Ian Holloway left Blackpool to become Crystal Palace’s new manager, on this day in 2012.

Holloway signed a four-and-a-half-year contract to fill the vacant position at Selhurst Park, with the Eagles having allowed Dougie Freedman to join Bolton in October.

The move ended Holloway’s three-and-a-half-year stay with Blackpool, where he oversaw their promotion to the Premier League in 2010.

Holloway was unveiled to the Palace crowd at half-time of their Championship game with Blackburn.

A 2-0 win took the Eagles third in the table and Holloway was delighted with what he was seeing when he spoke to the crowd.

“How lucky are we to see a team like this? It’s fantastic,” he said. “I think I have got goosebumps on the back of my neck to get an opportunity like this.

“People ask me why I have come here but the board sold me their dream about what they want for their club and with their energy and my energy let’s hope we can all be very happy.”

Palace went on to finish fifth in the Championship and secured promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, but Holloway’s contract was terminated by mutual consent after seven defeats in the first eight games on their top-flight return.

“This club needs an impetus of energy but I just feel tired to be honest. I’m worn out,” Holloway admitted.

“I want to give them the chance to stay in this division.”

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay is “100 per cent sure” manager Erik ten Hag can turn the club’s fortunes around.

Former Ajax boss Ten Hag has come under increasing pressure as United bid to put their worst start to a season since 1962-63 behind them.

McTominay insisted all the hard work by the players and coaching staff behind the scenes will soon start to pay off.

The Scotland international told the club’s official website: “There’s more that goes into it when you’re not playing well and you’re not doing so well.

“I know the fans don’t want to hear that, they want to see results and performances and I think they want to see the players smiling and happy.

“It’s not quite happening at the moment, but I’m 100 per cent sure that the manager can put that into practice and it can come off. I’m sure of that.”

After successive 3-0 home defeats to Manchester City and Newcastle, United play at Fulham on Saturday and face Champions League group rivals Copenhagen in Denmark next Wednesday.

“We have to win, that’s always the thought process,” McTominay said. “Obviously my thoughts are with the fans at the minute because we’re not playing well and it’s difficult for them.

“They pay their hard-earned money every week to come and watch us and the least we can do is play well and win football matches.

“It’s not quite happening at the moment, sometimes that’s football, but I feel like for us in that dressing room we have to stay tight and keep a clear head, and we can’t get too emotional with everything that surrounds us. We’ve got to block it all out.”

Ten Hag has urged his players to “stand up” and work “shoulder by shoulder” and McTominay agreed a united dressing room is key to halting their slide.

“Everyone knows that we’re not in our best period at the minute. We have to stick together, that’s the most important thing,” he said.

“Obviously the fans will hear the generic response of ‘we’ve got to stick together’, but it’s true.

“Everyone wants this football club to succeed and we have to pull together and try to be as good with each other as possible in the dressing room to get those results going our way.

“I feel like we’ve got more than enough talent in the changing room to do that and whenever you look at the boys who are playing, but obviously something isn’t quite clicking.

“That’s up to the manager and the players to fix that and I’m 100 per cent confident that we will.”

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino wants his side to convert this season’s lack of continental competition into a successful set of domestic cup runs.

The Blues moved one step closer to securing a first Carabao Cup since 2015 with a 2-0 last-16 victory over Blackburn on Wednesday night, and will host Newcastle in their December 19 quarter-final.

Should Chelsea go all the way, Pochettino would become just the third Blues manager in club history, after Gianluca Vialli and Jose Mourinho, to lead the five-time winners to a League Cup in his first season with the club.

He said: “We need to think that this is an important competition for us because we are not in Europe, and that should be the priority for us, like the Premier League, and when in January we start the FA Cup.

“Of course, we need to think that we can win this competition.”

Chelsea, 11th in the Premier League with just 12 points from their first 10 top-flight matches, sit 10 points behind Aston Villa, currently occupying fifth and the Europa League group stage position, and may need to defy recent odds to lift the League Cup.

Every winner since the 2017/18 season has also finished top four in the Premier League, though Chelsea have reached two finals in the last five seasons.

Pochettino’s ranks got a boost on Wednesday night, welcoming captain Reece James back to the starting line-up for the first time since August and Benoit Badiashile marking his first appearance since May with the opener at Stamford Bridge, where Raheem Sterling fired in the Blues’ second.

