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    Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ‘huge fan’ of £50m Premier League defender with 43 senior caps already aged 22

    ENZO MARESCA is reportedly a “huge fan” of Bournemouth defender Ilya Zabarnyi.The Cherries star has impressed since he arrived in the Premier League in 2023.Enzo Maresca is keen on signing Ilya ZabaryniCredit: AlamyThe defender is valued at £50millionCredit: GettyZabarnyi, 22, joined Bournemouth from Dynamo Kiev on an initial five-year contract.Due to his good form at the Vitality Stadium, he has already been rewarded with a new deal.He is now tied down on the South Coast until 2029, but Chelsea remain keen.CaughtOffside have claimed that the Blues could make an offer to sign the Ukranian.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report suggests that Bournemouth could be open to a sale if his £50million price-tag is met.It is further added that Maresca is “a huge fan of the defender’s playing capabilities”.It is also claimed that the manager is ready to “make room for him in an ever-expanding Chelsea squad”.This season Zabarnyi has played in every Premier League fixture for the Cherries.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has helped the side to 12th in the league with only 15 goals conceded.This defensive record is better than the likes of Aston Villa, West Ham and Brentford.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup gamesIt is only slightly worse than the 13 goals conceded by Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.He has also gained plenty of international experience having earned 43 caps for the Ukraine.However, Chelsea will have to compete with Spurs in the race for his signature.It is claimed that the North London side have been”tracking” the defender for some “a while”.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Alisha Lehmann poses with an ALIEN in bizarre Nasa-themed adidas shoot alongside Juventus star boyfriend Douglas Luiz

    ALISHA LEHMANN has posed with an ALIEN in a bizarre Nasa-themed Adidas photoshoot.The Juventus star featured in the promotion alongside boyfriend Douglas Luiz.Alisha Lehmann was involved in a bizarre shoot for AdidasCredit: InstagramShe starred alongside extraterrestrial Lil MayoCredit: InstagramJuventus star Douglas Luiz was also involved in the promoCredit: InstagramHe was more suspicious of the alien than his partnerCredit: InstagramLehmann, 25, swapped the Women’s Super League for the Serie A Women in the summer.She moved to Juventus at the same time Luiz made his transfer from Aston Villa.The couple were both involved in the shoot, which included alien Lil Mayo.The character has a massive following on Instagram of 1.5million followers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe account of the extraterrestrial has the bio “I am alien”.The shoot was done to promote Juventus’ new Nasa-inspired clothing collection.The full video included Lehmann and Luiz among other Juventus stars from the men’s and women’s teams.It showed an astronaut walking around the Allianz Stadium in Turin during which they spot Lil Mayo.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe alien has multiple viral posts on its Instagram account as it travels around planet Earth.This includes a visit to the Church of Scientology in Los Angeles and the Oktoberfest in Germany.Alisha Lehmann poses with an ALIEN in bizarre NASA-themed adidas shoot alongside Juventus star boyfriend Douglas LuizLil Mayo can drive a boatCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has visited the Church of ScientologyCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has visited a 7-ElevenCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has tried human foods such as pizzaCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has also been pictured cruising in a boat in Miami Bay and visiting a 7-Eleven.He posed for pictures with Lehmann in which she kissed it on the cheek.Luiz also had a couple of snaps with the alien but the Brazilian seemed more suspicious of the extraterrestrial.But of course Lil Mayo is not a real alien and is actually an old movie prop created by Alex Martyn.He started the account in order to be able to create his own “spicy memes”.Meanwhile, since Lehman joined Juventus, she has only scored once in nine league outings.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe stunned fans on Halloween as she wore a skin-tight black outfit.Back in July, she suffered a wardrobe malfunction while wearing a see-through white top.Lehmann joined Juventus in the summer from Aston VillaCredit: GettyShe has a huge online followingCredit: instagramShe has over 16m followers on InstagramCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7 More

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    Ruben Amorim reveals reason why Cristiano Ronaldo gave him the nickname ‘the poet’ in revealing first Man Utd interview

