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    Sarina Wiegman hoping for ‘headaches and big decisions’ from return of England stars Hemp, Greenwood and Stanway

    SARINA WIEGMAN hopes to have an England selection headache from Lauren Hemp, Georgia Stanway and Alex Greenwood returning to fitness.The Lioness boss, 55, reckons Hemp has built enough credit to be in contention despite the forward yet to play a full 90 minutes this year. Georgia Stanway has given England a huge fitness boost two months before the Euros with her recovery from a knee ligament issueCredit: AlamyLauren Hemp has been named in Sarina Wiegman England’s squad for the first time this year following her return to match action for Man City in AprilCredit: GettyHemp’s City team-mate and skipper Alex Greenwood is also back in the Lionesses’ squad ahead of their Nations League games against Spain and PortugalCredit: ReutersThe squad returns of Hemp, 24, Stanway, 26, and Greenwood, 31, comes at a pivotal time with the start of England’s Euros title defence less than two months away. Before then the team will take on Portugal in the Nations League at Wembley on May 30. And they also face a stern test against World Cup holders Spain in Barcelona on June 3. Wiegman’s fit again trio had contended with knee injuries with Hemp and defender Greenwood making their returns to match action for Manchester City earlier this month. Read More Football StoriesBayern Munich midfielder Stanway is the only member of the three yet to return to club duty since recovering from a lateral ligament tear sustained in January. Wiegman said: “Georgia is in training. She still needs to build. “What we know is she can come into camp and continue building with us.”Hopefully towards the Euros she can be healthy and can handle the training loads to recover. Most read in Football”She has to be healthy and recover from training sessions then we can see where she’s at. “She has to be performing at the highest level – at her highest level – to compete for the position just like everyone else.”Hemp’s squad return comes 16 days after her first game for Man City this year. The 61-capped Lioness played in a competitive game for the first time this year on April 27 with a cameo appearance in City’s 1-0 defeat of Leicester. While Hemp did not play a full match  for City in the second half of the season, she could potentially be in line for game time at the World Sevens tournament if selected to play. Man City are one of two WSL sides competing in the seven-a-side contest taking place in Estoril, Portugal from May 21-23. On whether it is a concerned that Hemp has so far not played a 90-minute this year, Wiegman added: “Of course it is.”But we still have two months – almost. We have to keep building on that and manage it well to keep them fit. “We want to keep building and see what she is able to do. “She has to perform at her highest level too, but she has shown so many things before her injury that she has built some credit.”When everyone is fit we have big decisions to make because we have many options up front and within the team in other lines we have options too. “I hope everyone does really well and it’s really nice to have this opportunity to train before the Nations League. “I hope I’ll get a lot of headaches because that means everyone is performing at the highest level and we’ll have decisions to make.”Wiegman, 55, is waiting to see how far Lauren James, 23, can go in her fitness race, before the Euros with the forward battling to recover from injury. I know Lauren is absolutely working really hard to get there. Let’s see how far she gets.Sarina Wiegman on Lauren JamesIn their upcoming clashes with Portugal and Spain the team will be without the services of James who was among England’s standout performers at the 2023 World Cup. The Chelsea star came off during England’s 5-0 Nations League trouncing of Belgium due to a hamstring concern. Wiegman said: “She’s a special player who has moments in the game where she can be decisive. “Let’s see how far she gets and what she can bring us. I know she’s absolutely working really hard to get there.”Wiegman’s latest squad selection has included Arsenal’s Michelle Agyemang, 19, keeping her place and a first senior call-up for Tottenham defender Ella Morris.Agyemang’s return follows her netting a stunning goal on her senior international debut volleying home during the Lionesses’ 3-2 away loss to BelgiumWhile the England boss hopes the striker can become a little bit calmer in duels, she believes Agyemang has much potential. Wiegman said: “Michelle is a very high-potential talent. “She is very powerful and as we have seen, she can score goals. Michelle Agyemang has retained her England spot after impressing on her senior international debut and on loan at Brighton from Arsenal this seasonCredit: Reuters”In duels she needs to calm down a little and we’ve spoken about that already. Read More on The Sun”Hopefully she can manage a bit when we play in the duels. “You don’t want to almost destroy your opponent.”England Women’s Squad GoalkeepersMary Earps (Paris St-Germain), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)DefendersMillie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Ella Morris (Tottenham), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)MidfieldersGrace Clinton (Manchester United), Missy Bo Kearns (Aston Villa), Fran Kirby (Brighton), Jess Park (Manchester City), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)Forwards Michelle Agyemang (Brighton, on loan from Arsenal), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal, on loan from Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Brighton), Alessia Russo (Arsenal) More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 14, given dad’s number and strikes iconic pose as he makes Portugal debut with grandma watching