Still, the Argentinian knows there is work to be done and a morale boost necessary to improve on their 2-0 defeat to Brentford last Saturday and just one Premier League win at home, August’s 3-0 victory over newly-promoted Luton, particularly with Premier League leaders Tottenham followed by title holders Manchester City up next.

He said: “After Saturday it was important for us to win the (Blackburn) game, to go through in the competition, of course too many (missed) chances, we need to be more clinical, but that you cannot change from Saturday to (Wednesday), and now we try building the confidence.

“Now we’re looking forward to the next round but now to prepare for the next two games that are so important and into the international break.”

Blackburn boss Jon Dahl Tomasson was impressed by his side’s fight against their Premier League challengers, with the average age of his starters just 22.6 years old.

Blackburn particularly impressed in the first half, defending well inside their 18-yard box to deny Chelsea early chances, while Rovers were left to rue a potential Conor Gallagher handball shout that could have been a game-changer for the Championship side.

He said: “It’s true, we always need a bit of luck when you’re playing against a team who is on another level, because Chelsea is of course an excellent team, but still we need to be honest.

“They were better than we were. Nothing wrong with that. They should be better than we were.”

AC Milan defender Pierre Kalulu has had surgery and is expected to be out of action for around four months.

The 23-year-old centre-half ruptured a thigh muscle in last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Serie A rivals Napoli and had an operation to repair the damage on Thursday.

Milan said on their official website: “AC Milan can confirm that Pierre Kalulu underwent surgery today to repair a complete rupture of his left rectus femoris tendon.

“The operation, which was carried out in Finland by Professor Lasse Lempainen in the presence of AC Milan’s head of medical team, Stefano Mazzoni, was a complete success.

“His expected recovery time is estimated to be around four months.”

Kalulu is in his fourth season with Milan after joining from Lyon in 2020.

He made his first start in Serie A this season at Napoli on Sunday after three substitute appearances, but sustained the injury in the 19th minute.

Brazil forward Rodrygo has signed a new deal with Real Madrid to keep him at the club until 2028.

The 22-year-old has made 179 appearances in all competitions for Real since joining from Santos in 2019 and it has been reported his new contract has a one billion euros release clause.

The club said in a statement: “Real Madrid C.F. and Rodrygo have agreed a contract extension for the player, who will remain at the club until 30 June 2028.”

Rodrygo, capped 18 times by Brazil, has scored 39 goals during five seasons in Real’s first team, including two in last season’s 2-1 Copa del Rey final win against Sevilla.

He has won seven other major trophies with the club – two LaLiga titles, the Champions League, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and two Spanish Super Cups.

Rodrygo’s Brazil team-mate Vinicius Junior agreed a contract extension with Real until the summer of 2027 earlier this week and that also includes a one billion euros release clause, according to reports.

Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt is set for a spell on the sidelines with a knee problem suffered in the DFB-Pokal defeat by Saarbrucken.

The Dutch centre-back was forced off midway through the first half of Wednesday night’s second round cup tie against the third-tier outfit.

Following scans, Bayern announced De Ligt had suffered a partial ligament tear in his right knee, which could see him face a lengthy rehabilitation.

The Bundesliga champions said in a statement on the club’s official website: “Matthijs de Ligt sustained a partial tear of the ligament in his right knee joint in FC Bayern’s 2-1 DFB Cup defeat at FC Saarbrucken.

“That is the outcome of a scan carried out by the club’s medical department on Thursday. Centre-back de Ligt will therefore miss FC Bayern’s upcoming games.”

Thomas Tuchel’s men return to league action on Saturday when they head to rivals Borussia Dortmund for a first Der Klassiker meeting of the season.

Defending champions Clarendon College remain on course to retain their ISSA/Wata DaCosta Cup title after securing a 1-0 win over STETHS in Group 1 Round of 16 action on Wednesday.

Both teams entered the much-anticipated contest with a win under their belt but the 10-time DaCosta Cup champions now have six points from two games to strengthen their lead atop Group 1.

STETHS are now third in the group after Cornwall College beat Mile Gully 2-0 at Jarret Park to also move to three points, but, more importantly, have a goal difference of 1 compared to STETHS’ zero.