    RUBEN AMORIM has lifted the lid on why Cristiano Ronaldo referred to the new Manchester United boss as a “poet”.Amorim arrived at Old Trafford on Monday and met with members of the club’s hierarchy having been named Erik ten Hag’s successor.Ruben Amorim was asked for the backstory behind Ronaldo’s nickname for himCredit: GettyUnited legend Cristiano Ronaldo nicknamed Amorim ‘the poet’Credit: GettyThe 39-year-old gave his first interview as Man Utd manager on Friday.And he’s already been encompassed the club’s folklore, walked the iconic grounds, and even gatecrashed a fan tour of Old Trafford.While Amorim is known for his work ethic, his effective and no-holds-barred communication skills earned him the nickname “poet” from Ronaldo.When asked about it, Amorim told MUTV: “Yeah. But it’s like a funny thing because I like to speak.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Not too much but when I speak, I speak, I think I speak from the heart.”‘I think the people feel that it was something just to have fun.”Amorim is just nine days older than Ronaldo and his playing debut came just months after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined United in 2003.The pair appeared together on multiple occasions for Portugal between 2010 and 2014 before Amorim hung up his boots to embark on a career in the dugout.Most read in FootballAmorim and Ronaldo played for Portugal togetherCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter spells at Casa Pia and Braga, Amorim would join Ronaldo’s boyhood club Sporting Lisbon.In his first full season at the club he led Sporting to their first league title in almost two decades, before adding a second last season as interest from Premier League clubs grew. He leaves the Portuguese giants with a perfect record of 11 wins from 11 league games this season — yet the lure of Old Trafford was too good to turn down.Amorim has vowed to lead United into a new era of no-fear football.He added: “United are the engine of the Premier League. We know that we are the engine of the football.“I’m really honoured to be here. It was my only choice because I feel how big this club is. I will do everything for the team.“I will defend my players if I have to and I will do everything to put this club in the place it belongs. And I believe we are going to succeed.”Amorim is the sixth manager to try and haul United to their feet after the dismal decade since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.He was also nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’ after the young coach spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018. Amorim met Mourinho threw his brother-in-law Antero Henrique – a former Porto communications director who worked with Jose during his ‘Special One’ years at the Estadio do Dragao where he lifted the Champions League in 2004.READ MORE SUN STORIESIronically, Henrique was also targeted by United as a sporting director before switching their attention to Dan Ashworth.But Ashworth should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.” More

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    Man Utd star Marcus Rashford enjoys international break by sitting courtside at NBA game with former team-mate

    MARCUS RASHFORD has made the most of the international break with a trip to watch the NBA.The Manchester United star has been able to rest up after he was not selected for England.Marcus Rashford went to watch an NBA game in New YorkCredit: GettyJalen Brunson spoke to Rashford courtsideCredit: GettyHe wore a very cosy-looking hoodieCredit: ReutersThe Three Lions won their Nations League clash against Greece 3-0 in Athens.Interim boss Lee Carsley’s side now face the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.Rashford, 27, made the journey to the USA to watch the New York Knicks take on the Brooklyn Nets.He was spotted at Madison Square Garden in a full black outfit with a beanie.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe forward also had some jewellery and a colourful fleece hoodie for when the temperature drops.He was joined by close friend Ro-Shaun Williams, who currently plays for Northern Irish side Larne.The pair know each other from coming through the youth ranks at Manchester United together.They were sat near some other notable names such as Hollywood movie star Ben Stiller.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRashford will be hoping to impress new manager Ruben Amorim when he returns to Manchester.The Portuguese boss is the replacement for the sacked Erik ten Hag.Marcus Rashford’s plans to build a dream home on a golf course appear to be stuck in the rough Amorim has been quick at work setting himself up ahead of his first match against Ipswich Town at Portman Road.He has axed Ruud van Nistelrooy from the coaching side despite the Dutchman being undefeated as a caretaker.Rashford has also been handed an olive branch by incoming England manager Thomas Tuchel.We exclusively revealed that the German has spoken to the forward and insisted that he is wanted in the national set-up.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. More

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    Inside the incredible rise of Carlos Baleba who is the latest hidden gem set to become Brighton’s next superstar

