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A bomb, gang turf wars and the rise of club culture - poet, author and broadcaster David Scott looks at Manchester in the 1990s

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  1. Are Man City in a crisis?published at 09:46 12 November

    Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club about Manchester City's run of four straight defeats:

    "By City's standards, yes, it is a crisis. But blimey... it's a bad two weeks. And that hasn't happened very much when Pep Guardiola has been in charge. It's about finding a way back.

    "The backline has, in the past 14 games, been chopped and changed in every one. You think: 'It's Manchester City, they're all top-quality players and they should be able to connect and have that understanding, and they're all great readers of the game.'

    "But maybe there is something in that where it looks like they're not controlling games as they previously have done.

    "A big part of that would be Rodri's absence, but I think the chopping and changing may be a reason why they're struggling at this moment in time."

    Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

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  2. The three most important subjects in Amorim's in-traypublished at 08:43 12 November

    Alex Turk
    Fan writer

    Manchester United fan's voice banner
    Ruben Amorim looks onImage source, PA Media

    Ruben Amorim touched down in England on Monday and as the new Manchester United boss stares at a daunting in-tray, I have pinpointed what I believe to be his three most important assignments.

    Committing to his vision

    If United travel to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town on 24 November and Amorim's team is not in a three-at-the-back system, I would be concerned.

    The 39-year-old cannot afford to fall into the same trap as predecessor Erik ten Hag, who lost his first two games and abandoned his vision for short-term success. He never rediscovered it and now he is out of a job.

    Amorim must retain faith in the only philosophy he has ever abided by until it clicks, or he can justify an adaptation.

    More unpopular decisions

    United supporters' love for Ruud van Nistelrooy grew during his short-lived Old Trafford return. But Amorim was correct in wishing him the best and parting ways. There was no room.

    For too long, the Red Devils have been stifled by their own nostalgia and chasing a repeat of past successes. A new dawn has to be a new dawn.

    The Ineos era has given birth to a more ruthless environment, and that must continue. More unpopular decisions by Amorim may not be welcomed, but they will be required.

    Reigniting Rashford's flame

    Marcus Rashford's display in the 3-0 win over Leicester City was worrying and left fans praying that Amorim's arrival has the same impact on him as Ten Hag's did.

    Rashford has four months until the March international break to impress Amorim and a new England manager in Thomas Tuchel.

    If he cannot be reinvigorated with a 2026 World Cup spot on the line, Rashford could be left behind by club and country.

    Find more from Alex Turk at Stretford Paddock, external

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  3. 'The whole thing has a weird vibe'published at 08:32 12 November

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    The New York Times' chief soccer correspondent Rory Smith says he is not surprised by Ruud van Nistelrooy not continuing at Manchester United but thinks it was a "weird" situation.

    Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club he said: "He came in as an assistant in the summer, with this sense that if it all went wrong for Ten Hag - which we all thought it would - then he would take the job for a while.

    "He did, and then he immediately leaves. The whole thing just has a weird vibe about it."

    Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

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  4. Players have to take responsibility - Gundoganpublished at 08:17 12 November

    Mike Minay
    BBC Radio Manchester reporter

    Ilkay GundoganImage source, Getty Images

    Last week, I wrote a piece about what is going on at Manchester City. They were just my opinions. So what's the take of a player - and who better to ask than Ilkay Gundogan?

    "When things are going like this there is always talk and always things that come out - people try to look for reasons," he told BBC Radio Manchester.

    "As players, we have to take responsibility. We have to look at ourselves individually and collectively."

    Manchester City have not been at the levels we associate with them, the form tells us that and there is probably a multitude of reasons behind it.

    And they have been here before. There have been numerous times when they have been a long way off the leaders in their four-in-a-row title grip. Gundogan acknowledged that all the chat around City has happened before.

    "We have to stay calm. Take that frustration, that anger and produce it into work and dedication for your job and change things," he said. "This competition is tough. The majority of teams got better. Not just the first five, six, seven, eight teams - everyone now can play really good football and punish you."

    The Blues now have two weeks off for the international break - although for many of their players there will be no time off. In a stretched and not fully fit side, the next fortnight could be worrying for fans.

    "We have to stay fit during the international break - maybe that's the most important for our players right now," Gundogan said. "Get back in the best possible shape and attack fully. That's something we've done in the past.

    "We need to put a big effort to turn things around the way we want them to."

    Listen to Total Sport on BBC Radio Manchester every weeknight at 18:00 and listen to every Manchester City game - home and away - live on BBC Radio Manchester.

