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    Micah Richards offered chance to be frontman for football club with ‘big investors’ and pick manager and players

    MICAH RICHARDS has been offered the chance to become the ‘frontman’ for a football club – a role that included picking players and appointing a manager.The former Manchester City and England defender, 36, moved immediately into punditry after retiring from football in 2019.Micah Richards has revealed a club wanted him to become the ‘frontman’ for themCredit: GettyHe has worked for a host of broadcasters including BBC, Sky Sports and CBS Sports – while he is also a Man City ambassador.Over the course of two decades Richards has also developed an extensive portfolio of properties.He owns places in Leeds, Harrogate and Manchester – a venture he has previously stated has been “really good for me”.Now he has opened up about an opportunity that was presented to him to become the face of an unnamed football club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on The Rest Is Football, he said: “I won’t mention the club but a club got in contact with me to basically be the frontman for their club. Big investors.”They wanted me to be the guy who would bring everyone together, pick a coach, pick the players that I wanted.”But what they wanted from it was too much, it was too far from my house. It was never going to work.”Alan Shearer jokingly responded: “What the f*** did they see in you that they thought you could run a football club?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTo which Richards replied: “They needed someone with charisma. Someone who is knowledgeable about the game. Someone that has got contacts.”Before Gary Lineker sarcastically added: “This was obviously Manchester City but in the end you just opted for an ambassadorial role.” Fans ask ‘do they hate him-‘ as Micah Richards gets savaged live on CBS Sports with segment dedicated to his mistakesRichards has admitted in the past that his work ethic is fuelled by regretfully rejecting a lucrative Man City contract.Speaking last year, he said: “You had to have so much English players for the quota.”So Man City offered by £100,000-a-week, five-and-a-half year deal. And I said no.”He then went on to add: “Why do you think I work for every f***ing broadcaster?” More

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    Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been left worried after Ruben Amorim’s latest comments.The incoming Red Devils boss won his final home game in charge of Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.Ruben Amorim’s Sporting Lisbon impressed in their 4-1 win over Manchester CityCredit: ReutersErik ten Hag often claimed that Manchester United could not play like his Ajax sideCredit: AlamyThe Portuguese side outclassed Manchester City in Lisbon as they romped to a 4-1 victory. A hat-trick from Viktor Gyokeres and a strike from Maximiliano Araujo saw the hosts bounce back from an early Phil Foden goal.The result buoyed Manchester United supporters who are increasingly excited over Amorim’s arrival.However, the manager warned fans not to expect the same style of football at Old Trafford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “What I can tell you is that this doesn’t mean anything in particular – don’t take anything from this.”We cannot transport one reality to another.”Manchester United cannot play the way we play, and we will have to adapt.”Amorim’s comments mirrored those of Erik ten Hag during his time in charge of the club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Dutchman was hailed for his style while he was leading Ajax, which saw the club reach a Champions League semi-final.And fans flocked to social media to beg Amorim not to fall into the same trap as his predecessor.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter 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.One posted: “Bro no please not you as well.”A second wrote: “Erik said this and got cooked for it.”A third commented: “Oh no. Please don’t be like Erik.”A fourth said: “Jesus Christ not again.”A fifth declared: “Please not again… dealt with three years of Ten Hag ‘We cannot play this way’.”Another added: “That’s what Ten Hag said about Ajax.”In 2023, Ten Hag admitted that Man United would never play the same style as his Ajax side.He said: “Never. We will never play that football. Because those were different players.”This is also not why I came here. We are playing different football than I showed at Ajax because I have to, because I can’t play the same way.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe home crowd unveiled a banner to commemorate Amorim and the two league titles he won in Lisbon before kick-off.After the victory over City, Amorim was given a guard of honour by his players and staff.What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More

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    Ruben Amorim reveals when Viktor Gyokeres will leave Sporting Lisbon as new Man Utd boss drops major transfer update