    THREE-YEARS-AGO Carlos Baleba was grinding for a professional contract at a football school in Cameroon – now he’s looking like Brighton’s new £150million man. The Cameroonian 20-year-old is the next hidden gem to be unearthed at the Amex as he follows in the footsteps of Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Alexis Mac Allister. Baleba has started eight of Brighton’s first 11 Premier League matchesCredit: GettyCarlos Baleba joined Brighton for £26min the summer at age 19 from LilleCredit: INSTAGRAM @carlos_balebaBaleba often wore football boots that were old, broken or too big when he was growing upCredit: INSTAGRAM @carlos_balebaBaleba announced himself to the world when he came on at half-time in the 2-1 win over Manchester City last time out.He flipped the game on its head, adding oomph and creativity at the base of Brighton’s midfield to stun the likes of Erling Haaland and Phil Foden. Baleba conjured up the winning goal with an exceptional move to Joao Pedro before Matt O’Riley fired home. His 45-minutes overall against Man City was a perfect summary of the all-round great midfielder Baleba is to have in a team. READ MORE FOOTBALLHe has shown he is a player full of drive and dynamism, physical prowess and technical skill. Why he could be worth £150mBaleba has established himself as a key cog in Fabian Hurzeler’s team, starting eight of the first 11 Premier League games under the German boss this season. It would have been nine starts, but a knee injury kept him on the bench during the 2-1 defeat at Liverpool. Baleba joined Brighton for £26m in the summer of 2023 at age 19, a fortnight after Caicedo’s British record £115m Chelsea transfer, having played just 21 times in Ligue 1 for Lille.Most read in SportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCaicedo was also 19 when Brighton signed him for £4m from Independiente del Valle in his homeland. Baleba made 13 appearances for Lille’s B team, before making his first-team debut last September as a substitute in a 1-0 win against Lens.Celtic hero Matt O’Riley spotted as he returns to training at BrightonHis first Ligue 1 start came in January in a goalless draw with Stade Brestois.Paulo Fonseca, current AC Milan coach, and Baleba’s manager at Lille, said at the time: “I think that today Baleba is a player who can be a starter. He represents the future of Lille.” It has taken less time for Baleba to make his mark at the Amex, with him now boasting the third-most combined tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes in the top-flight this season.His per-90 figure for tackles plus interceptions of 5.36 is bettered by only two players with over 400 minutes, Mario Lemina of Wolves and Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United.Another high figure which also stands out is his carrying into the final third.This season, he’s doing that 1.88 times per 90 minutes, the same as Declan Rice and slightly more than Dominik Szoboszlai.Baleba made 19 passes when he came on against Pep Guardiola’s side, failing to complete only one. One of his 18 completions, a pass to Pedro, led to O’Riley’s winner. Of the 98 midfielders to make five or more Prem starts this season, only Rodrigo Bentancur is averaging more interceptions per 90 than Baleba. He also ranks fifth in the league for times winning back possession per 90 minutes.Humble beginnings Baleba was born in Douala, the largest city in Cameroon and where the legendary Samuel Eto’o was born. Growing up wasn’t easy for the Brighton midfielder who often wore football boots that were old, broken or too big. He said: “I lived in a hut made of planks. In front of my door, there were truck tires.” He added: “Everything I was given, I put it on. I didn’t complain.” It’s no surprise that Baleba was nicknamed Diego Maradona during his youth days, due to his technical level and ability to score goals on his own.  He said: “They used to call me Maradona when I was a winger. I used to score a lot of goals from there.“My speciality, my best move was the ‘virgule’ [rolling ball round in a semi-circle]. “I copied it off Ronaldinho. I mastered the technique when I was facing the goal, or by the corner flag.“I did some damage with it. I don’t really do it any more, but I have not forgotten how. And I could still do one, so watch out.“One match as a kid I was running towards goal and the goalkeeper rushed out and crashed into me.“I was hurt and fell, my thigh hurt really bad. I couldn’t run or even walk that well – so they moved me into midfield from the wing.“I felt comfortable there, and had freedom. I could overcome opponents with my technical ability. And once there, I stayed there and never moved away.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBrighton have seen many talented midfielders come through in the last few years – Caicedo, Mac Allister and Yves Bissouma to name a few.Baleba could become the best of the lot and that may mean that he is next in line in the Brighton departure lounge queue. More

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    Fans joke Premier League legend is ‘enjoying himself’ as awkward camera angle creates raunchy optical illusion

    FANS were left joking that Pedro Mendes was “enjoying himself” at The Masters after he was caught in an awkward camera angle.The Premier League legend has been starring for a Rangers team at the Scottish Masters.Pedro Mendes has been playing in the Scottish MastersCredit: xHe was caught in an awkward camera angel momentCredit: xMendes, 45, was one of the former Rangers players who returned to the side for the tournament.He starred for the Glasgow-based side between 2008 and 2010, during which he won the Scottish Premier League.However, an optical illusion caused by an awkward camera angle has gone viral on social media.The former Portugal international was sat on the sidelines while appearing to receive treatment from a physio.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLViewers could not contain themselves as they flocked to social media to comment.One fan posted: “Pedro Mendes enjoying himself at The Masters.”A second joked: “We need community notes on this one.”A third wrote: “Things are heating up at the Masters!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA fourth commented: “Pedro Mendes was a lucky boy at the Masters Aberdeen.”A fifth said: “Pedro Mendes has asked for the Scottish Masters to become a weekly event!”Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersHe played for Tottenham between 2004 and 2006Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe scored two famous goals against Manchester City for PortsmouthCredit: PA:Press AssociationAnother added: “He’s keen on a 38 game season.”Mendes will be better known in England for his stints with Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth.During his time at Pompey he helped the side win the FA Cup in 2008.He also notably scored two wonder goals for the club against Manchester City in 2006.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Former Champions League giants ‘provisionally RELEGATED’ from top flight if they can’t clear £422MILLION debt

