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    Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel reveals he’ll sing national anthem on one condition as he prepares to lead out England

    NEW England boss Thomas Tuchel will sing the national anthem — but only after we win a few games.The new German manager revealed yesterday that he will not be belting out God Save The King when he takes charge for the first time at Wembley next week.Thomas Tuchel will sing England’s national anthem when he gets the Three Lions winningCredit: ReutersHarry Kane, Jordan Pickford and Harry Maguire sing the anthemCredit: The TimesTuchel revealed he was proud to receive the royal seal of approval from Prince WilliamCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceBut he promised he will join in with the players when they get a few wins under his leadership, and he has “earned the right”.His revelation comes after England’s then-interim manager Lee Carsley sparked controversy last year by refusing to sing the national anthem.Tuchel, 51, also revealed he was proud to receive the royal seal of approval from Prince William, who told The Sun he is the “best manager for the job” and could even win us the World Cup.As he unveiled his first England squad yesterday, Tuchel joked the heir to the throne had been “pushing hard” for him to include players from his beloved Aston Villa.Read More on SportFA patron William and Tuchel have met twice since the former Chelsea and PSG boss took on the England job, including at Windsor Castle last month.But they did not discuss the national anthem. Tuchel said yes­terday: “I didn’t tell him at this point. “It didn’t come up. Most read in Football“But I made my decision.“I think first of all, you have a very powerful, emotional and meaningful national anthem, and I could not be more proud to be on the sideline and be in charge of the English national team.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-up“It means everything. “It means a lot to me, I can assure you. “But I can feel because it’s that meaningful and it’s that emotional and it’s so powerful the national anthem, that I have to earn my right to sing it.“I feel that it’s not just a given. “You cannot just sing it. “That’s why I decided that I will not sing it in my first matches.”Tuchel will therefore be keeping silent when it is played at a sold-out Wembley Stadium before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Albania on Friday night, and Latvia next Monday.But he said: “I will earn it with results, with building a group, with doing my job properly and by creating a feeling where maybe even you guys say at some point, ‘Now it’s time you sing it, it feels like you proper earn it and you’re a proper English guy now’!“Maybe I have to dive more into the culture and earn my right from you, from the players, from the supporters, so everyone feels like, ‘He should sing it now, he’s one of our own, he’s the English manager, he should sing it’.”Speaking exclusively to The Sun this week, William said the former Bayern Munich manager is the “best person for the job” and winning the World Cup next summer is “definitely possible”.Opening up about their meetings, Tuchel said yesterday he was honoured to get the prince’s backing, adding: “It makes me very proud.”Asked if William’s prediction that a German could end 60 years of hurt “adds pressure”, he said: “Yeah, of course. “The pressure comes with the job, and the pressure is a privilege to be in this role.”He went on: “I met His Royal Highness once during a match and we then had another meeting in Windsor Castle and it was just nothing but impressive the way he speaks and how emotional he supports Aston Villa and of course the national team.Tuchel said: ‘It is so powerful the national anthem that I have to earn my right to sing it’Credit: GettyJordan Henderson has been recalled to the England squadCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford has been called up for dutyCredit: Getty“It’s just so impressive. “It was so nice to speak to him about football. “He has a strong opinion.”Tuchel then joked: “He was pushing hard for the Aston Villa players, which was not needed because we admire them a lot and we admire a lot what is happening there in the club.“But it means a lot and it’s just something very, very special that comes with the role and it’s an honour and a privilege and comes with big responsibility.”Aston Villa stars Ezri Konsa and Morgan Rogers plus Marcus Rashford, currently on loan from Manchester United, all made Tuchel’s first 26-man squad.Rashford’s recall was not the only surprise — as there was also a return for Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson, who last played for England in November 2023.Newcastle defender Dan Burn got his first call-up at the age of 32 while Arsenal starlet Miles Lewis-Skelly, 18, also features for the first time. But Manchester City’s Jack Grealish has been left out.William, FA president for 19 years before stepping down after Euro 2024, recalled consoling the players immediately after their heartbreaking loss to Spain at the final in Berlin. He told The Sun it was “the hardest changing room atmosphere I’ve ever walked into”.After boss Gareth Southgate quit, he hailed his “humility, compassion and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny”.Appointing a foreign replacement sparked criticism for the FA but William told The Sun this week Tuchel was the right candidate.He said: “I understand the debate around having an English manager but, to me, it should be the best person for the job — and Thomas is exactly the right person.Tuchel’s first England match is against Albania next FridayCredit: Reuters“He’s one of the top five managers in the world. “It would be amazing if he could win the World Cup — it’s definitely possible.”The prince also described his love for Aston Villa before watching them beat Club Brugge on Wednesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.He also revealed he goes undercover on online fan forums. And he was praised for his admission that he found the TV blackout on 3pm games on Saturdays “irritating” as he cannot always get to Villa Park.One fan on the Reddit AVFC forum said: “Truly the people’s prince.”Another added: “Nice bit of humility there from him especially as he can’t get to Villa Park easily.“I imagine his entourage is huge. “You know around him are many bodyguards and there’s a reason he’s always at the back.”Another joked: “I wonder what his Reddit handle is.” On fan forum Heroes And Villains, even non-royalists were delighted he was there to see Villa. One, Rob Bridge, said: “Good. Regardless of my preference for an elected head of state it is excellent PR for the club.”And Villa Tim added: “He loves the Villa. “Great to see it and him enjoying himself.”A third — called Brazilian Villain — referred to the club’s glory days when they won the 1982 European Cup. He quipped: “He was born in June 82. “Who else could he choose but the reigning European champions?”Another, Purple Trousers, joked: “I am Prince William.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe prince is planning to travel to France for Villa’s quarter-final first leg against PSG next month.But he is set to miss Tuchel’s first England match next week due to commitments in Estonia, where he will be supporting British troops on Nato’s western frontier.Jack Grealish has been left out of the Three Lions squadCredit: The Times More

