Right Said Fred: United fans need to get behind their manager!

Now it's time for us Reds to get behind Erik Ten Hag after the club's powerbrokers decided to stick with the Dutchman.

They clearly decided that long term he's the right fix...and I agree.

What I am convinced about is that this decision wasn't based on our FA Cup final win over City as that would be illogical.

Fans can be fickle so if a fella is doing well he's the best thing since sliced bread and if we are struggling then he'll be sacked in the morning.

I say that because I don't think Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos would have taken that much notice of the more vociferous support but taken a calm, considered approach about who can get us back at the top table.

Anyway the correct decision is made and so I appeal to our loyal supporters to get 100 per cent behind Erik.

Meanwhile England are now joint 4/1 favourites with us at Betfred to end the nightmare sequence of not having won anything on the international stage since 1966.

Gareth Southgate and the latest so called Golden Generation are out there alongside France to win the Euros outright.

The Three Lions have not enjoyed the best time of late with such a totally underwhelming show against Iceland at Wembley in our last pre-tournament friendly not to mention questions being asked in the media about the coach's final 26 squad selection.

All the usual excuses were trotted out about players not wanting to risk injury  etc but the fact is defensive Iceland are just the sort of opposition we are going to face in Germany starting on Sunday against Serbia.

And that got me thinking about why Southgate didn't select Jack Grealish who is so used to trying to break down packed defences playing for City. So he didn't play every week for the Blues where competition for a starting place is so very  tough well surely that means he's more rested and eager to prove the doubters wrong?

In defence we look vulnerable with an imbalance in the squad on midfield and forward players such as two centre forwards as back up to skipper Harry Kane.

However Betfred have England 4/9 to get off to a flyer and beat Serbia with Kane 11/4 for the opener.

Phil Foden was so disappointing against Iceland which must be a big puzzle for Southgate considering the impact he's had for City while I'm beginning to wonder whether he and Cole Palmer can be accommodated in the same line-up.

Behind England and France to be outright winners, Betfred have the hosts Germany at 11/2, Spain and Portugal at 7/1 while Italy are 16/1 shots.

Many of our most patriotic customers north if the border are risking tenners on Scotland beating Germany in Friday's opener at 11/1.

And if you really think the Scots can actually go on and win the whole thing well Betfred have them amongst the outsiders at 150/1.

Here former Saints superstar Paul Sculthorpe reflects on the Betfred Challenge Cup final when Wigan beat Warrington. The Oldham born RL legend, who is a Betfred TV pundit, writes:

"I  had the pleasure of being down at Wembley on Saturday for the  final, and what an emotional occasion it was as the sport celebrated the life of Leeds Rhinos and England legend Rob Burrow.

"A player who regularly shone on the big stage, it was a great day for the rugby league family to pay tribute to a modern day great, who sadly passed away aged just 41 with Motor Neurone Disease.

"Victorious Wigan boss, Matt Peet cut to the chase when remembering Rob in his post match press conference following his side's 18-8 victory over the Warrington Wolves.

"Peet said it was virtually impossible for there to be a fitting tribute to Rob, after everything he achieved."

He said: "One try won’t do it, one game won’t do it…I’ve never known a more respected man in any sport."

"Rob was a guy who defied the odds all his life, forever being told he was too small to play the sport he loved. However he certainly made those people look foolish, and that single-mindedness to defy the odds certainly helped him in his biggest fight after diagnosis in 2019."

"Almost 65,000 people made the trip to Wembley to pay their respects to Rob, before a much anticipated final.

"Warrington came out of the blocks, applying most of the pressure and field position in the opening 20 minutes of the game. However, other than a Josh Thewlis penalty they couldn’t convert this pressure into points.

"Wigan had very few attacking opportunities, but when they did, unlike the Wire they took their chances, scoring two tries in six minutes to lead 12-2 at the break.

"I spoke in last week's column about Wigan’s resilience and superior big game experience…and although the game was far from a classic, neither team excelling with the ball but as expected Wigan’s dogged defence was the difference as they continuously frustrated the Wolves attack.

"Yet again in a big game Warrington failed to deliver. They looked lost of ideas in good ball, and got more and more frustrated and fatigued as the game went on. One try a piece in the second half, saw the Warriors take glory.

"As I tipped last week, one player who could be the difference was Warriors half back Bevan French. French admitted  later that the whole build up and tribute to Rob Burrow inspired him to a Lance Todd winning performance, following the death of his own mother in 2022 to MND.

"Bevan constantly looked threatening, be it with his electric pace on the ball, his short passing or kicking game. He assisted the first try, scored the second and was by far the most influential player on the field.

"The game certainly had a lively start with both Mike Cooper and Matt Dufty both being sin binned within three minutes of kick off!

"Both players were subject to falling ball carriers, and neither intent on foul play, but unfortunately now this is the game and both teams found themselves down to 12  at the start of the biggest game so far this season.

"With my Saints hat on, it was fantastic to watch the Saints women’s side retain their Betfred Challenge Cup trophy with a totally dominant performance over the Leeds Rhinos.

"Saints have won this competition four years running now, but this year was by far the best as Matty Smith’s team subjected the Rhinos to an overwhelming 22-0 defeat.

"It’s great to see the ever-growing women’s game continuing to thrive both on and off the pitch, inspiring many young girls to both play and watch RL. This will only continue as the quality continues to improve. Well done Matty, Jodie and the whole team and staff on yet more silverware for Saints.

"Back to the men's Betfred Super League. A fully  refreshed St Helens  are back in business on Sunday as they face wooden spooners the London Broncos in the Capital.

"I honestly think only complacency can beat us this weekend, which I can’t see happening  - and I'm therefore going for us winning by over 40 which is 6/4  at Betfred.

"Title sponsors Betfred unsurprisingly have Wigan, who now hold all four available trophies to retain their Super League crown come October, at 5/6. Current league leaders Saints are 5/2 with Warrington 7/1 , while  dark horses Hull KR are worth a punt at 9/1 and Catalans are out to 10/1."