In Group 2 play, B.B Coke defeated Manchester High 4-2 in a top-of-the-table clash at STETHS. B.B Coke now have six points from two games while Manchester have three.

This was Manchester’s first loss of the season. They will know their standing in Group 2 after Happy Grove takes on Tacky High at Carder Park on Thursday. Both teams are looking for their first points of the Round of 16.

Dinthill recovered from an opening game draw against McGrath High with a 1-0 win over Christiana at Brooks Park to take over top spot in Group 3.

Christiana, who entered the day as leaders after a 3-2 win over William Knibb in their first game, are now second after William Knibb and McGrath played out a 0-0 draw at Drax Hall.

Glenmuir secured a 5-0 win over Port Antonio at Glenmuir to move to four points and top spot in Group 4 on goal difference.

Garvey Maceo are also on four points after a 1-0 win over Frome Technical at Foga Road. Glenmuir have a four-goal advantage heading into Saturday’s final round of games in this stage.

Play in the Round of 16 will come to an end on Saturday. In Group 1, Clarendon College will take on Cornwall College in a mouthwatering clash at Foga Road while STEHTS will take on Mile Gully at Brooks Park.

Group 2 will see B.B. Coke face Tacky at Drax Hall and Manchester take on Happy Grove at Manchester.

Dinthill will host William Knibb while McGrath and Christiana battle at the Ewarton Sports Complex in Group 3.

In Group 4, Glenmuir and Frome will do battle at the Llandilo Sports Complex knowing a win for either means a spot in the quarterfinals while Garvey Maceo will look to book their spot with a win over Port Antonio at Carder Park.

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou expects Mauricio Pochettino to be shown plenty of respect on Monday night but joked there will be no guard of honour for the current Chelsea boss.

Pochettino will return to Spurs for the first time since his acrimonious departure in the winter of 2019, which occurred months after he guided the north London club to the Champions League final.

There have been various points over the past four years where Tottenham supporters have longed for their old boss to return amid an identity crisis, but chairman Daniel Levy decided to go in a different direction and hired Postecoglou, while Pochettino by this point had already accepted the Chelsea job.

Eyebrows were raised when Pochettino took over at Stamford Bridge in May, given the rivalry between the London clubs during his five-year tenure at Spurs, and it could result in a mixed reaction on his return to N17 next week.

“Look, it is undoubted that he had an unbelievable impact on this football club,” Postecoglou said.

“All of us in our roles, that is our ultimate goal and ambition that whatever doors we go through, we make an impact and he has had an undeniable impact on this football club in his time here.

“He almost took the club to the ultimate summit of the Champions League, got close to the league, so his work is unquestioned.

“Everyone I speak to around here, there are still people who worked with him, they can’t speak highly enough of him as a person and as a manager.

“I doubt there will be anything but respect for Mauricio from anyone at this football club, supporters or people associated, but it doesn’t mean he will get a guard of honour on Monday night because we want to win.

“I don’t think he would expect that, but his tenure here and impact here is undeniable and will stand the test of time.

“Whenever people think of Mauricio and his time here as a Spurs manager, they will only look upon it with respect and fondness.”

Pochettino has suffered plenty of teething problems at Chelsea, but did spend more than £350million this summer and pressure is beginning to grow with the club struggling in 11th position after only three league wins all season.

It is in complete contrast to Postecoglou, who lost record goalscorer Harry Kane on the eve of the new season and yet has transformed the club with an unbeaten run to the Premier League summit.

The Australian coach added: “What I know is you don’t really know what challenges exist until you’re in it.

“Even here, people can assume what kind of challenges I had coming in but it is probably not a tenth of what we had to do or what I felt needed to change.

“Whether that’s Mauricio or any other manager I guess, you don’t really know what they are having to deal with to get to the end point.

“At the same time, while others may look at it and say ‘that’s a real difficult one’, there will be managers saying, ‘I wish I had a billion to spend and waste’ because what some people sometimes see as an advantage, others see as a disadvantage. That’s the challenge for all us managers.

“I really think we are all in our own unique space that nobody can really understand because none of us can really disclose all the information because that’s the way organisations work.