    ONCE Champions League giants Lyon have been provisionally relegated from Ligue 1.The French side can’t clear their rising £422MILLION debt and have now been banned from signing players in January.French giants Lyon are reportedly facing relegation unless they improve their financesCredit: AFPFormer Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette captains the Ligue 1 outfitCredit: GettyLyon owner John Textor owns a 45 per cent stake at Prem side Crystal PalaceLyon will lose their top-flight status at the end of the season unless they improve their situation and avoid going into administration.Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor majority owns Lyon through Eagle Football Holdings.He insisted a meeting with France’s National Directorate of Control and Management (DNGC) “went well”, but the watchdog seems to have disagreed.French journalist Romain Molina has also claimed that “all Lyon players are on sale” in a bid to reduce the club’s debts. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLes Gones have been losing money year-on-year and their financial model is based on consistent Champions League qualification. They have not been in Europe’s elite competition since the 2019-20 season, when a side inspired by Memphis Depay and Bruno Guimaraes reached the semi-finals. But if Ligue 1 indeed goes through with their relegation, they’ll be unable to qualify for any European competition until the club’s promoted again.They have also lost control of their payroll as it will be supervised by the DNGC, with many former Premier League stars calling Lyon home. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTheir squad boasts former Palace ace Wilfried Zaha, ex-Man Utd midfielder Nemanja Matic, old West Ham forward Said Benrahma, and former Aston Villa star Jordan Veretout. Ex-Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette also captains the side, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles joining last summer.MAN CITY FINEDThe relegation would mark another hammer blow for French football after Bordeaux were demoted to the fourth tier due to bankruptcy this summer. But that was before former Prem star Andy Carroll joined Bordeaux after being let go by Reading.Carroll is set to divorce from his Towie star wife Billi Mucklow after two turbulent years of marriage.The Eagle Football Group portfolio owns stakes in Lyon, Palace, Botafogo of Brazil, FC Florida, and RWD Molenbeek in Belgium.Former Man Utd star Nemanja Matic now plays for LyonCredit: APAndy Carroll now plays in the French fourth tier with BordeauxCredit: AFPTextor believes that selling players from Botafogo and the 45 per cent stake in Palace could help balance the books for Lyon, as per L’EquipeBut the American business tycoon is eyeing a takeover at Everton after all is said and done.READ MORE SUN STORIESMany clubs in France are struggling off the back of the Covid-19 pandemic and drastically decreasing TV rights revenue.Lyon, who sit fifth in Ligue 1 managed by relative newcomer Pierre Sage, are in the Europa League this season and do have lots of players they could offload. Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Inside Ruben Amorim’s first week as Man Utd boss including sacking a legend, dinner out, meeting fans but NO coaching