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    ‘This is not what we want’ – Thomas Tuchel fires order to Harry Kane and reveals his England ‘expectation’

    HARRY KANE has been ordered to avoid dropping into midfield by  Thomas Tuchel.The Three Lions manager, who signed Kane from Spurs for Bayern Munich in 2023, understands criticism of the striker, who was dropping too deep during Euro 2024.Harry Kane wilL lead the line for Thomas Tuchel’s England in their World Cup qualifiersCredit: GETTYThe Bayern Munich hitman has a tendency to drop deep into midfieldCredit: GETTYThree Lions gaffer Tuchel doesn’t want to see Kane to frequent the midfieldCredit: APThe 31-year-old, who has scored 69 times in 103 appearances for England, has struck 32 times for Bayern this term.Tuchel said: “I know Harry as a top, top professional who does what is asked of him and he does it now with Bayern Munich.“They play with a very high press – they almost man-mark.“I saw him here for England dropping deeper and deeper in his game and this is maybe not exactly what we want with Harry.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Making him drop as a No.9 is not a problem, but it should not be the No.6 position.“Dropping as a No10, turning and shooting from range and delivering from outside the box is not a problem.”But then we need to make sure that around him is enough speed and high position to take advantage of the space.“We have the highest expectations when we bring him in. He is our captain.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“He will maybe never be the most outspoken person, never be the most emotional leader out there on the pitch.“But in the group, we have high expectations he has to live up to.Harry Kane scores incredibly rare German hat-trick in Bayern Munich’s 4-0 win over Stuttgart”And, of course, in terms of intensity in the game, pressing, closing down players, we will not take any exceptions of the rule.”Tuchel also plans to travel to Saudi Arabia to watch Ivan Toney even though he was not selected with Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke getting the nod.The former Brentford striker plays for Al-Ahli and Tuchel said: “We had an Ollie Watkins decision to make because of inflammation of the patella which disturbs him too much and makes no sense to pick him.“So we had the question of do we pick Dominic or Ivan?“ I have much more evidence and more observations live in the matches from Dominic so straight away I made the choice.“It will be important in the coming weeks to actually visit Toney to watch a game there live and watch maybe training live, to get more of a feeling for him. “He was on the list, it was a purely sporting decision for Dominic.”Thomas Tuchel named his first England squad on FridayCredit: REX More

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    Jack Grealish’s refreshingly honest conversation with Thomas Tuchel over England future revealed

