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      Leicester’s hopes of snatching £18m winger from Premier League relegation rival Ipswich faces major hurdles

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      LEICESTER will monitor Jack Clarke’s struggles at Ipswich.But they face a fight to do a deal for him this season.Leicester want to sign Jack Clarke despite his struggles at IpswichCredit: GettyThe winger, 23, went to the Tractor Boys for £18million from Sunderland in August.However, he has failed to impress so far at Portman Road.The Foxes are keen on a transfer but Clarke played for the Black Cats at the start of their Championship term.That means he is ruled out of playing for a third club this season, unless it is a loan.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Ipswich are unlikely to help a fellow Premier League relegation-battling side by lending out a player.Steve Cooper has Stephy Mavididi and Abdul Fatawu as his key, pacey and tricky wingers.Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Jordan Ayew, Kasey McAteer and Facundo Buenanotte can all operate out wide, too. But the addition of Clarke could add extra depth to the Leicester attack. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSClarke came through at Leeds before signing for Tottenham in 2019.However, he did not make a single Premier League appearance for Spurs and signed for Sunderland in 2022 following a successful loan spell in 2021-22.Fans tell Jamie Vardy ‘never change’ as footage emerges of Leicester star slide tackling a KID during title celebrationsClarke racked up 27 goals in 94 games for the Black Cats – including on the opening day of this season at Cardiff – before his big-money move to Premier League new-boys Ipswich.However, his start to life in Suffolk has not gone according to plan. Five of his eight top-flight appearances have come off the bench and he has registered just one assist and zero goals.In fact, he has not even managed a single shot on target in 335 minutes of football. His latest blank came in yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Leicester.Leif Davis’ expert volley put Ipswich in front ten minutes after half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Kalvin Phillips was sent off on 77 minutes for a second yellow card and Jordan Ayew pounced deep into injury time to rescue a point for the Foxes.That left Kieran McKenna’s side in the relegation zone and still looking for their first win – while Leicester are 15th, five points from safety. The winger played and scored for Sunderland earlier this seasonCredit: AlamyTV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports) More

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      English manager SACKED by EFL club after emergency meeting just TEN MONTHS into reign with side 23rd in League One

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      SHREWSBURY TOWN have sacked manager Paul Hurst with the club languishing second bottom of League One.Hurst returned to manage The Shrews for the second time in January 2024 – but sees himself back out the exit door just 10 months later.Paul Hurst has been sacked by Shrewsbury 10 months after his reappointmentIt comes after Shrewsbury were knocked out of the first round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2013Hurst, 50, had been instrumental in keeping the club in League One last season. But the EFL gaffer has been given his marching orders after a dismal run of two wins in 19 games this season.The brutal decision was made following an emergency board meeting held this morning.The final nail in the coffin came after Shrewsbury were knocked out of the FA Cup first round following a 2-1 defeat to League Two side Salford on Saturday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe last time the club failed to make it past the first round was in 2013.A club statement read: “It is with regret that Shrewsbury Town can confirm we have parted company with head coach Paul Hurst and assistant boss Chris Doig.”We would also like to thank them for the outstanding work they did in their first spell – which saw us reach the play-off final and the final of the EFL Trophy. “It was that success that led to the Chairman taking responsibility for re-hiring Paul and Chris earlier this year. Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”And everyone at the football club is hugely disappointed their second spell hasn’t worked out and we find ourselves in our current position. The search for a new head coach is now underway.”Despite saving them last season, Hurst won just six of his 37 games during his charge of his second stint at New Meadow.Former Watford and Gillingham hero Andy Hessenthaler shares crazy EFL story after being attacked by the owner I What the EFL?!He previously managed the club for 19 months from 2016 to 2018.The former full-back led The Town to the play-off final in 2018, which they ultimately lost to Rotherham.The Englishman left Shrewsbury just three days later to replace Mick McCarthy as boss of Ipswich Town.But Hurst was sacked from the The Tractor Boys after five months in charge, before stints at Scunthorpe and Grimsby.Moreover, the Salop’s remain one of the favourites for the drop this season after finishing 19th last term.Club chiefs are searching for a new manager for the second time this year after Matt Taylor was dismissed in January.Hurst rejoined Shrewsbury when the club was sitting 20th in the table.Salford co-director Roy Keane attended Hurst’s last game in charge More