    CRISTIANO RONALDO JR made his international debut for Portugal’s Under-15s on Tuesday – and wore his dad’s iconic number.The 14-year-old was named on the bench ahead of Portugal’s match against Japan at a youth tournament in Croatia.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr made his Portugal U15s debut on TuesdayCredit: SplashThe teenager wore his dad’s iconic No7Credit: SplashHis grandmother, Maria Dolores, watched on from the sidelinesCredit: SplashAnd he was introduced in the 54th minute with his team leading 3-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Braga forward Rafael Cabral.Ronaldo Jr was given the No7 shirt for the occasion – the number his dad has worn throughout his incredible career.And he was even pictured striking a pose very similar to his dad’s signature free kick stance during the warm-up.Maria Dolores, the teenager’s grandmother and Cristiano Ronaldo’s mother, was there to watch from the sidelines.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe was seen wearing her son’s iconic 2010 World Cup shirt before the match.Ronaldo Jr is also set to face Greece and England in the Vlatko Markovic tournament.The young Al-Nassr academy star earned his first call-up to Portugal’s U15s last week.His dad posted confirmation of the news on social media with a touching message that read: “Proud of you, son.”Most read in FootballRonaldo Jr currently plays in Al-Nassr’s youth ranks having followed his dad to Saudi Arabia over two years ago.The youngster has also represented youth teams at Juventus and Manchester United. Cristiano Ronaldo appears to argue with himself as he fights back tears after Al-Nassr cup KOThree years ago, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo revealed that his son was determined to play alongside him one day.He said: “My son tells me: dad, hold on a few more years, I want to play with you!”Ronaldo Jr was pictured in a similar stance to his dad’s iconic free kick poseCredit: SplashRonaldo Jr is following in the footsteps of his dadCredit: Getty More

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    How Europa League winners have fared in Champions League in last decade as Man Utd and Spurs battle for ultimate prize

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham will face off in the Europa League final next week in a battle for a place amongst Europe’s elite.The winner will earn a spot in next season’s Champions League, a reward that is potentially worth in excess of £100MILLION. Manchester United are preparing to take on Tottenham in the Europa League finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSpurs are hoping to end a 17-year wait for a trophyCredit: GettyMuch has been made about whether that prize is suitable or not, given that United and Spurs currently occupy 16th and 17th spot in the Premier League – but Uefa aren’t changing their rules for the two underachievers.Qualification would mean a huge amount to both clubs, with the lure of the Champions League meaning more top talent could be enticed to join in the summer – not to mention a huge boost to their transfer kitty.For Spurs, the money would be the cherry on top of the giant cake that is ending their 17-year wait for a trophy.While United almost NEED to win the competition given their current financial situation, with a defeat meaning a huge loss in potential revenue amid a slew of cost-cutting measure by Sir Jim Racliffe and his Ineos team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnce getting to the Champions League, advancing to the very end could earn up to a potential £95m extra for the eventual winner – but United and Spurs will be aware that their chances of going all the way are slim.In fact, of the eight different teams that have gained qualification into the Champions League by winning the Europa League over the last 10 years, just ONE has made it to the semi-finals.That was Villarreal, who were knocked out of the tournament by eventual winners Liverpool.Man Utd entered the competition thanks to their 2017 Europa League success under Jose Mourinho, only to lose to Sevilla in the Round of 16.Most read in FootballMan Utd won the Europa League in 2017Credit: Getty Images – GettyChelsea earned a Champions League spot with their 2019 Europa League successCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Chelsea did the same in 2019 and were kicked out by Bayern Munich in the last 16 too.United and Chelsea are two of six teams that reached the last 16 after qualifying through the Europa League.’I’d dive head first through a brick wall for him’ – Ange Postecoglou’s rallying speech reduces Tottenham fans to tearsWhile Sevilla have twice failed to advance through the group stages and Atalanta were knocked out of this year’s competition in the qualifying knockout round.Although it makes for bleak reading for Man Utd and Spurs fans, it’s worth noting that the lure – and cash injection – of playing in the Champions League has helped teams who qualified through the Europa League attract big players.It was United’s entry to the 2017/18 competition that helped them sign Romelu Lukaku, Nemanja Matic and Victor Lindelof in the following summer.Chelsea were unable to purchase players following their success as they were hit with a transfer ban following academy player rule breaches.Either way, the prize waiting for the winner of next week’s ‘Hell Clasico’ is something which cannot be underestimated and could have a huge impact on either club for years to come. More