    RUBEN AMORIM’s start to life at Manchester United has been eventful, to say the least.Officially, the Portuguese boss, 39, will take control of his first training session next week – when his work permit is expected to have arrived.Ruben Amorim has had an eventful first week as Man Utd bossAmorim’s plane touched down in Manchester on MondayAmorim is greeted by CEO Omar Berrada at United’s training complexThe former Sporting Lisbon manager has not been able to work with his players at Carrington yet.It is understood United do not expect there to be any problems in Amorim obtaining the appropriate paperwork needed to start taking training sessions.However, even though he’s banned from the training pitch he’s certainly been busy in the interim – plotting moves from his base at the five-star Lowry hotel, where Jose Mourinho made his base during his tenure at OId Trafford.This included sacking a club legend, meeting fans on a stadium tour, and dining at a famous Manchester hotspot.Read more Man Utd newsSunSport looks at what Amorim has done so far.Arrives in ManchesterAlthough he is unable to share his methods with his players, he has made use of his time by familiarising himself with his new surroundings.Amorim arrived on Monday, via a private jet from Beja international airport that was the most tracked flight in the world on popular flight tracking site Flightradar24.He soon visited United’s training base and met CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGiven that many of his players are on international duty, those training sessions won’t be missed.Mason Mount and Leny Yoro, who are stepping up their comebacks from injury, were on hand to meet their new gaffer.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourAmorim has already assembled a crack team of six staff members, who will join him on his journey.Assistants Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido, Emanuel Ferro, as well as goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital, sports scientist Paulo Barreira, and analyst will join Eduardo Rosalino.However, there was one crucial decision that had to make regarding his coaching set-up.Sacks Van NistelrooyImmediately, as he soon as he arrived, a decision was made on Ruud Van Nistelrooy.The Dutch legend, a hero for many Manchester United fans, was keeping the Red Devils hot seat warm for Amorim, but he was soon dismissed.He signed off in style – with United winning 3-0 against Leicester City on Sunday.It capped off a decent run for Van Nistelrooy, who had overseen three wins and a draw as caretaker manager.Van Nistelrooy was keen to stay on in a coaching role at United, although Amorim saw it differently.Before he wielded the axe, Amorim told the press about Van Nistelrooy’s future: “About a legend of the club. He did a great job. I have to talk with him tomorrow.Mason Mount meets new boss Amorim at CarringtonClub legend and caretaker manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy was axed by Amorim”Then I will explain everything. I am very clear and I will tell you like it is. Let’s wait until tomorrow.”Posh noshHale village is a popular spot for Manchester United’s footballers.Many live close by and frequent the top eateries in the Cheshire area.One of the most famous is Italian restaurant, Cibo.Erik ten Hag was often seen dining there with his wife during his time in Manchester.And it seems that Amorim also got the same tip.This week, he was seen leaving the posh hotspot with several of his coaching entourage.With pasta dishes costing around £18, and meat dishes between £18-£37 – it would have been a costly bill.It has been reported that Amorim is set to make £6.5million-per-year at Old Trafford in a deal that runs until 2027.Amorim signs autographs outside Hale hotspot CiboCibo was a favourite of Erik Ten Hag’s and is a regular haunt for United starsread more sport featuresStadium tourAfter visiting the training ground and meeting senior staff at the club, Amorim then paid a visit to Old Trafford, itself.He was shown the media room by club staff – joking that it seemed familiar.”This is funny. I’ve watched this room many times,” he said.And in an incredible gesture, he popped in to see the public tour of the historic stadium.The club shared a video in which Amorim joined fans in the dressing room and made sure to give each of them a handshake.He said a couple of words to the fans in which he joked one would be playing and one would be on the bench.Fans hailed the moment on social media, which reminded some of when Jurgen Klopp arrived at Anfield.One posted: “Already more handshakes and hugs than Klopp during his first week in club. We are so clear!”A second commented: “Could be their Klopp if they get their s**t together to be honest.”A third wrote: “What a guy.”On Wednesday, Amorim took a tour of Old Trafford and sat in the media roomUnited’s impressive trophy cabinet was shown off to AmorimAmusingly, Amorim made United fans’ days by joining them on the club tourHis first injury blowBut, it hasn’t been all plain-sailing.When Erik Ten Hag was boss, he fell foul to a dreaded injury curse.And Amorim will be hoping that he will be luckier with the squad he has inherited.However, he was dealt with a huge blow regarding Lisandro Martinez’s fitness.The Argentinian defender had linked up with the international squad for their matches against Paraguay and Peru.But the defender was sent straight back to Manchester after national team medics discovered a “significant hip injury”.It is believed he picked up the issue in the 3-0 win over Leicester on Sunday but flew to join the Argentina squad before it was evaluated.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.Many of Utd’s stars have been absent during training this week on international dutyLisandro Martinez may have given new boss Amorim an injury headacheReports in Argentina claim he felt “discomfort” after a coming together with an opponent.Despite completing 90 minutes, the pain has left him unable to “function normally”.Message to fansAmorim gave in his first interview as Manchester United boss on Friday evening.And he spoke of the ‘connection’ he already feels to the club and his determination to ‘do something special in a special club’.He said : “A lot of people talk about the 3-4-3, 4-3-3 and all that stuff. But when I think as a player or as a team-mate at United, it is not a system of formation.“It’s the character of the players, the way they see the club. So we have to focus on that before everything about how we play, how we press.“The most important thing for me at this moment is to create the principles, the identity and the character that we had in the past.“It’s about the team, that’s the most important thing for me, because if you work as a team, then the talent individually is going to shine.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But if I had to explain the important thing, it is the character, the way we fight, the way we play – we must have an identity.Life as a Manchester United manager has begun for Ruben Amorim. More