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      Moment Ashley Young uses ball to bosh rival on the nose before giving him look of ‘disgust’ as he ‘writhes in agony’

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      ASHLEY YOUNG used a ball to bosh Mateus Fernandes on the nose in a hilarious moment. Everton were drawing with Southampton at the time when Young picked up the ball for a throw in. Ashley Young used a ball to bosh Mateus Fernandes on the nose in a hilarious momentCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskFernandes was actually booked after the incidentYoung gave Fernandes a look of ‘disgust’Southampton went onto win the matchHe was confronted by Fernandes and the former Manchester United captain responded by knocking the ball onto the Saints star’s nose. Young hilariously watched Fernandes sink to the floor – leaving fans in stitches as the Southampton player writhed in “agony”. One fumed: “So many fully grown men jumping to the ground screaming in “agony” while holding their face in football. “How do they not feel shame?”READ MORE IN footballAnother added: “He’s looking at him with disgust.”One joked: “Games never been so back.”Another said: “Game is 110% back.”Fernandes was actually the one to receive a booking for time wasting after blocking Young’s throw in. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he got the last laugh as Adam Armstrong won the game with five minutes to go. It gave Southampton their first win of the season and put them above rock-bottom Wolves. Everton meanwhile sit in 16th, four points above the drop after just two wins in their opening ten games. ‘Unbelievable s—housery’ – Fans stunned as Bristol City score after outrageous deliberate handball to beat keeper More

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      Nottingham Forest star ready to snub Leeds interest to seal permanent transfer to the MLS with LAFC

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      LEWIS O’BRIEN looks set to sign for LAFC on a permanent deal in the new year — despite a handful of English sides wanting him back home.The midfielder, 26, has a fixed price of £7million agreed with current club Nottingham Forest when his loan spell in Los Angeles ends in January.Lewis O’Brien looks set to sign for LAFC on a permanent deal in the new yearCredit: GettyLAFC expect the move to go through although some Championship clubs are making background inquiries.Leeds and Hull have been checking on his availability but O’Brien is settled in the States and enjoying his time on and off the pitch.The midfielder has made nine appearances Stateside this year and impressed during his time away. O’Brien even revealed family and friends are getting up at all hours to watch his games. READ MORE FOOTBALLHe said: “Some of my friends and family are definitely waking up at 3-4 o’clock in the morning to watch the games, [which] is a tough thing to do when you’ve got to work a job the next day. “But there’s definitely people tuning in.”But O’Brien has also had to play on artificial turfs like in Vancouver – a stark difference to pitches in the UK.He said: “It takes the body quite a while to adjust to the turf, but that’s after the game, so during it’s not really that much of a problem. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It probably took me an extra few days to recover from the game. “But if we can do the job when we get there, we won’t have to see the AstroTurf again.”Watch moment raging Lionel Messi ‘calls referee -mean-spirited son of a b****’ in furious rant after Inter Miami draw More

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      ‘He can do with Hojlund what he did with Gyokeres’ – Amorim backed for Man Utd success by boss who managed him as player