    JACK GREALISH has been promised he still has an England future despite not being selected by Thomas Tuchel.The Manchester City midfielder missed out on Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad but returned to the side under interim boss Lee Carsley for the Nations League games last autumn and said it had brought back “enjoyment in an England shirt.”Jack Grealish has often been on the bench for Man City this seasonCredit: PAThomas Tuchel has named his first England squadCredit: GettyYet Grealish, 29, has only started six Premier League games and he is regularly seen out partying in pubs and clubs.Tuchel said: “I love Jack. I love everything about him. I love his personality, I love his quality.“The guy has courage, he can take the heat, he’s not afraid of the Bernabeu whistles when he’s on the ball.“So is he a player that should be available and can have an impact in our squad? Yes, 100 per cent. But lately, he simply has no rhythm and he and I agree 100 per cent with this.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He said ‘listen Thomas, I’m not a start-stop player. It is so hard for me to influence a match from the bench and then be on the bench again, and then two weeks later I start again’.“I’m not judging anyone, not at all, but it’s just a characteristic of Jack. He gets better with every minute.”The more he plays, the better he gets and then he becomes a proper machine.“And he has, of course, a character to him that he can be the glue also in the team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe human tuchENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction.”It’s very easy for youngsters, for experienced players to be attached to him and to be close to him.“But this comes also with responsibility off the pitch and, of course, it’s not ideal that he’s in the newspapers and out there in public.Ben White set for England return as Thomas Tuchel confirms Arsenal star ‘would love to be back’ in squad “We want to have him more calm. No-one wants to have it, but this was not the reason for not picking him.“It was sporting and in his position Anthony Gordon has just more rhythm, more minutes, more intensity and Marcus (Rashford). So these were the two picks ahead of him.” More

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    Newcastle legend gives Eddie Howe blueprint on how to beat Liverpool and finally end 70-year trophy drought

    CHRIS WADDLE has told Newcastle boss Eddie Howe to stick to “bold” Geordie traditions to break the club’s trophyless habit of a lifetime.The Tyneside legend insists all-out attack is the only way to end a painful silverware drought and beat Premier League leaders Liverpool in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.Harvey Barnes, Leo Shahar and Co are gearing up for LiverpoolCredit: GettyEddie Howe has been told to focus on attack against Arne Slot’s menCredit: GettyChris Waddle reckons Toon fans have expectations of exciting footballCredit: RexEx-Toon and England winger star Waddle is urging Howe to order Alexander Isak and Co to get at Arne Slot’s side right from the off at Wembley.If fortune does favour the brave, it will secure Newcastle a first domestic trophy since the FA Cup 70 years ago and a first piece of silverware since the 1969 Fairs Cup triumph.“I’d love to see Newcastle end their hoodoo and I hope they do it with the fearless, exciting attacking style the club is famous for,” Waddle told SunSport.“For me, they need to be bold because Newcastle are always at their best on front foot and when they’ve tried alternative ways which are less exciting it’s not suited them.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“That’s been the case right down the years and when managers have tried to apply the brakes and exercise more caution, more often than not it’s backfired.“So, Newcastle will have to burst out of the blocks and press Liverpool from the off to try to catch them cold, get ahead early and work their socks off to stay there.“And that will get the fans plenty to shout about because that front-foot, high tempo approach is what they want to watch.“The last thing they like to see a Newcastle team park the bus at Wembley because they know the script.Most read in FootballAlexander Isak is rated as the man who could make the differenceCredit: PABEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“They don’t want to see boring football – they’ve traditionally preferred to see a 4-3 and hope and pray for the best. That’s the Newcastle way, whether we like it or not.”Waddle, 64, believes red-hot striker Isak could be the hero who brings back the glory days to Tyneside.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-upHe said: “It will require a massive performance from Newcastle to win but I think Isak could make the difference.“I’ve always liked centre-forwards who can create and make the most of their own goal-scoring opportunities and so I love watching Isak.“He’s shown so many times that he’s capable of picking the ball up 40 yards from goal, going it alone and scoring.“That’s because he’s not only blessed with pace and dribbling ability but he’s got a really positive mindset as well which is why he suits Newcastle so much.“He will always cause opposing defenders problems and that’s why he’s vitally important to Newcastle.“The side is set up to bring the best out of him when it comes to build-up play with wingers with purpose and three adventurous midfielders who are creative and love to get in the box.”But if things do go according to plan and their team’s high-octane start pays off, Waddle reckons the Geordies could end up watching the game unfold through their fingers.He added: “Liverpool will have a bit of a hangover from the PSG game but they’ll know what they need to do.“And they showed how good they are at managing games when they beat Manchester City last month.Kieran Trippier and team-mates hope to stun the Prem leadersCredit: GettyNewcastle must try to launch relentless attacking, says WaddleCredit: Getty“They didn’t go chasing them and played a good tactical game which showed how savvy Arne Slot is.“Everyone expects Liverpool to be on the front foot, attacking everyone and pushing teams back especially at Anfield, but they’ve got other styles of play.“And they’ve got Mo Salah, who seems to be getting better with age because his sense of where to be at the right time and what strings to pull is stronger than ever.“Tino Livramento will have to have one of the best games of his life to make sure he doesn’t do the damage for Liverpool.“It will be a real game of cat-and-mouse because Salah has the licence to roam.“So the Newcastle defence will need to have eyes in their back of their heads and be alert to him as he’ll be a constant menace.”Waddle spent five years at St James’ Park, helping Newcastle win promotion to the old First Division in 1984 alongside future Toon boss Kevin Keegan who is synonymous with near-misses on Tyneside.His side was beaten to the Premier League title by Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United side.And since then they’ve reached the FA Cup final twice and the Carabao Cup Final two years ago and headed back up to the North East empty-handed on each occasion.“Sadly, there’s been decades of under-achievement at Newcastle,” Waddle added.“For the sake of the fans if nothing else I hope things change as they’ve had to have the patience of a saint.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They’ve been treated to exciting players, exhilarating seasons and but they’ve never got over the line despite investing in top individuals.“But that’s why if they beat Liverpool every single member of the team will instantly become Tyneside legends.” More