    NEW Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has dropped a major hint about Viktor Gyokeres’ future at Sporting Lisbon.Reports have suggested that the former Championship star, now one of the most-sought after strikers in Europe, could follow Amorim to Old Trafford.Viktor Gyokeres continued his fine goalscoring streak in Sporting’s 4-1 win over Man CityRuben Amorim then dropped a hint over the Swedish international’s future at the clubThe Swedish forward, 26, scored a second half hat-trick as Sporting thrashed Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League, as Erling Haaland, who missed a penalty at 3-1, had to settle for second place in the battle of the strikers.It brings his goal tally to 23 in 17 games for the season and 66 in 67 since arriving in Portugal from Coventry for around £20million last year.Amorim, 39, is set to bring most of his young coaching staff when he starts life at Carrington on November 11.But with United in dire need of a 25-plus goalscoring striker, it remains to be seen whether Gyokeres will come along too.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut Amorim has broken his silence on the matter and revealed that he expects Gyokeres to leave Sporting in the near future.He told Portuguese outlet A Bola: “If I start joking about this Gyokeres situation I’ll get in trouble.”This is my city, this is my country, so I’ll respect it. “Viktor has to stay until the end of the season and then his life will probably go somewhere else.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThough a January move appears to be off the table, Amorim appeared to hint that he could launch a summer move for Gyokeres.Earlier in the night, United legend Rio Ferdinand tipped Gyokeres to follow Amorim to United.Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City United don’t want to get into the territory of bringing in a mass influx of players from a new manager’s former club, after the chaos caused by signing six former Ajax players who starred under Erik ten Hag in Holland. Ferdinand said: “The recruitment teams in all the clubs in the Prem must be scratching their heads about how they let him get away.”He hasn’t had a conventional route, his route to the top hasn’t been straightforward.”He has had a journey where he has had to build himself and create what he is now.”Gyokeres has an £85million release clause in his contract, which expires in June 2028.But according to Sky Germany, that will be reduced at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Sweden international’s market value is steadily increasing, with it thought to be around £70million.Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are among the other clubs interested.Gyokeres scored 38 goals in 91 appearances for Coventry More

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    in Motorsport

    MotoGP 2024 final moved to new track at last-minute after devastating floods in Valencia

    THE MOTOGP 2024 final has been moved to a different track after the devastating floods in Valencia.The event was set to take place in Valencia, but a last-minute change was made due to the flooding in the region.The MotoGP final will be staged at the Circuit de Barcelona-CatalunyCredit: GettyFlooding destroyed the track in ValenciaCredit: XThe final Grand Prix of the season will not be raced at the Circuit de Barcelona-Cataluny in Barcelona, Spain.MotoGP confirmed the change as the association claimed it was “owed” to the fans for the race to go ahead. A statement read: “MotoGP can now confirm the 2024 curtain closer will be held in Barcelona.”We will return to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where the World Championship will be decided, on the original dates of the season finale: the 15th to the 17th of November.READ MORE IN SPORT”The Grand Prix will be held in solidarity with the Community of Valencia. “The event was previously set to take place in Valencia before the devastating flooding that has impacted the region so heavily.”Being the last Grand Prix of the season, the sporting context the Championship is in, and the positive impact the event has, we owe it to our fans, our paddock, the sport, and Valencia to hold the event.”The association insisted that the race will be “for” Valencia rather than in the region.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt added: “Instead of racing in Valencia, MotoGP will race for Valencia. For all those affected, and the entire Community of Valencia.”MotoGP made the request to the authorities to race in Barcelona as it was the best possible choice.BREAKING- MotoGP star rushed to hospital by air ambulance after terrifying crash with rival as 120mph collision is investigated”The track is the easiest option for fans who were already planning to attend the MotoGP season finale.”The location and circuit are also the most efficient choice, providing a close to seamless alternative for personnel and logistics.”The event will be organised by MotoGP™ and we remain committed to our mission to have a positive impact on people, place and planet wherever we race.”In this case, racing near the Community of Valencia will also allow the paddock to put that into action even more directly.”The final will take place on the weekend of November 15.Jorge Martin is currently leading the standings heading into the final.The Prima Pramac Racing star has amassed 485 points but is only leading Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia by 461.MotoGP standingsHere is a look at the standings of the MotoGP Championship…J. Martin – 485ptsF. Bagnaia – 461ptsM. Marquez – 369ptsE. Bastianini – 368ptsP. Acosta – 209ptsB. Binder – 206ptsM. Viñales – 189ptsF. Di Giannantonio – 165ptsF. Morbidelli – 161ptsA. Marquez – 155ptsA. Espargaro – 146ptsM. Bezzecchi – 144ptsF. Quartararo – 108ptsJ. Miller – 84ptsM. Oliveira – 71ptsR. Fernandez – 66ptsJ. Zarco – 53ptsA. Rins – 31ptsT. Nakagami – 31ptsA. Fernandez – 27ptsJ. Mir – 21ptsL. Marini – 14ptsP. Espargaro – 12ptsD. Pedrosa – 7ptsS. Bradl – 2ptsR. Gardner – 0ptsA. Iannone – 0ptsL. Savadori – 0pts More