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      QUIQUE SANCHEZ FLORES has tipped Ruben Amorim to be a hit at Manchester United — because he knows what buttons to push with the modern-day footballer.The  Portuguese, 39, is tasked with reviving sacked manager Erik ten Hag’s squad when he leaves Sporting Lisbon to start work at Old Trafford a week tomorrow.Ruben Amorim left Sporting Lisbon for Man UtdCredit: PARasmus Hojlund’s future will be in doubtCredit: RexSpaniard Sanchez Flores managed Amorim when he played for Benfica in 2008-09.The ex-Watford chief said: “I remember him as a clever, elegant and committed footballer. He was always close to his team-mates.“The way his teams play reflects a high standard of discipline.“He has a similar work ethic to former United manager Jose Mourinho. Only time will tell if Ruben can reach his level.READ MORE MAN UTD“But, more importantly, he understands the mentality of the players in this new generation.”Asked whether Amorim can turn United’s hit-and-miss £64million striker Rasmus Hojlund into a deadly finisher like Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, with 59 goals in 65 outings for the club,  Sanchez Flores quoted Rudyard Kipling.He said: “With respect to Hojlund, the pack is the strength of the wolves. He is a good striker but he will only hit his high standards again if the team changes its level of performance.“And Ruben now has the chance to train very good players in Manchester. Yes, he can do with Hojlund what he did with Gyokeres.”Most read in FootballThree 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.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIncredibly, Amorim kick-started his football career by playing in a trial at Portuguese club Belenenses with a BROKEN ARM!His childhood friend Bruno Simao told the BBC: “I said I’d speak with the coach to fix up a game.Watch as Sporting CP’s fans jeer at new Manchester United Manager Rúben Amorim“Ruben replied, ‘I cannot play, I broke my arm’. I said, ‘Don’t worry, I’m sure the coach will see you’. “Ruben was centre-back and the coaches told the players, ‘Take care of him because of his arm’.“That was the start of his playing career.”Antonio Veloso, a professor at the University of Lisbon where Amorim studied a degree in high performance coaching, added: “Ruben had a tremendous tactical knowledge and understanding of what coaching was about.”Amorim could swoop for Viktor GyokeresCredit: Getty More

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      Mary Phillip reflects on hall of fame tribute and Peckham Town’s battle for floodlights and promotion 

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      MARY PHILLIP is used to blazing a trail of football firsts having done so in the past with England.The former Lioness and Arsenal centre-back’s achievements led to her entry into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame.Mary Phillip hopes her football journey will inspire more girls to take up the sportCredit: National Football MuseumPhillips was capped 65 times during an England career that included her becoming the first Black player to skipper the Lionesses’ senior teamCredit: AlamyPhillips, who is the manager of non-league men’s side Peckham Town FC, hopes to see more women get into coachingCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskNow the first Black player to ever captain a senior Lionesses side wants to fulfil an ambition held by a London-based non-league men’s side. That is having floodlights installed on the Dulwich Common pitch used by Peckham Town FC, a team Phillip, 47, has managed since 2019.The challenge that has seen them miss out on promotion from the division they compete in within step seven of the National League system. It is one Phillip hopes the club can overcome by gaining permission from Southwark Council to have the lights installed. Read More Football StoriesPhillip said: “For the past eight years we’ve been denied going up because we don’t have the floodlights available within our area. “Putting floodlights up at the common would be fantastic for the club. “And not just the club but the community as a whole. “To have lights that would just shine on the football pitch we use and not affect the houses around us, would be key going forward. Most read in Football”If we can get permission to do that and finish within the top five of our league and apply for promotion, that would be amazing. “Hopefully, within the next five years we can get this in place and push ourselves up the league.”Four years ago, Peckham-born Phillip became the first female manager to steer a men’s side to cup success in England, taking Peckham Town to a London FA Senior Cup triumph.During her 19-year club career which started at Millwall Lionesses aged 12 before she joined Fulham as a pro in 2000, she won 19 major trophies and three Community Shields. When my granddaughter grows up she will see not just other women who made history in football but also that her grandmother has been a part of thatMary PhillipSome of Phillip’s biggest successes were with Arsenal, where she played from 2004-2008 making 135 appearances.The mum-of-four and grandmother helped them make history in 2007 when they became the first English side to win a Women’s Champions League trophy under Vic Akers. Phillip, who earned 65 England caps, adds: “As a young girl, I didn’t see that many women playing football. “When my granddaughter grows up she will see not just other women who made history in football but also that her grandmother has been a part of that. “She can imagine, ‘I can do this. It’s in my blood’. It’s important for people to see that and think they can do this.Phillip competed in England’s first Fifa Women’s World Cup 29 years ago And in 2007 she helped a side then managed by Hope Powell to reach the tournament’s last eight.It’s among the many successes that has seen her join Powell in being celebrated by the National Football Museum. She received: “I was looking (at the message) I received which mentioned the Hall of Fame, and then it dawned on me that it’s the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame. “It’s amazing because so many players have been put in there. “To be a part of this with people like Hope is a great achievement and I’m proud.”Phillip’s induction took place four days after the Government’s relaunch of the Football Governance Bill.The amended Bill includes a push for clubs to provide better transparency around their efforts to meet equality, diversity and inclusion standards. Phillip hopes this is something that will lead to more women building careers in the game including coaching. She adds: “If it’s on equal terms, it’s then for someone to be open enough to say, ‘this woman has the exact same qualities and qualifications, I’m going to go for her and see how it works out’. “I’ve been given that opportunity at Peckham Town. Bryan Hall (the club’s founder) said he wanted a coach in. “He let me come in and do my (Uefa) A licence with the boys there.”He could see that it was working and the guys were relating pretty well to it.“To have someone willing to give me that opportunity was a key factor for me.”Back when Phillip was part of an England squad that competed in the Women’s World Cup in 1995, five of their players were of Black and mixed raced heritage. The former centre-back hopes to see more talents from minority ethnic backgrounds breaking into the Lionesses side with just two –  Lauren James and Jess Carter – playing at last summer’s World Cup. Phillip said: “When I was playing for England the team had broader diversity. Phillip hopes to see more talented Black players, like Tottenham’s Jess Naz, break into England’s senior sideCredit: PA”At the senior England level the manager is mostly going to look at players in the WSL and other top-flights. READ MORE SUN STORIES”So unless you get more homegrown players (from minority ethnic backgrounds) coming through in the WSL and other top leagues, you are not going to see that representation in the senior team. “But there has been a little shift in there and it’s slowly changing.” More