  5. Gossip: Man Utd may offload Zirkzee in Januarypublished at 07:00 12 November

    Gossip graphic

    Manchester United are considering offloading striker Joshua Zirkzee in January, with clubs in Serie A monitoring developments. (Calciomercato - in Italian), external

    Juventus are frontrunners in the battle to sign Canada striker Jonathan David, 24, from Lille, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Inter Milan also interested. (Footmercato - in French), external

    Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies is open to a reunion with former boss Hansi Flick at Barcelona, despite interest in the 24-year-old Canada international from United and Real Madrid. (Teamtalk), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

  6. Opta supercomputer backs Liverpool for the titlepublished at 19:30 11 November

    As the Premier League pauses for the November international break, the Opta supercomputer, external has been looking at each club's chances of winning the title this season.

    Liverpool are flying under new boss Arne Slot, currently sitting five points clear at the summit. They have been given a 60.3% chance.

    Defending champions Manchester City are second after consecutive league defeats and have been given a 34.3% chance of winning a fifth straight title in May.

    Arsenal are third favourites after a tricky spell themselves and Opta say they have a 5% of winning the league from here.

    Chelsea are the only other side given a chance at glory. A first title in eight years has a 0.3% chance according to Opta.

    A graphic listing the chances of clubs winning this season's Premier League title according to the Opta supercomputer. Liverpool 60.3%, Man City 34,3%, Arsenal 5% and Chelsea 0.3%Image source, BBC Sport
  7. 'Terrible decision' or 'what is needed'? Fans on Van Nistelrooy exitpublished at 19:12 11 November

    Your views banner
    Ruud van NistelrooyImage source, Getty Images

    Ruud van Nistelrooy's time at Manchester United is over after it was confirmed he would leave his coaching role as Ruben Amorim arrives.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Mick: Terrible decision by Amorim. Ruud van Nistelrooy has steadied this ship and would have been a valuable asset to the backroom staff. His knowledge of the culture of the club and his obvious tactical knowledge has been dismissed out of hand. It has left me with a uncomfortable feeling about our new manager when he disregards the positive attributes Van Nistelrooy can input.

    Iain: I think this club are masters of treating loyal staff appallingly, Ruud should at least have been given a coaching role for the strikers. Given their performances so far, we need one!

    Christine: Van Nistelrooy was a legend, one of the very best players for Manchester United. I am sure he will want his own manager job, but now is not his time at United and I think he should move on. There will be plenty of big clubs that would want him. Onwards and upwards for Van Nistelrooy and Manchester United - let's hope Amorim has the answers.

    Neil: While it is sad that there is no role for Van Nistelrooy going forward, maybe for too long Manchester United have been living off past glories. The old saying 'a new broom sweeps clean' is what is needed to take the club back to the top.

    Les: What a joke! After 37 years of supporting this club, enough is enough. They bring in someone who knows nothing about English football and let a legend like Ruud go, someone that all the players and fans would have been much better off with! Shame on them!

    James: Keeping Ruud on, even until the end of the season, would be a smoother move for the players and the fans. He also would have been a great intermediary between new staff and players while relationships are formed over the first few months into Amorim's spell.

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  8. Van Nistelrooy's 'stock has risen'published at 18:36 11 November

    Media caption,

    Ruud van Nistelrooy's time in temporary charge at Manchester United has come to an end having won three and drawn one of his four games at the helm.

    Erik ten Hag's permanent successor, Ruben Amorim, arrived at Carrington on Monday to begin his new head coach role, and it has now been confirmed Van Nistelrooy will leave the club.

    In this week's The Devils' Advocate podcast, before the news was revealed, Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath looked back at the Dutchman's short reign and what his future might now hold.

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

  9. Man Utd 'grateful' to Van Nistelrooy as 'legend' leavespublished at 17:30 11 November

    Have your say banner
    Ruud van Nistelrooy applauds fans after final match in temporary charge at Old TraffordImage source, Getty Images

    Ruud van Nistelrooy "will always be very welcome" back at Old Trafford after it was confirmed he would be leaving Manchester United.

    The 48-year-old former striker re-joined the club in the summer as an assistant coach to Erik ten Hag.

    Van Nistelrooy took over as interim head coach following Ten Hag's sacking on 28 October after defeat by West Ham United.

    In his four games in charge, the Dutchman has led the side to three wins and one draw, including Carabao Cup and Premier League wins over Leicester and United's first Europa League victory of the season against PAOK.