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    Jamie Carragher’s son, 22, gets first international call up but will not play for England like Liverpool legend dad

    JAMIE CARRAGHER’S son James has been called up by the Malta national football team.James, 22, has been a regular in League One for Wigan this season.Jamie Carragher’s son James has receivedCredit: Instagram @jcarragher31James Carragher has been a regular for Wigan this seasonCredit: GettyThe defender’s former Liverpool legend dad, 47, earned 38 England caps during his playing career.But after being awarded Maltese citizenship last month, James will represent a different country.The Latics star qualifies for Malta via his paternal grandfather.His dad has also been awarded Maltese citizenship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCarragher has been named in boss Emilio De Leo’s squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Finland and Poland.Last month Malta Football Association president Bjorn Vassallo confirmed that conversations had taken place with Carragher.Vassallo said: “We’ve been in talks with James and his father Jamie for the last few months now; he is open to it, but we’re still working on it.”Malta drew 0-0 with Andorra in Ta’ Qali last time out.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCarragher earned 38 England caps during his careerCredit: PA:Empics SportCarragher has played 22 times in League One for Wigan this season.The Liverpool-born defender has split duties between right-back and centre-half.’I could have been tidier’ Jamie Carragher addresses controversial Afcon comments and explains his ‘mistake’Carragher spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Oldham Athletic.He then played 20 times for Inverness Caledonian Thistle during the second half of last season.As well as Malta national team chiefs, Carragher will also be looking to impress his new club manager.The Latics confirmed the appointment of former Plymouth Argyle and Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe earlier this week. More

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    Ex-Newcastle chief behind one of biggest flop transfers faces jail after High Court Judge issues warrant for his arrest