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      Non-league star fills in as BBC commentator after he’s left out of FA Cup squad… and it goes exactly as you’d expect

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      A NON-LEAGUE star filled in as a commentator for the BBC after being left out of the FA Cup matchday squad.And it went exactly as you would expect when his side scored a dramatic equaliser.Guiseley’s equaliser prompted superb commentary from player Lucas OdunstonCredit: BBC SportGuiseley of the seventh-tier Northern Premier League Premier Division were handed a dream draw in the first round proper away at League One Stevenage.However, Lucas Odunston was not in the starting XI or among the substitutes for Mark Bower at the Lamex Stadium.So instead, the 24-year-old right-back headed up to the gantry and picked up the microphone for BBC Sport.And that prompted utterly wild scenes when the Lions found the net to make it 1-1 with just seven minutes to go on Saturday. READ MORE ON FA CUPFollowing a mix-up between the Stevenage defender and goalkeeper, the ball fell perfectly for Will Longbottom.And he made absolutely no mistake as he tapped into the empty net.That sparked chaos in the away end – and on the gantry.Because Odunston simply could not contain his excitement and joy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe could be heard over the main commentator shouting: “Oh my God,” as the ball fell kindly for Longbottom.Then after some brilliant inaudible commentary, Odunston added: “Yeahhhh!!” before some more crazy indiscernible screaming. I broke FA Cup record against Man Utd in final.. 20 years later I’m playing for non-league side in qualifying roundOdunston then regained an ounce of composure to bellow: “Get in there!”Oh my God.”Ohhhh, ohhhhh. Can I go on the pitch, can I go on the pitch?”The commentator then replied: “If you want to go my friend, you go.”Look at the scenes here at the Lamex Stadium.”This competition is magic because it produces moments like this.”The clip got shared on X by BBC Sport and went viral – with dozens of fans loving the wonderful reactions from a jubilant Odunston. Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin LiptonTHE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.Read more on the FA Cup.One said: “This is the kind of energy we need on commentary! Lucas is living his best life! “When life gives you lemons, you become a commentator! Lucas is bringing the vibes!”Another wrote: “Classic commentary gold!”A third added: “That’s a classic! Love seeing players getting involved even off the pitch! Lucas is bringing the energy!”And a final user replied: “Magic of the FA Cup.”However, despite the special scenes following the equaliser, the day did end in bittersweet fashion.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat is because Guiseley did manage a draw at Stevenage.But with replays scrapped, it went to extra-time and then penalties, where the third-tier Boro nicked it 5-4 in the shootout to book their spot in the second-round draw. The right-back wanted to get on the pitch to celebrate with his team-matesCredit: BBC SportWho are these famous footballers? More