    With Ruben Amorim taking over on a permanent basis on Monday, there were question marks over Van Nistelrooy's future with the Red Devils.

    In a statement, the club said: "Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend.

    "We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford."

    It was also confirmed that backroom staff Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel have also departed.

    How do you feel about the club legend leaving, United fans?

    Is it the right decision or should he have been kept?

    Let us know, external

  10. 'You can't stay in the past' - De Ligtpublished at 17:07 11 November

    Erik ten Hag Manager applauds the Manchester United fans with Matthijs de Ligt in the foregroundImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has conceded it has been "quite difficult" to deal with the departure of Erik ten Hag.

    Ten Hag managed De Light at Ajax for a season and a half between 2018 and 2019 where they won the Dutch Eredivise and reached the Champions League semi-final together.

    "It's always quite difficult in general if a manager gets sacked," De Ligt said after United's 3-0 win over Leicester on Sunday.

    "I have a really good relationship with Erik. I really like him as a person as well as a human being. That way I felt the most bad for him because I know what he does every day to get the team performing so that's quite difficult.

    "In the end, you know what football is about. If the results are not there everybody needs to be questioned - the trainer, the players. In the end the trainer gets sacked, the players can stay, so we always have to look at ourselves.

    "So, I feel really bad for him. In the end you have to keep going, you can't stay in the past, it’s over now with him."

    De Ligt has begun to find his feet after his summer move from Juventus, starting each of United's past four Premier League games including helping keep a clean sheet against the Foxes.

    "For me personally, I feel quite well," he said. "I think the last seven games I start to feel really into my rhythm, feeling important for the team. If you combine it with wins,it's really nice."

  11. 🎧 Amorim arrives, Ruud goodbye?published at 16:53 11 November

    The Devils' Advocate podcast graphic

    After caretaker manager Rudd van Nistelrooy signed off his temporary time in charge with a second win over Leicester, The Devils' Advocate team have been reacting to a result that leaves them just four points off the top four.

    They also discuss whether the club legend should stay on as part of incoming boss Ruben Amorim's backroom staff when he begins his new job this week.

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  12. 'Guardiola will get zero sympathy from outsiders'published at 16:06 11 November

    Chief football writer Phil McNulty byline banner
    Pep Guardiola puts his hand to his face in frustrationImage source, Reuters

    BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

    Jez asked: Do you still think Manchester City will be Premier League champions at the end of the season?

    Phil answered: I picked Manchester City as my predicted champions before the start of the season so I will not be backing away from them after only 11 games.

    What I will say is that the landscape is very different from what I expected, with City suffering many injuries - Rodri being the most debilitating of all - and looking more vulnerable than I have seen them for a long time.

    Liverpool have also played into this change, looking so efficient and confident under new head coach Arne Slot.

    Pep Guardiola will, of course, get zero sympathy from outsiders should he mention injuries but he has every right to do so, as other managers at the top of the table have when they get problems.

    I was at Brighton on Saturday night and they could have no complaints about their fourth successive defeat. They were overpowered for most of the second half, the midfield provided little protection for the defence and Brighton targeted Kyle Walker relentlessly and successfully.

    So, in answer to your question, I stick with City as champions but I am a lot less confident than I was at the start of the campaign and would now not be surprised if this was the season when their run came to an end.

  13. 'Van Nistelrooy couldn't have done much more'published at 13:59 11 November

    Chief football writer Phil McNulty byline banner
    Ruud van Nistelrooy claps the fans at Old TraffordImage source, Getty Images

    BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

    @CF3Loyal asked: Does Ruud van Nistelrooy’s success at Manchester United as interim manager, in addition to his relationship with the club, fans and players, cause a potential issue for Ruben Amorim when he takes over - assuming that he remains as part of his management team?

    Phil answered: Well, we should find out the answer to whether he will be part of that management team very soon.

    Van Nistelrooy could not have done much more in his spell as interim manager. He clearly loved the role and seems to want to stay at United. The fans who adore him will have no objection to that.

    The problem is that Ruben Amorim has a tried and trusted, very close-knit, support team and it is hard to see where Van Nistelrooy would fit into that.

    It is also difficult to see a powerful, opinionated personality such as Van Nistelrooy wanting to be a silent partner in that group simply to stay at Manchester United.

    It is a very delicate situation and one of the first tasks Amorim has to address.

    Follow Phil's Q&A and the rest of Monday's football news here