a time that it’s going to go away, it’s going to be OK. It’s just one of those things you just realize at the beginning you better learn how to roll with it because it will always be there. …

“It was a way for me not only to have something to focus on but maybe do something to honor him, seeing as I didn’t have a chance to fight for him.”

The win was Ngannou’s first fight in the PFL, after taking the previous year and a half to pursue his interests in boxing. But given everything that’s happened to him this year, Ngannou doesn’t have any concrete plans about what comes next, be it boxing or MMA.

“I haven’t really thought about what’s next,” Ngannou said. “I have no idea. Not only will I take some time to rest, because I had a feeling that I took this fight too early. There were too many emotions, I was in a different space. …

“I’ll take some time, see what’s out there, what is offering itself. Then I will consider something if there is something good.”

Promotion. Dana White revealed he almost cut Francis Ngannou from the UFC in 2018.

Stand and deliver. Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway got into a heated exchange about the “stand and point” maneuver ahead of UFC 308.

Beef. Dana White had harsh words for PFL CEO Donn Davis as they continue to spar.

Champ. Belal Muhammad laughs off Ilia Topuria saying he wants to become a three-division champion.

Rules. New York State Athletic Commission set to adopt new MMA rules ahead of UFC 309.

PowerSlap. Paige VanZant penalized for illegal strike in her second PowerSlap outing.

Between the Links.

UFC 308 press conference.

UFC 308 Open Workout highlights.

Dana White scrum.

UFC 308 Embedded, episode 4.

Jake Paul.

Jon Fitch.

Merab Dvalishvili really trying to book a fight no one wants.

Good decision.

Adrian Yanez.

People will underrate it because of a lack of interest in the PFL, and the lack of respect for Renan Ferreira, but Ngannou coming back like he did under these circumstances was incredibly, incredibly impressive.

Now, just one more sleep to the big event this weekend.

If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @AlexanderKlee or @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let us know about it. Also, follow MMAFighting on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and like us on Facebook.

Moore’s contract announcement was met with relief and excitement by supporters.

The England Under-19 international had just two first-team appearances to his name at that point but the buzz around Moore has been bubbling for a number of years, despite his age.

Moore was a standout performer during Spurs’ pre-season tour, scoring twice and featuring in all six matches.

With so much anticipation for the youngster’s development, some supporters feared losing Moore before he had even started a match for the first team.

Moore is now pushing to become a first-team regular.

“He’s ready to start any game, I just feel, especially with younger players, you’ve just got to be really careful about their introduction into senior football,” said Postecoglou.

“He’s still physically growing, you have to take that into account so I think he’s ready to play, start a Premier League game for sure but for me it’s about making sure, for us, that we develop Mikey in the right way.”

Postecoglou added that Tottenham captain Son-Heung-min was unlikely to play in Sunday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace.

“Sonny’s still not right, he’s still not feeling 100%,” the Australian said.

“He won’t train today, so he’s unlikely for this weekend and we’ll see after that.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot says forward Diogo Jota will miss their Premier League game at Arsenal on Sunday.

Jota was substituted in the victory against Chelsea last Sunday after suffering a chest injury when Blues defender Tosin Adarabioyo fell on top of him during a challenge.

The Portugal international missed Liverpool’s Champions League win at RB Leipzig on Wednesday and will be absent for the trip to the face the Gunners on Sunday (16:30 GMT), along with winger Federico Chiesa. Right-back Conor Bradley could also miss out.

“They feel good but not when it comes to playing for us during the weekend,” said Slot.

“Federico might train with us today or tomorrow, Diogo definitely not and let’s see if Conor Bradley can be with us tomorrow.”

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains out with a hamstring injury suffered in a win at Crystal Palace on 5 October and is expected to be sidelined until at least the next international break during mid-November.

“He’s progressing well like we expect but it’s not a short-term recovery, so always difficult to judge him,” added Slot.

“I think the best way to judge an injury is in the end of an injury, the end phase of his rehab, and he’s not there yet.”