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    Howard Webb officially confirms VAR decision that ‘got Ten Hag sacked’ by Man Utd was wrong

    REFS’ chief Howard Webb has conceded the penalty decision that sealed Erik ten Hag’s fate at Manchester United WAS wrong.When United played at West Ham on October 27, VAR Michael Oliver recommended that match referee David Coote go to the monitor after Hammers striker Danny Ings went down in the box following an 87th-minute skirmish with Matthijs de Ligt.Howard Webb has admitted penalty should not have been given for the challenge on IngsCredit: RexThe decision contributed to Ten Hag’s sackingCredit: GettyWest Ham were not appealing for a penalty but to the disbelief of De Ligt and his team-mates, Coote reversed his decision and pointed to the spot.Jarrod Bowen smashed home the penalty, sending United plunging to their fourth Prem defeat of the season and Ten Hag was sacked the next morning.Now it has emerged that PGMOL chief Webb accepted Oliver should not have intervened and urged Coote to overturn his decision.And the Prem’s Key Match Incident panel — made up of former players, managers and referees — are also believed to have determined the final decision was an error and the initial call should have stood.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe revelation will add fuel to Ten Hag’s fire after he was left furious by the crucial incident, suggesting it was the second shocker his side had suffered this season.Ten Hag also referred to Bruno Fernandes’ red card during the 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham in September — which was overturned by the FA on appeal — as a critical call that wrongly went against his United team.However, Ten Hag did not mention Lisandro Martinez’s two-footed tackle in the goalless draw at Crystal Palace the previous weekend.Many experts suggested that the defender should have been dismissed rather than merely booked.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEven so, Webb’s admission, which is expected to be made public in a week during the next edition of the monthly Mic’d Up refereeing review show, will only serve to justify Ten Hag’s feeling that he was the victim of poor calls which ultimately cost him his job.Particularly after the Premier League claimed sufficient contact was made on Ings.’Ruben Amorim feels like Erik ten Hag all over again – Man Utd missed out on the perfect coach who’s done it already’ says Paul Scholes A statement after the match said: “The referee did not award a penalty to West Ham for a challenge by De Ligt on Ings.”The VAR deemed there was sufficient contact on Ings’ lower leg and recommended an on-field review.”The referee overturned his original decision and awarded a penalty.” More

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    How key Man Utd figure let Viktor Gyokeres go for just £1m before Sporting star became Europe’s most in-demand striker

    VIKTOR GYOKERES has gone from an unwanted £1million man to the most sought-after striker in European football.The Swedish forward, 26, scored a hat-trick as Sporting Lisbon thrashed Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League.Viktor Gyokeres has already scored 23 goals this seasonCredit: AlamyIt brings his goal tally to 23 in 17 games for the season and 66 in 67 since arriving in Portugal from Coventry for around £20million last year.Gyokeres’ Sporting manager Ruben Amorim is preparing to leave for Manchester United after being announced as Erik ten Hag’s successor.Amorim, 39, will begin his reign at Old Trafford on November 11 – with Gyokeres being heavily linked with joining him in Manchester.But it was a Man Utd chief who was a key figure in selling the striker for just £1m three years ago.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDan Ashworth, now the Red Devils’ sporting director, sanctioned a deal for Gyokeres to leave Brighton and join Coventry for the tiny sum back in 2021.He played just eight games for the Seagulls and scored only one goal.After a loan spell with Coventry, Gyokeres joined them permanently for the seven-figure fee and went on to score 40 times in 97 games.His goals fired the Championship side to the play-off final which they lost to Luton.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut his impressive form attracted interest from Sporting – who have now seen him become one of the best attackers in Europe.It is estimated Man Utd will have to pay in the region of £85m if they are to bring him to Old Trafford.Watch Ruben Amorim celebrate with guard of honour as Sporting Lisbon boss narrowly avoids nasty bumps accidentAnd Amorim has already ruled out a move for him in the January window.He said: “Gyokeres is a Sporting player, which is a great club, he did a lot for it, he was in the second division.”He just has to stay and finish the season at Marques.”Meanwhile, Gyokeres also recently responded to being linked with Man Utd.He said: “I don’t know, I’m here. I really like being here, it’s not something I think about. I’m enjoying it here.”Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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    Sir Alex Ferguson turns up at Champions League clash despite supporting hosts’ fierce rivals

