Former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson believes ex-manager David Moyes dug a hole for himself by replacing Alex Ferguson s experienced backroom staff upon his arrival at Old Trafford in 2013.

As Sunderland boss Moyes prepares to return to Old Trafford for the first time since his sacking in April 2014, Robson questioned the Scotsman s decision to part with coaches Mike Phelan, Rene Meulensteen and Eric Steele just months after United won the Premier League title under Ferguson.

Moyes ultimately lasted less than a year into a six-year deal before he was replaced by Louis van Gaal and Robson feels the 53-year-old made life difficult for himself in Manchester ahead of the Boxing Day reunion.

David was walking into the biggest job in the world and replacing t…

Sean Dyche claims Burnley missed out on transfer targets because they were unwilling to meet inflated asking prices.

Having being promoted as Championship winners, the Clarets could be set to struggle in the Premier League after an off-season of minimal recruitment.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Nick Pope both moved to Turf Moor from Charlton Athletic, followed by the relative coup of recruiting Belgium international Steven Defour from Anderlecht, while Patrick Bamford was brought in on loan from Chelsea.

Jeff Hendrick was prised from Derby County on deadline day, but Dyche has acknowledged there is a sense of unfinished business about the transfer window.

There were a couple of situations which got away from us for varying reasons, he told a news conferen…

Former Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio wants Jurgen Klopp to take over at the club if Massimiliano Allegri leaves, although he accepts such a move is unlikely.

Allegri s future has been in doubt ever since Juventus were knocked out of the Champions League quarter-finals by Ajax.

Juve had been considered among the favourites for the competition following the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo at the start of the season, with many suggesting he was the missing piece of the puzzle after the Serie A champions reached the final in 2017 and were narrowly knocked out by eventual winners Real Madrid last term.

Allegri is reportedly due to hold talks with club president Andrea Agnelli on Wednesday, with the meeting likely to determine whether or not the coach leaves a yea…

Chelsea defender David Luiz revealed that his exceptional free-kick against Liverpool on Tuesday came in spite of him struggling with a knee injury in training.

The Brazil international blasted home from 25 yards to put the Premier League leaders ahead at Anfield before Georginio Wijnaldum equalised in the second half to force a 1-1 draw.

David Luiz took advantage of a loss of concentration from the defensive wall and goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to fire a dipping shot into the corner, earning praise from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in the process.

The centre-back feels that the element of surprise was key and said he had not even been able to practice recently due to fitness concerns.

I think sometimes you need to try to surprise, he told BT Sport.  I …

Prediction: Manchester United to win 3-0

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Manchester United and Watford will face each other in the FA Cup this weekend. The third-round tie between the Premier League club and the Championship outfit will kick off at 8pm UK time at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Manchester United

Manchester United will head into the third-round tie against Watford at Old Trafford on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City at home in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup. The Red Devils conceded both goals in the second half, John Stones putting Pep Guardiola’s side in the lead in the 50th minute and Fernandinho making it 2-0 with a brilliant strike seven minutes from the full-time whistle.

The EFL Cup was a genuine chance of United winning a…

Ada Hegerberg cannot change the world alone insists Marta, who called on female footballers to come together in the fight for equality as the Norway and Lyon star sits out the Women s World Cup.

Hegerberg winner of the first women s Ballon d Or will be a notable absentee when the World Cup gets underway in France next month after being left out of the Norway squad.

The 23-year-old forward has not played for her country since the 2017 European Championship due to her frustrations with the state of the women s game in Norway.

Brazil sensation Marta, who is regarded as the greatest female footballer of all time, is a UN women goodwill ambassador for women and girls in sport, and the six-time FIFA World Player of the Year says Hegerberg should not be carrying the res…

Iran scored deep in stoppage time twice to beat Wales in the second round of the World Cup group stage, but having lost the opener to England, they obviously have work to do if they want to qualify for the round of 16, and coach Carlos Queiroz is aware of that.

Iran play the USA on Tuesday.

This is just a win, 3 points. We did not finish our job.

Carlos Queiroz is pleased with the win but knows the job is not finished

— Football Daily (@footballdaily)

…

What the papers say

Chelsea have reportedly added Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson to their list of potential targets up front. According to The Guardian the Blues have already held initial talks with the 22-year-old, as Forest are believed to want £40million for his services.

The Independent says Rennes winger Jeremy Doku is attracting a lot of attention from Premier League heavyweights. West Ham, Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea are all said to be interested in the 21-year-old.

According to The Telegraph, Monaco have set their sights on Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez. The 27-year-old is unlikely to feature in manager Ange Postecoglou’s future plans, and could make his exit this summer.

And the Daily Mail says Manchester City are looking …

Cristiano Ronaldo crafted a decisive hat-trick as Al Nassr hammered Al Wedha 6-0 in Saturday s Saudi Pro League meeting.

Portugal veteran Ronaldo found the net twice in the first 12 minutes at Al Awal Park before completing his treble after the interval.

Sadio Mane teed up Ronaldo s third finish, as well as an 18th-minute strike from Otavio, who returned the favour for the Senegal international to score on the stroke of half-time.

Mohammed Al Fatil added a late sixth as Al Nassr recorded their seventh straight league win since their March 7 loss against Al Raed, moving them back within nine points of leaders Al Hilal.

Brozo’s assist Ronaldo’s header celebrations

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN)

Jorge Jesus s Al Hilal swept Al Tauwoon a…

The Viaplay Cup last-16 round concluded with drama at Rugby Park as Kilmarnock knocked out holders Celtic 1-0.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the main talking points from the ties played over the weekend.

Shock defeat for Celtic

Kilmarnock defied the odds to beat holders Celtic 1-0 in the last 16 as Marley Watkins’ second-half goal set up a quarter-final clash with Hearts at Rugby Park. For Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers, it was his first domestic cup defeat in Scotland in 25 games and came as a shock to those who have watched them dominate Scottish football.

Hearts display their depth

Match sponsor, IT Sameday, name Alex Lowry as today s Man of the Match

Our Ambassadors have selected Odel Offiah as their Man of the Match

— Heart of…