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    Dan Ashworth lands new high-profile job seven months after disastrous Man Utd spell

    DAN ASHWORTH has landed a big new job after a disaster spell at Manchester United. Ashworth, 54, arrived at Old Trafford to great fanfare in the summer of 2024 to work alongside Erik ten Hag. Dan Ashworth had a torrid tenure at Old TraffordCredit: PAAshworth played a key role in United’s summer recruitment along with former manager Erik ten HagUnited had put in plenty of work to get him out of his role at Newcastle United, in the hope that the Englishman could revolutionise their recruitment strategy. However, things did not work out for United or Ashworth, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th in the Premier League table, and Ashworth leaving the club in December. The Englishman had been in his role for just five months. However, it seems as though he is set for a return to familiar surroundings. Read more FootballHe is lined up for a new role at the Football Association, leading the football side of the operation, according to reports. It means a return to the governing body for Ashworth, who was there from 2012 to 2018 as the director of elite development. He then moved to Brighton and Hove Albion as technical director, before Newcastle snapped him up as director of football in 2022. He was appointed at United in July last year, but had his contract terminated in December, reportedly costing the club £4.1 million, according to their quarterly accounts. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt was reported that the reasoning behind Ashworth’s premature departure from United came as a result of disagreements with fellow board members. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the United co-owner, was apparently crucial in the decision to relieve Ashworth of his duties, along with CEO Omar Berrada, who Ashworth reported to. Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!In his tenure at United, Ashworth oversaw another mass incoming of players to Old Trafford. He brought in players familiar to Ten Hag, the manager at the time, bringing in Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, who had played under ten Hag at Ajax.The Red Devils also signed Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, and Leny Yoro in a summer spending spree that eclipsed £200 million. More

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    Iconic F1 race ‘could disappear off the calendar’ after 2024 fiasco left city ‘like a ghost town’

    A STAPLE Grand Prix could be struck off the calendar with talks coming to a “standstill”, according to reports.The race has been a part of the Formula One schedule since 1961 and has been almost ever-present in the calendar ever since.The Grand Prix’s place in the F1 calendar is under threatMax Verstappen topped the podium in last year’s eventThe 2025 rendition is set to happen in June this year, marking the 60th anniversary of the event. The race in question is the Canadian Grand Prix, with F1 bosses to determine the event’s future following this year’s Montreal meet. The iconic race is held at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, but French outlet Le Journal has reported that the Canadian GP is under pressure to prove its worth to the F1 calendar. The race’s contract with F1 is due to run out in 2031.Read more Formula OneJacques Villeneuve, the former Canadian driver, said that Montreal felt like a “ghost town” the day after the Grand Prix in 2024.He said: “Last year, the day after the race, Montreal felt like a ghost town.“There were issues with traffic. It was like the government didn’t want the race there. “It was awful; nobody was there. It felt like an abandoned city. It was the oddest thing. It was very disappointing and embarrassing as well. So, May might be a much better time for everyone.”Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt is rumoured that plenty of other tracks are in the running to replace the event in the schedule, should F1 bosses look to pivot away from north America.The Dutch Grand Prix is one race that will be off the calendar from next year, with 2026 marking its final event. Lewis Hamilton fumes ‘have a tea break while you’re at it’ at Ferrari staff and refuses to apologise in Miami GP bust-upSpa, Imola, and Barcelona are also reportedly being assessed, with a street race in Madrid to be introduced next year.It is thought that countries outside of Europe are putting together strong cases to be considered, with South Africa and Rwanda pushing for racing’s elite to grace Africa. Thailand and Argentina are also making convincing cases to host a Grand Prix event. More

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    Dream Team bosses rapidly ditching several elite performers as season nears conclusion