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON was spotted at Celtic Park on a Champions League night despite being a boyhood fan of Rangers.The legendary manager was snapped in the seats as Celtic pulled off a stunning victory over RB Leipzig.Sir Alex Ferguson was at Celtic Park to watch Celtic beat RB LeipzigCredit: Kenny RamsayCeltic pulled off a brilliant victory against their German rivalsCredit: GettyFerguson, 82, looked smiley as Brendan Rodger’s side pulled off a 3-1 victory over their German foes.The former Manchester United manager was a boyhood fan of Celtic’s fierce rivals, Rangers.He was even made the most expensive player in Scotland when the club signed him back in 1967.However, his time at the club was marred by sectarianism.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhen asked if he had married his wife Cathy in a catholic church by a Rangers director, he said that it was a registry office instead.Ferguson has admitted that he is still annoyed about the moment and should have told the director to “bugger off”.While he is still fond of the Rangers, he only supports the club when they play against the Celtics.He told the Belfast Telegraph: “The only time I really support Rangers is when they play Celtic.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The big one. Jason [Ferguson’s son] is a Celtic fan. I love phoning him up when Rangers have beaten them.”Christoph Baumgartner had given Leipzig the lead at Celtic Park before the hosts fought back.Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noWhat Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.”Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn fired a brace in for Celtic before Reo Hatate netted the killer blow in the 72nd minute.Manager Rogders’ hailed the result as a “great night for the club”.He said:”The result, the performance, the energy in the stadium.”The supporters will go away feeling really good about their team.”But we played our way in to the game, showed a maturity to get the ball working again and then we get the goal.”Over the course of the game I thought we were really dominant, both in our pressing of the game and our hunger for the second goal.”We got that and then I thought in the second half we managed the game really well.”Meanwhile, Fergsuon has kept himself busy in retirement and has been attending plenty of football matches.READ MORE SUN STORIESJust last week he was spotted sitting next to former England cricketer Michael Vaughan during Man United’s Carabao Cup win over Leicester City.And on the weekend he was seen leaving Sir Jim Ratcliffe in hysterics at Old Trafford for the Premier League draw versus Chelsea.Sir Jim Ratcliffe encountered Ferguson at Old TraffordCredit: PA More

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    Man Utd post Ruben Amorim announcement after Sporting hammer Man City as Red Devils hailed for ‘incredible s***housery’

    MANCHESTER UNITED were hailed for “incredible s***housery” after a social media post following Manchester City’s Champions League defeat.The Citizens were humbled 4-1 in Portugal by Sporting Lisbon as Pep Guardiola was outdone by Ruben Amorim.Ruben Amorim will join Man United as manager later this monthCredit: EPAThe club reshared their announcement of Amorim after he beat Man CityThe Sporting boss will take charge of Man City’s cross-city rivals Man United on November 11.The Red Devils posted an announcement of the Portuguese coach on November 1 at 12pm.However, after Man City’s loss, the club’s social media account reposted the announcement to rub salt in the wounds of their rivals.This led to fans praising the club for its “s***housery” as they reacted.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSOne posted: “Excellent s***housery from the Man United admin.”A second commented: “The United account retweeting this back on the timeline LMAOOOO.”A third wrote: “Hahaha Man United reposted it after last night’s game.”A fourth said: “Give the admin a raise.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Just sensational s***housery from Manchester United right here haha.”The home crowd unveiled a banner to commemorate Amorim and the two league titles he won in Lisbon before kick-off.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter Phil Foden had given the visitors an early lead in the match before it all went wrong.Viktor Gyokeres fired in his first of the night to level the match in the 38th minute.Maximiliano Araujo then powered Sporting into the lead just 40 seconds after the halftime break.Gyokeres then netted penalties either side of an Erling Haaland failure from the spot to wrap up the result.After the result, Amorim was given a guard of honour by his players and staff.It was his last home game in charge of the club before he leaves for Manchester.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More