Liverpool are top of the table going into the game at Arsenal and have a four-point lead over the third-placed Gunners, who Slot said had been “far ahead” of the Reds for the past two seasons.

“Nobody knows at this early stage who will be your biggest competitor but we all know that Arsenal will be one of them, so dropping or winning points against them is always important,” said the Dutchman.

“It’s difficult to win an away game at Arsenal or Manchester City, or all the other ones, but it’s something we are trying on Sunday, definitely.”

Aprilia Racing has revealed new technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini will make his first appearance with the team at the penultimate round of the 2024 MotoGP season in Malaysia.

The Italian manufacturer confirmed Sterlacchini’s appointment earlier this month following the news that its current technical chief Romano Albesiano will exit in favour of a move to Honda next season.

Though Albesiano will remain with Aprilia to see out the 2024 MotoGP before departing for pastures new, Aprilia told Motorsport.com that he has agreed to step aside from his role to allow Sterlacchini to get up to speed in Sepang and then the Valencia finale.

“Fabiano will be with us in Malaysia in an observer role, to take notes and start working for the future, [Albesiano] will remain in the Aprilia garage until Sunday in Valencia,” a spokesperson exclusively told Motorsport.com.

The confirmation comes following a decision for Albesiano to not join Aprilia in making the trip to Buriram for this weekend’s Thailand Grand Prix. Despite his absence, Aprilia Racing rider Maverick Vinales says it is business as usual all the same.

“The truth is that I haven’t noticed anything strange,” he responded when asked about Albesiano’s absence. “We are always looking for every last screw to make the bike work at 120 per cent. 

Maverick Vinales, Aprilia Racing, Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

“Albesiano continues working as always. I don’t know when Sterlacchini will come, I can only say that since it was announced in Japan that he will leave next year, Romano’s commitment has remained intact. He hasn’t gone any further with the bike, but everything is normal.” 

Sterlacchini’s arrival for Sepang gives him the opportunity to set the groundwork for a fresh era at the factory Aprilia team next season when it welcomes an all-new line-up comprising current MotoGP championship leader Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, both of whom join from the Ducati stable.

Vinales will switch to the Tech3 KTM squad, with current team-mate Aleix Espargaro due to join Honda as a test rider following his retirement from racing.

Sterlacchini moves to Aprilia after a short stint with KTM, having joined the Austrian marque in June 2021 to lead its engineering department.

In July this year, the Austrian marque announced it had been unable to reach an agreement to renew Sterlacchini’s contract and he will leave the brand this year.

Prior to KTM, he spent 17 years at Ducati, rising to the role of MotoGP technical director.

Ten years ago, Nathan Flear’s life looked very different from the one he leads today. With two young children and another on the way, Nathan knew something had to change. At the time, he was smoking, drinking, and living on junk food, having spent much of his early adulthood living abroad and embracing a party lifestyle. But deep down, Nathan knew that if he wanted to be the father and role model his children deserved, he needed to turn his life around.

Fast forward to today, and Nathan is an elite international athlete, a sought-after running coach, and the founder of a global fitness company, all while travelling the world with his wife Tori and their three children—Skye, Summer, and Jackson. From the UK to Kenya, Mexico to India, the Flear family embraces a life of adventure, blending their passion for running, health, and education with homeschooling their kids.

But Nathan’s story isn’t just about personal transformation—it’s about helping others achieve their own greatness.

From Overweight and Unfit to Representing Great Britain

After starting his own fitness journey by completing an ultra marathon, Nathan quickly rose through the ranks of the running world. Within just two years, he had shed 40kg and transformed from an overweight non-runner to an elite athlete, running in the legendary Spartathlon, a grueling 153-mile race through Greece and going on to represent Wales and Great Britain at the 100km and 24 hour distances.