    DREAM TEAM managers are ditching some of the game’s most popular stars ahead of Gameweek 36.At the time of writing, Alexander Isak (£5.7m), Mohamed Salah (£6.8m) and Bukayo Saka (£6m) are the three most transferred-out players this week.Isak’s ownership is decreasing as the Gameweek 36 deadline nearsCredit: Dream TeamThese are seismic transfers as all are among the most successful assets in the game.Salah is the outright best performer this season with a whopping 489 points to his name while Isak ranks fourth overall having amassed 336 points.Saka missed three months of the campaign with a hamstring injury but still ranks ninth among midfielders – only Bruno Fernandes (£7m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£4.6m) average more points-per-game in his position.Needless to say, no gaffer should replace players of this pedigree without good reason.On the beach?Credit: GettyNeither Liverpool, Newcastle nor Arsenal are among the select group of teams with two fixtures to fulfil this coming Gameweek and so it’s stands to reason that some Dream Team bosses are turning their backs on the aforementioned names in order to recruit the likes of Eberechi Eze (£5.1m), Erling Haaland (£7.8m), Fernandes and other assets in line to pull double duty.The Magpies are due to visit the Emirates this Sunday in what is undeniably a tricky match-up on paper, hence why their Swedish striker is losing popularity.However, it’s worth remembering that Isak has already scored two goals against the Gunners this season, one in the league and another in the Carabao Cup.The fact Sunday’s headline fixtures pits second against third is clearly a factor in Saka’s declining ownership too but gaffers following this path may be guilty of short-sightedness.Most read in FootballArsenal’s No7 may have a difficult fixture in Gameweek 36 but he’s due to finish the season with a trip to Southampton in Gameweek 37.Saka could feast against Southampton in Gameweek 37Credit: GettySaints held Manchester City to a 0-0 draw last time out but the broader picture is a bleak one; Saints have mustered just 12 points to date having lost the most games and conceded the most goals.Most right-minded Dream Team bosses will fancy Saka to bank his fair share of points at St Mary’s on the final day of the league campaign.It’s perfectly feasible to ditch the England winger for Gameweek 36 and bring him back in for Gameweek 37 but such a ploy would mean using two of the very few transfers remaining to play hokey-cokey with a single player, limiting strategic options elsewhere.In short, it’s probably worth sticking by Saka for the Newcastle game with a view to targeting the away day to Southampton, thereby saving precious transfers better used on other individuals.Can Salah reach 500 points before the season ends?Credit: ReutersAs for Salah, he may be easier to let go despite his hugely impressive record of 33 goals and 23 assists in 2024/25.Truth be told, the Egyptian superstar has slacked off in recent weeks.A goal at home to Spurs and an assist against West Ham are his only goal involvements since mid-March, over a period of nine games.With Liverpool’s Premier League triumph confirmed, Salah and company are in party mode – the squad have flown to Dubai for some rest and relaxation ahead of Monday night’s game against Brighton.The prolific 32-year-old obviously has the capacity to punish gaffers who ditch him but replacing him with a more motivated alternative with an additional fixture is a justifiable decision.Read More on The SunIsak has had success against Arsenal in recent meetingsCredit: GettyIt will be interesting to see how the final two Gameweeks of the season play out now that a sizeable chunk of gaffers have decided to get rid of the game’s most notable players.Removing Isak, Salah and Saka might work out but all three have the ability to make their doubters look very foolish.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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    Tottenham set to take part in touching 98-year-old tradition at Europa League final – but Man Utd won’t

    TOTTENHAM are set to take part in a tradition ahead of the Europa League final – but Manchester United will not.The two English sides meet on May 21 at the San Mames Stadium, which is the home of Spanish side Athletic Bilbao.Spurs and Man Utd meet in the Europa League finalCredit: AlamyTottenham are set to take part in a 98-year-old traditionCredit: GettyTheir stadium opened in 2013 after the old ground on an adjacent plot was demolished.But a tradition has remained for 98 years to honour club icon Rafael Moreno Aranzadi, better known as Pichichi.The legendary striker, who played for them in the early 1900s, suddenly passed away aged 29 from typhus.To pay respect to Pichichi, every team who plays at the San Mames for the first time leaves a bunch of flowers in homage ahead of kick-off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHungarian side MTK Budapest were the first to make the gesture in 1927.Spurs have never played Athletic Bilbao at their home, only facing them twice in friendlies at different locations.Therefore, Tottenham are set to lay flowers by a bust in a special area by the players’ tunnel to commemorate Pichichi.Before the stadium was modernised, clubs would put their flowers by the statue of the legend outside the ground. Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMan Utd will not have to visit the florist ahead of the Europa League final as they have been to the San Mames before.The Red Devils played at the old stadium in 1957 and 2012.Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!And they were at the new ground earlier this month as they knocked out Athletic Bilbao in this year’s semi-final.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordCaptains of clubs leave flowers at the side of the pitch before playing at the San Mames for the first timeCredit: Getty More

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    Incredible XI of Man Utd misfits and deadwood that would still beat Ruben Amorim’s flops on current form