“What I have to deal with and what Mauricio has to deal with are probably very, very different, but in essence what we are trying to do is the same thing: build a team that we believe can bring success.

“You look at Mauricio’s track record and I’ve got no doubt he’ll get Chelsea on the right path, I’ve no doubt about that.”

Rangers attacker Scott Wright was delighted to see his side’s “ruthless” streak come to the fore at Dens Park.

Philippe Clement’s side overcame delays caused by traffic problems and their fans’ pyrotechnic display to beat Dundee 5-0 and stay five points behind Celtic in the cinch Premiership.

Ryan Jack’s fifth-minute strike – shortly before the flares held up the game for 18 minutes – was enough to give Rangers a half-time lead on Wednesday.

Further goals from Danilo, Sam Lammers, Cyril Dessers and James Tavernier ultimately gave the Light Blues a convincing win.

Rangers had left it very late to get the two goals needed to beat Hearts in their previous game and played out a goalless draw with Sparta Prague days earlier, so Wright feels the five-star show will help confidence.

“We were a bit frustrated going in at half-time,” he told Rangers TV. “We had created some really good chances and created some good patterns of play, but our final pass or shot wasn’t hitting the back of the net for us.

“It’s been something that we’ve needed to do more, kill teams off, so we knew we had to come out second half and blow them away.

“And I think we did that. The patterns of play that we had were great and the boys took their goals absolutely fantastically.

“It’s great when some of the stuff comes off for you. I’m delighted for the boys getting their goals, and it’s so important for us as a team to capitalise and finish the chances that we’re creating.

“I thought it was a really strong team performance. It wasn’t ideal with the delay getting to the game, and then at the start, but we just had to focus on ourselves and make no excuses.”

Wright only started one game in 11 months under previous manager Michael Beale but he has already started two under Clement and featured in all four of the Belgian’s matches in charge in total.

The former Aberdeen player looked set to be on his way out of the club in the summer but a move fell through and his new lease of life could take him back to Hampden for Sunday’s Viaplay Cup semi-final against Hearts.

The 26-year-old, whose last goal for Rangers came in the 2022 Scottish Cup final against the same team, said: “The manager has given me a fresh slate which is exactly what I’ve been after.

“All I can do is work hard, try to grab the opportunities that I’m given with both hands, and try to work as hard as possible for my next opportunity.  It’s a massive weekend coming up for us.”

Lewis Hall says Newcastle wanted to “make a statement” at Manchester United but admits the comprehensive Carabao Cup victory at Old Trafford surpassed expectations.

Wednesday’s fourth-round tie was a repeat of February’s final and Eddie Howe’s men exacted some revenge with a famous first win at Old Trafford in a decade.

Miguel Almiron and Joe Willock goals either side of teenage left-back Hall’s volley completed a 3-0 victory that secured progress and a quarter-final trip to Chelsea next month.

Put to the summer signing that he could not have expected the trip to Old Trafford to turn out like that, the 19-year-old said: “No, definitely not.

“I think when we had the meetings (Wednesday) morning and afternoon we obviously set out the way we wanted to play.

“Obviously it’s a big ground and United is a big club, so we wanted to come here and make a statement on the team and show what we’re about and how we can do well in this competition and hopefully go forward and win.”

It was a particularly special night for boyhood Newcastle fan Hall, who scored his first ever senior goal with a smart volley from just inside the box.

“It was amazing,” the full-back said. “As soon as I hit it I was in line with it, so I knew it had a chance and stuff.

“Honestly, I was over the moon. It is a bit difficult to describe, really, but I think you can see from my celebration how happy I was.

“It’s an amazing day for us all. I thought we put in a really, really good performance – everyone who played, all the subs that came on, which is kind of our season, really.

“We have a load of games so everyone’s involved and everyone’s always ready to play.”

Hall’s Newcastle-supporting dad was among the 7,000-plus away supporters at Old Trafford, where the teenager made a memorable second start since joining on an initial season-long loan from Chelsea.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lewis Hall (@lewishall_10)

“It was a big change for me in my life,” he told NUFC TV, as attention now turns to Saturday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal at St James’ Park.

“Obviously I’ve lived at home my whole life so moving away was a difficult decision, but obviously I’ve been a boyhood fan of Newcastle, as well as my family.