For Nathan, representing his country was a proud moment, made even more special by having his family there to witness it. “It was everything I imagined it would be,” Nathan recalls. “My wife and children saw me reach the pinnacle of my sport, and I hope it inspired them, because as parents, I believe our job is to teach and inspire our kids for their own greatness.”

Coaching Athletes Across the Globe

Nathan’s passion for running soon translated into a coaching career that has seen him help athletes of all abilities—from beginners to world-class competitors—achieve their dreams. His individualised approach focuses on both the physical and mental aspects of training, ensuring that his athletes not only perform at their best but also enjoy the journey.

“My coaching is very individualised. Some athletes need a push, while others need more of an arm around the shoulder,” Nathan explains. “The key is consistency—keeping athletes injury-free and making sure they enjoy the process.”

Nathan has coached athletes to incredible feats, including British 24-hour record holder Matt Field and finishers of some of the world’s toughest races, such as Badwater, the Marathon des Sables, and Spartathlon. He works with athletes from all over the world, including the UK, Kenya, Japan, and Bulgaria, tailoring training programmes to each individual’s needs and goals.

Nathan’s travels have played a huge role in shaping his coaching philosophy. He has spent winters in Iten, Kenya—home to some of the world’s fastest marathoners—training and learning from legendary coaches like Brother Colm O’Connell. He has also lived with the Tarahumara running tribes in Mexico’s Copper Canyons, studied desert running in North Africa, and explored Eastern health practices in India. All these experiences have given him a unique perspective that he brings to every athlete he coaches.

Speaking to Motivate and Inspire

In addition to his work as a coach, Nathan is a sought-after speaker, frequently invited to speak at corporate events where he motivates employees and promotes wellness. His talks focus on building resilience, the importance of physical and mental wellbeing, and how employees can use movement to reduce stress and boost productivity.

“Workplace wellbeing is more important than ever,” Nathan says. “Many people are struggling physically and mentally, and movement is key to solving some of these issues. Companies are realising that a happier, healthier workforce leads to better performance.”

Nathan has worked with some of the UK’s largest companies, delivering talks that inspire employees to embrace healthier lifestyles and push beyond their perceived limits. Drawing from his personal journey and his coaching experience with world-class athletes, Nathan’s talks are a blend of real-world stories, actionable strategies, and inspiring lessons on overcoming challenges.

Building a Global Fitness Company with a Purpose

In addition to coaching and speaking, Nathan and his wife Tori launched Run End to End, a virtual fitness platform born during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Initially intended to help 200 runners stay active during the pandemic, the company quickly grew beyond their expectations. Today, over 200,000 people from around the world have participated in their virtual challenges, which allow individuals to track their progress on interactive maps while completing long-distance runs and walks.

The company has also expanded into the corporate wellness space, partnering with some of the UK’s largest companies to offer fitness challenges and wellness programmes for employees. “Corporate wellbeing is vital,” Nathan explains. “Movement has the power to transform lives, and when employees are healthier and happier, the business benefits too.”

From ‘Puddings to Podiums’: Inspiring Through Writing

Nathan’s journey from unhealthy habits to elite athlete was chronicled in his memoir, Puddings to Podiums, which quickly became an Amazon bestseller. The book details his transformation and shares valuable lessons on perseverance, discipline, and the power of mindset.

“I was apprehensive about sharing my story at first, but my wife pushed me to do it,” Nathan admits. “The response has been great, and I’m glad I did it. My key message is simple: If I can do it, anyone can.”

What’s Next for Nathan Flear?

For Nathan, the future is all about continuing to inspire others. Whether through his coaching, speaking engagements, or the continued growth of Run End to End, his mission remains the same: helping people realise that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

“I just want to keep getting as many people active as possible,” Nathan says. “Running changed my life, and I know it can help so many others too.”

Nathan is available for speaking engagements and coaching, helping individuals and organisations unlock their full potential. You can reach out to him through his website www.nathanflear.co.uk 

His memoir Puddings to Podiums is available on Amazon, and his wellbeing and fitness challenges can be found at www.endtoend.run.