    FORMER Newcastle vice-president Tony Jimenez faces jail over a debt to Mike Ashley after a High Court Judge issued a warrant for his arrest.Jimenez, 62, worked alongside Ashley at St James Park before a spectacular 2008 fall-out over a proposed investment in a golf course in France.Tony Jimenez’s claims over Ashley were called ‘complete fantasy’Credit: AlamyThe former Charlton co-owner was ordered to pay Ashley £3m in 2019 but has yet to pay a penalty – with interest charges and legal bills now taking the money owed to just short of £6m.Jimenez’s claim that Ashley had agreed to pay him £10m was dismissed as “complete fantasy” by the Court with the document put forward on his behalf ruled as a “forgery”.Despite being committed to a 60-day sentence in Wandsworth Prison in 2021, Jimenez – understood to be living in Spain – has refused to surrender to the order.He also claimed – and had medical support for his arguments – that he is suffering from the major neurological complaint Guillan-Barre syndrome, which causes major muscle weakness and jerky movements.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut His Honour Judge Jonathan Klein issued the “bench warrant” for Jimenez’s arrest at a High Court hearing on Friday.Judge Klein said he could “attach no weight” to the claims made about Jimenez’s medical condition.He added he was “not convinced” the defendant would “ever submit” to the court “voluntarily”.Jimenez was credited with bringing in one of Newcastle’s most infamous flops – Spanish striker Xisco.Most read in FootballJimenez’ recruit Xisco only made nine Toon appearances in five yearsCredit: Action Images – ReutersHe was also behind the recruitment of other stars like Jonas Gutierrez, Fabricio Coloccini and Ignacio González.But those dealings were overshadowed by the failure of Xisco following his £6m arrival from Deportivo la Coruna in 2008.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-upThe Under-21 international only played nine games in five years for the Magpies before returning to his home country with Cordoba.Argentina midfielder Gutierrez was Jimenez’s most successful buy, becoming a St James’ Park favourite from 2008-2015. More

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    My pal said ‘sorry about your dad’s dementia’… that was news to me, reveals Dean Windass’ son Josh

    JOSH WINDASS revealed he only found out about his dad’s dementia from a Sheffield Wednesday team-mate while they were in a coffee shop.The attacking midfielder, 31, was oblivious that Hull and Bradford legend Dean Windass had been diagnosed with the condition until Owls defender Max Lowe unwittingly broke the news.Josh Windass reckons his dad being ‘a bit of a nutter’ make him popularCredit: GettyDean Windass, a cult hero with fans, has been diagnosed with dementiaCredit: GettyAnd Windass told SunSport: “I found out in a coffee shop. Max said, ‘Sorry to hear about your dad’s dementia’ and I thought, ‘Oh! That’s news to me!’”His dad’s diagnosis at the age of 55 was publicly revealed by former Manchester United and Blackburn star David May during a TV interview, with Windass’ blessing.It sparked an outpouring of love and support for one of the biggest English football characters of the 1990s and 2000s, who has more recently been a Sky Sports pundit.Windass Jr said: “He’s well loved within the football community. He’s a bit of a nutter and people like that about people.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I don’t think he’s struggling too badly. I speak sometimes to my brother, who is keeping tabs on him. He’s sound.“When news like this comes out people always think the worst. But it’s not a severe grade at the minute and he’s not having too many problems.“The first thing I asked was if he still knew my name and he did, so I didn’t ask him too many questions.”Windass Jr is chasing a second promotion with Sheffield WednesdayCredit: GettyHis dad did a national TV interview this week where he raised concerns about the perils of heading a football, which has been proven to increase the risk of developing the disease, and fears for his own son’s safety.Most read in ChampionshipWindass Jr scored the winning goal at Wembley with his head to clinch Wednesday’s promotion from League One in the play-off final against Barnsley in May 2023.Former Premier League star Dean Windass suffering from dementia as ex-Man Utd ace reveals diagnosis live on BBC And the Owls ace himself is passionate about raising awareness on how to prevent suffering from such conditions in later life.Research shows adopting a healthy, balanced diet can reduce the risk of dementia.Windass has a strict diet plan and last season enlisted the help of Tyson Fury’s nutritionist, Sheffield-based Greg Marriott, to help his recovery from an injury.And he said: “You don’t want anyone getting dementia or any other illness.“You want everyone on the planet to be healthy in an ideal world so it’s important to raise awareness to help people prevent it.“Even things like eating healthily. It’s not just for making you look good at the beach, it’s great for your lifestyle and health.“It’s something me and my missus speak a lot about — curriculums in schools, people don’t get taught enough about diet or illness and stuff like that. There needs to be more focus.“A lot of the stuff that gets people excited are the things you probably shouldn’t do such as drinking alcohol and eating bad food.“There’s a time and a place for that but it’s important to raise your kids especially to drink water, eat fruit and vegetables.“When you’re 50, I’ve seen people who go on all these diets and things — but by that point it’s a bit late.“I’m on the side of the fence that you can have a good time but our bodies are more important. People don’t take care of themselves as much as they should.”Windass even believes that a good diet could help stem the increase of mental illness cases that have been highlighted in recent years. He said: “If you’re eating and drinking things that are going to damage your brain then you’re not going to be the happiest person in the world.“If you can do little things that can help make you feel a bit better, you’re going to be happier and healthier.”Windass certainly would have been feeling more jubilant after scoring his first goal since New Year’s Day by snatching the all-important equaliser at Norwich on Tuesday as Wednesday roared back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.It was a crucial three points, hauling Danny Rohl’s men back into the play-off picture — and moving them to within just five points of the top six.Windass is set to feature in Sunday’s Steel City derby when bitter rivals Sheffield United make the three-and-half-mile trek across town to Hillsborough.That Wembley goal was nice — but a League One promotion isn’t something I talk about too much as it’s not such a big achievement.”Josh WindassHe has always thought the Owls needed to still be in the mix by the final whistle of the derby clash to stand a chance.Windass has scored 11 goals this season with nine games left — and he said: “I felt at the start I needed to score 15 from midfield for the team to have a successful season.”One of those strikes was a 60-yard worldie against Derby — which will surely win the goal of the season gong at the EFL awards.It was so good that pundits Paul Merson and Clinton Morrison rated it better than the famous one David Beckham scored from the halfway line for Manchester United against Wimbledon in 1996.It sparked a January bid from Brazilian club Santos — which was rejected.But Windass said: “I scored a better one last year against Blackburn!”He has been at Hillsborough for five years and is firmly established as a cult hero for his play-off winner — but he would dearly love to see the Yorkshire club win promotion to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESWindass said: “I guess that Wembley goal was nice — but a League One promotion isn’t something I talk about too much because it’s not such a big achievement.”A play-off final winner this year certainly would be. More