“I felt the club was going in a really good direction. I’d obviously spoken to the manager and stuff, so I was really, really looking forward to joining.

“So far it’s been really good. I think it’s difficult when you’re not playing but every day I’m training, I’m enjoying it.

“I’m just trying to work my hardest and do what I can so then when I am called upon I can take my chances.”

The Scottish Professional Football League will liaise with police over the “very concerning” pyrotechnic display which held up Dundee’s cinch Premiership contest with Rangers at Dens Park.

Police asked referee Kevin Clancy to take the players off the pitch after smoke from the flare show by Rangers fans held up play and then set off fire alarms.

The game was delayed for 18 minutes after kick-off had initially been put back by 45 minutes following the late arrival of the Rangers team amid traffic problems.

Police are investigating and warned of the dangers of serious injuries after dozens of flares lit up the Bob Shankly Stand behind the goal less than 10 minutes into the game.

An SPFL spokesperson said: “The extensive use of pyrotechnics at the match at Dens Park is very concerning and unwelcome. The disruption to the game is obviously extremely regrettable.

“We await the delegate report and will be liaising with Police Scotland on the incident.”

Police Scotland are studying footage to try to identify those responsible.

Superintendent Iain Wales said: “The safety of the public and officers is our priority.

“Due to a number of pyrotechnics, including smoke bombs and flares being set off in the stands, the game was stopped. Players were removed from the pitch and returned a short time later.

“Taking pyrotechnics into a football stadium is not only an offence, it is extremely dangerous.

“It is tremendously disappointing and worrying that despite repeated warning about the risk, these are still brought to matches.

“Luckily there were no reports of any injuries, however the consequences could have been much worse. It’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.

“Although no arrests were made at the game, retrospective enquiries are being carried out.

“The investigation is ongoing and we are working closely with both clubs to identify those responsible.

“Anyone with information that may assist our enquiries should contact 101 quoting reference number 2815 of 2 November.”

Dundee declared that they were “investigating and working with the relevant authorities after a series of unacceptable actions in the stands”.

A club statement added: “Despite robust practice by all clubs in the SPFL and the SFA at Hampden, flares, offensive banners and singing of sectarian songs continue to be a problem all across our game in Scottish Football.

“As we are working with the authorities we are unable to comment on the situation at this time.

“The club will comment further once the ongoing investigation has taken place and concluded.”

Rangers manager Philippe Clement urged supporters not to repeat the display after praising his players for maintaining focus amid the disruption.

Speaking after his side’s 5-0 win, Clement said: “I hope that the club does not face sanctions. You come here in the warm-up and the stand is full, everyone is chanting and supporting the players, giving a lot of energy.

“Those are very important things. We feel also the dynamic between fans and players is changing and it’s because of both sides.

“It was good the team started bright again, but I think everyone will understand that it’s really good to have all this support, all these songs and all this energy – I love it – but keep the fire outside of the stadium.”

Manchester United have made their worst start to a season in 61 years and pressure is mounting on manager Erik ten Hag.

Here, the PA news agency has a look at what has gone wrong, the issues at play and what is next for the stumbling Red Devils.

– How has the campaign started for United?

Dreadfully. Ten Hag’s side papered over the cracks with an unconvincing three-game winning streak, before two 3-0 home humblings in the space of four days brought them crashing down to earth.

Neighbours Manchester City could easily have won Sunday’s Old Trafford derby by a greater margin and the manner in which the holders bowed out of the Carabao Cup against Newcastle in the repeat of February’s final only compounded matters.

– How bad have United been?

Underwhelming, jumbled performances have led to results that make for grim reading.

The defeat to City meant United have lost five of their opening 10 Premier League matches – their most at the start of a league campaign since 1986-87.

Newcastle then inflicted their eighth defeat in 15 matches in all competitions, making it their worst start to a season since 1962-63.

– Are there any mitigating factors?

Injuries have been a constant issue for United this season, with the defence particularly impacted by absentees.

That has unbalanced a side lacking confidence and depth, albeit to an extent few could have foreseen.

A tough early schedule did not help matters, nor has the off-field issues that have provided constant background noise.

The potential takeover process also continues to provide a major cloud over a club paying for the Glazers’ longstanding lack of effective leadership.