    MANCHESTER UNITED are enduring their worst domestic campaign in the modern history of the club.But while their squad of strugglers are languishing in 16th in the Premier League, there’s a squad’s worth of stars shining elsewhere.Manchester United are enduring their worst domestic campaign of modern timesCredit: EPAIn recent seasons it’s felt like the key to success for Man Utd players has been leaving Man Utd, with so many stars who have exited Old Trafford going on to impress elsewhere.Aaron Wan-Bissaka showed what a United farewell can do for you on Sunday when he played a huge role in both goals against his former club as West Ham leapfrogged the Red Devils with a 2-0 victory.And he’s not the only one who has been excelling elsewhere.In fact, you could make an entire starting XI of players who have swapped Man Utd for greener pastures.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCrystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson left Man Utd in search of first team minutes in 2023, now he’s the Eagle’s first choice goalkeeper and about to play in an FA Cup final.Meanwhile United have been riddled with issues in between the sticks as Andre Onana continues to struggle since his £47m arrival from Inter Milan.At full-back, the misfit XI could boast West Ham’s Player of the Season Wan Bissaka and January exit Tyrell Malacia.Malacia joined PSV on loan in the winter window and has jumped from a 16th place United team to a side in a title race, with Eindhoven just one point behind league leaders Ajax in the Eredivisie. Most read in FootballAaron Wan-Bissaka has impressed with West Ham since leaving Man UtdCredit: AFPAmorim and Ratcliffe’s reputations have been minced by a rotten, stinking Man UtdSunSport’s Dave Kidd has his say on the dire situation at Manchester United…THEY brought in the second-richest man in Great Britain and the hottest young coach in Europe.And yet, as the fans mourned the 20th anniversary of the Glazer family’s takeover yesterday, Manchester United are worse than ever.This ruthlessly brilliant businessman, this local-boy-made-good, was going to lead the Red Devils back to the place he once held in the Forbes Rich List.Now Ratcliffe’s ruthlessness is regarded as hateful penny-pinching, that business acumen has not translated into football — and United are two places above the relegation zone.This rotten, stinking football club minces the reputations of the best of men.As Amorim seems to have realised, according to his extraordinary round of media interviews in the wake of Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat by West Ham…Read the article in full HEREJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordVillarreal centre-back duo Eric Bailly and Willy Kambwala would make up the rest of the back line, with the pair on the brink of earning Champions League football with the La Liga club this season.The heart of the midfield would be occupied by the un-affectionately nicknamed ‘McFred’ – a pair who were mocked during their time at Old Trafford.Harry Maguire gets over Man Utd woes with trip to watch former club in Championship play-off clashNow Brazilian Fred is flying high in the Turkish league at Fenerbahce under the management of Jose Mourinho, where with five league goals this season, he has scored more than United front man Rasmus Hojlund.As for McTominay – he has been a revelation at Napoli under Antonio Conte.Napoli are leading Serie A with two games remaining and McTominay has racked up 11 league goals and four assists at the heart of their midfield.Wingers Antony and Anthony Elanga would offer width in the makeshift XI given their success away from the Theatre of Dreams this season.Elanga has been one of Nottingham Forest’s most important players as they’ve made a push for Champions League football – and he even netted against Man Utd last month.While £82m ‘flop’ Antony is looking a lot closer to matching his price tag with Real Betis in Spain.Since being loaned out in January, a move that many Betis fans are hoping is made permanent, Antony had weighed in with crucial goals as Manuel Pellegrini’s side battle for a place in the Champions League places.Fans even took to the streets begging that the move was made permanent after he helped them reach the Conference Legue final last week.Scott McTominay has been a revelation for NapoliCredit: GettyAntony has excelled at Real BetisCredit: GettyA front two could be made up of two of United’s very own academy products.Marcus Rashford has been a man transformed at Aston Villa – before his hamstring injury – and has made the decision to loan him out look baffling.Rashford has racked up ten goal contributions in 17 appearances for the Villans, doing so in a Champions League quarter-final and huge clashes with Manchester City and Chelsea.Partnering Rashford would be Mason Greenwood, who has reignited his career in France with Marseille.Only Ousmane Dembele has scored more goals than Greenwood in Ligue 1 this season, with the one-time England international finding the back of the net 19 times.While his goals haven’t been in vain either, helping Marseille secure a return to the Champions League next season.Mason Greenwood is Ligue 1’s second top scorer this seasonCredit: AFPMarcus Rashford looked more like his usual self at Aston VillaCredit: RexIt appears that Manchester United have become a vast footballer recycling centre which buys good players and makes them bad, before selling bad players who become good again.Even Ruben Amorim seems to be confused as to why things aren’t clicking for his side, claiming that it’s not the players’ fault.Seemingly threatening to quit if he can’t turn it around, Amorim said: “I don’t want to talk about the players. I’m talking about myself and the culture in the club and the culture in the team. I have that feeling.“We need to change that and we need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave.Read More on The Sun”Because we cannot have a season like this next year. If the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different persons.”So it’s a big problem that we have here at the club. It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to address that.”Ruben Amorim has threatened to quit if things don’t improveCredit: Getty More