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    ‘They see things in black and white’ – Ruben Amorim hits out at Roy Keane and Man Utd legends over criticism

    RUBEN AMORIM says Bruno Fernandes is a shining light for Manchester United — and the club’s former stars in the media need to give him a break.Ex-skipper Roy Keane is among the critics of the current captain, saying he is ‘not a fighter’ despite his obvious talent.Ruben Amorim has endured a topsy-turvy spell at Manchester UnitedCredit: REXClub legend Roy Keane has been critical of the team and skipper Bruno Fernandes over the last few monthsCredit: GETTYUnited gaffer Ruben Amorim has leapt to the defence of his countrymanCredit: GETTYBut Fernandes, 30, has been the driving force behind a mini-revival for the Red Devils and scored a hat-trick against Real Sociedad this week.Boss Amorim jumped to the defence of his fellow Portuguese, saying: “When you play for this team you have to be prepared for the critics.“I understand former players had a lot of success here and standards for them were so high.“They see things in black and white. Life is sometimes not black and white — there are other colours and you have to understand that context.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“He is always there, trying his best. I am really proud to coach a player like him.”Fernandes has been involved in 11 of United’s last 13 goals.Amorim added: “He is so important for this team and you can see from the numbers.”Meanwhile, Fernandes revealed he turned down the chance to leave United last summer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSClubs in Saudi Arabia and Bayern Munich were linked with moves.Fernandes said: “I sat with the club because I had an offer to leave.How Ruben Amorim’s genius tweak unleashed Mazraoui to give Man Utd new attacking threat“They said what they wanted from me. I just asked if they still see me as part of the future or not. I spoke at the time with Erik ten Hag also.“He was very clear with me, the club was very clear, that they thought I’d be a big part of this rebuild that they want to do in a different way.“But now we are in a different moment with a new manager that thinks in a different way, that has a different way of playing.“I’m still very happy at the club. I’m always being happy at the club. To represent the club is a big honour for me.”Fernandes said it was ‘not nice’ to hear part-owner Jim Ratcliffe’s moans this week that some players were ‘overpaid and not good enough’.He said: “I don’t think any player likes to hear you’re not good enough, overpaid or whatever.“Everyone has their own contract. The club agrees to do the contracts at the time you come here or at the time you do a new contract.”Bruno Fernandes insists he’s still happy to be a Manchester United playerCredit: ALAMY More