– What is the latest on the ownership?

Wholly unpopular since their leveraged buyout in 2005, there was hope the Glazer family would leave when United announced a strategic review last November.

But frustrated Sheikh Jassim recently pulled out of the interminable process, leaving Sir Jim Ratcliffe looking set to purchase around 25 per cent of the club.

The Ineos founder’s team are still awaiting updates and nothing has been formally finalised, but the deal would see them have a significant say in sporting matters.

There are certainly areas on the football side that need a shake-up and they will be keeping a close eye on the managerial situation.

– What has gone wrong under Ten Hag?

Ten Hag ended United’s six-year wait for silverware by lifting the Carabao Cup in his first season, but the afterglow of that promising campaign has long since gone out.

The Dutchman rather concerningly given his successes with Ajax, has been unable to establish a clear playing style and his selections have at times been as iffy as some of his signings. Antony, for example, has got nowhere near to fulfilling his eye-watering price tag.

There have been reports of disquiet in the dressing room about the meticulous disciplinarian, who has banished Jadon Sancho from the first-team.

He said on Wednesday night that the misfiring team need to “stand up” and work “shoulder by shoulder”.

– What is next up for United?

Defiant Ten Hag called himself a “fighter” after the loss to Newcastle and needs to quieten growing questions over his position before into the international break.

There is little time to prepare for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Fulham, before United head to Copenhagen for a Champions League clash that could go a long way to deciding whether they progress from the group.

A home league match against promoted Luton follows before a November break that United can ill afford to limp into, especially with trips to Everton, Galatasaray and Newcastle immediately following.

Luis Enrique has insisted he is still only in the early phases of developing his Paris St Germain side.

After a sometimes bumpy start to the season results-wise, PSG found some consistency in October, responding to the 4-1 Champions League defeat away to Newcastle with four straight victories in all competitions.

That has seen them move up to second in Ligue 1, one point behind Nice ahead of Friday’s home match against Montpellier, while topping their so-called Champions League ‘group of death’ ahead of Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle and AC Milan.

But although there has been progress, former Barcelona and Spain coach Enrique, appointed at the start of July, said he was only just getting started.

“This is part of a learning process,” he said. “The team is doing many things well but it is still the initial phase and we always need to remember the principles and the things we need to do…

“We are undergoing a constant development process. What I like and what we are trying to do is have an unpredictable team for our opponents, but predictable for ourselves.

“We need to generate uncertainty in our opponents but no uncertainty at PSG. That process takes longer than a usual process…

“I have coached teams that dominate and that means the opponents need to adapt their style of play and we get to play the same style.

“That is why you want different options in your team. I am pleased with the way the players have taken it in and this is only the start.”

When asked if he could quantify how far into the process he might be, Enrique said at a press conference on Thursday that would be difficult to do, but he insisted he was happy with the progress that was being made and the time taken to do it.

“If you look at the way of analysing training sessions and matches I am very pleased with all of that,” he said. “It is a very long process. I struggle to say exactly where we are.

“But I am optimistic in general and certainly pleased with what I can see. But I also know there is plenty of room for improvement because I am an ambitious person.”

Marco Asensio has returned to training after two months out but Enrique said the forward still needed some time to get back up to speed.

Danilo Pereira has been ruled out until after the upcoming international break while Keylor Navas, Nuno Mendes and Presnel Kimpembe are out.

Montpellier sit 11th in the table ahead of their trip to the capital, but Michel Der Zakarian’s side have found some form of late, losing only one of their last five and beating Toulouse 3-0 last weekend.

Swiss international Becir Omeragic is doubtful with a foot injury, but Issiaga Sylla is fit again after a calf injury.

Vladimir Coufal has backed “unbelievable” Declan Rice to win silverware with Arsenal this season despite suffering Carabao Cup defeat on his return to West Ham.

Rice joined Arsenal for £105million in the summer after a decade with the Hammers, who he captained to Europa Conference League success in his final match with the club.

The 24-year-old has started the season in fine form but was unable to help the Gunners fight back in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Rice came off the bench to a mixed reception as the hosts ran out comfortable 3-0 winners courtesy of a Ben White own goal and second-half strikes from Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.

West Ham will now face a trip to Liverpool in the quarter-finals, but Coufal believes Rice will add to the Community Shield won by Arsenal in August.

“I think they’ll win something for sure,” the Czech Republic full-back said.

“They’ve won the Community Shield already, so he already has a trophy with Arsenal. I think they’re not too disappointed to lose this game.

“It was something special, to see him on the other side of the pitch. He’s doing an incredible job for Arsenal, even better than he did for us.

“He’s an unbelievable player. It was strange to see him in different colours but we wish him all the best. He came into our changing room to say hello and see how we are.”

Arsenal may still be contesting for the Premier League and Champions League, with the FA Cup yet to come, but Coufal is targeting Carabao Cup success to add to the winners’ medal in the Europa Conference League.

“Of course we would like to win another trophy,” he said.

“It’s still very difficult. We know Man City are out, Man United, now Arsenal, but still there are a lot of good teams remaining.

“Every win against a team from the top six or top end of the table is really good. It was Carabao Cup but we needed this win after three difficult defeats in a row.”

Mikel Arteta made six changes to the Arsenal side that lost in east London but his starting XI still boasted nine full internationals.

One of the most experienced of those, Italy midfielder Jorginho, captained the visitors and he is pleased they can attempt to quickly bounce back from the defeat as they travel to face Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

“It’s great that the game is in three days because it’s a chance to turn things around, and turn this feeling because it’s not the best feeling, of course,” he said.

“We can go and try to put things right. The only thing we can take from this tough result is how we need to be much better at competing for the next game, because if you’re going to play at this level, you won’t win for sure.

“So that’s what I think we need to improve on for the next game to try and win there.”

Under-fire Erik ten Hag says Manchester United need to “stand up” and work “shoulder by shoulder” to turn around a season that is threatening to go into a tailspin.

Old Trafford is under the spotlight after two 3-0 home humiliations in the space of four days ratcheted up the pressure on a club enduing their worst start to a campaign since 1962-63.

Sunday’s derby defeat at the hands of rivals Manchester City was compounded by Newcastle on Wednesday, who comfortably won the repeat of February’s Carabao Cup final.

It underlined just how far things have gone off track since the sides met at Wembley, with United now having lost eight of their 15 matches in all competitions this term.

“This is not good enough and we know that,” manager Ten Hag said after Miguel Almiron, Lewis Hall and Joe Willock struck for Eddie Howe’s Magpies.

“We were in the game and then in a couple of minutes we are giving the game away.

“That’s below our standards and we know that all and we have to take responsibility for this.”

United’s performances have been as much a concern as the results, leading pressure to mount on Ten Hag just 17 months after starting in the post.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Manchester United (@manchesterunited)

Bookmakers’ odds on him leaving have been slashed, but the defiant Dutchman said he was a “fighter” as United prepare for three key games before November’s international break.

Premier League matches away to Fulham and home to Luton bookend next Wednesday’s trip to Copenhagen as they attempt to keep their Champions League campaign alive.

Asked how he lifts everyone ahead of the Saturday lunchtime kick-off at Craven Cottage, Ten Hag told MUTV: “Yeah, but that is our job. We sleep and (Thursday) we have to go again, so we have to stand up.

“(Sticking together) is the only way, the only way we do it, shoulder by shoulder, then we will come through this.”

Ten Hag has repeatedly spoke about togetherness in recent weeks and has taken hope from the misfiring squad’s ability to get narrow victories over the line.

But players continue to underperform, both individually and collectively, and confidence appears to be an issue at United.

“Yeah, that’s normal,” Ten Hag said. “But you only get your confidence when you take responsibility, when you fight, starting from winning your battles, winning and dictating the ground on the pitch.

“When you do that, then you get results and from there on you build your own confidence.

“So, confidence is something that is in your own hands (as an) individual but of course you have to do it as a team.

“You have to stick together and you have to do it together.”

No players spoke to the media after United’s latest embarrassment at the hands of Newcastle, with the team booed at both half-time and the final whistle.

A number of supporters had made an exit before full-time, but on a night of understandable frustration there remained supportive chants from sections of the Old Trafford faithful.

“The crowd were behind us, so I have to congratulate the fans,” Ten Hag added. “They were all game behind us – we didn’t deserve but they were.

“We tried to fight but we make easy mistakes and they took the chances.”