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      New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim kick-started career playing in trial with BROKEN ARM, reveals childhood friend

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      RUBEN AMORIM kick-started his career playing in a trial with BROKEN ARM – as his friend backed the coach to succeed at Manchester United. The 39-year-old has replaced Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hotseat after being prised away from Sporting Lisbon. Ruben Amorim, leftm in the Benfica boys’ team along with Bruno Simao, second right, and Pedro Russiano, rightAmorim started his managerial career with Casa Pia before joining Braga and later Sporting. As a player, he first came through the Belenenses ranks before a nine year spell with Benfica. Amorim had actually been released from Benfica’s academy as a youngster and was given a lifeline by Belenenses. But his trial at the Lisbon-based club could hardly have got off to a worse start as he played on with a broken arm. READ MORE ON MAN UTDOld friend Bruno Simao told BBC Sport: “I said to Ruben: ‘Why don’t you come and play with me again at Belenenses?’ “I said I’d speak with the coach to fix up a game so he could watch him.”Ruben replied: I cannot play, I broke my arm.'””I said: ‘Don’t worry, I’m sure the coach will see you and you will stay with us.'”Most read in FootballRuben Amorim leaves Sporting on a highBy Charlie WyettRUBEN AMORIM would have preferred to leave Lisbon in a blaze of glory after winning a third Primeira Liga title.Yet football does not work like that. And in what was surely his final game before taking charge of Manchester United, Amorim prepared to say his goodbyes at a half-empty Estadio Jose Alvalade in a League Cup quarter-final against Nacional.Sporting won 3-1 thanks to  second-half goals by captain  Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled back for Madeira-based Nacional.The stadium  will be a good deal more lively on Tuesday when Manchester City are here for  a Champions League match — although Amorim should by then have his feet firmly under his desk at Old Trafford.Liverpool and Aston Villa were both interested in Europe’s most sought-after coach. Even City could have been a possible destination post-Pep Guardiola.Yet the United job is one Amorim, 39,  could not turn  down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting last night.There is clearly a huge split in the Portuguese club’s fan base over their coach leaving at this stage of the season with many believing he should have seen the job through.Yet Amorim, along with the three-man coaching team who are expected to follow him, leaves a club in a much better state than when he arrived here in 2020.Inside the stadium, there was applause — albeit muted — when his name was read out before the game along with the line-ups.And there did not appear to be any jeers when Amorim shuffled out from the tunnel awkwardly towards the dugout.So, while his departure is hard to take for some, none of the fans will forget his legacy.This is a club which is back as the dominant force in Portugal. Even this term, Sporting have won their first nine league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two.They are also eighth in the Champions League table, which is one hell of an effort.In contrast, Lisbon was not exactly hit by League Cup fever last night.Amorim made lots of changes, which saw Sporting’s star man Gyokeres, the former Coventry striker, start on the bench.There was, however, a first appearance in six weeks for former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards. He is certainly one player who has been transformed by Amorim since arriving at the club from Vitoria in 2022 and will be sorry to see the coach leave.While he changed his team, Amorim stuck with his tried and trusted formation of a back three.It will certainly be something Manchester United’s fans will have to get used to over the  coming months.But looking at the Premier League table, none of them will be complaining about the change.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe trial game was arranged, with Amorim playing despite the injury. Simao revealed: “He was centre-back and the coaches told all the players: ‘Take care of him because of his arm’. Watch as Sporting CP’s fans jeer at new Manchester United Manager Rúben Amorim”He came through the game and stayed with us at Belenenses. That was the start of his professional playing career.”Amorim had a 13-year playing career but retired in 2017 to focus on coaching, spending a week with Jose Mourinho at United the following year. He has led Sporting to two league title wins and emerged as one of the most sought-after coaches in the world. Old friend Simao still keeps in touch with Amorim and backed him for success in Manchester. He said: “We keep in touch. Ruben is godfather to my eldest daughter Carolina, who is 18. Even yesterday I messaged him about going to Manchester United.”It’s a good opportunity for him to go there as a coach. They are not in a good moment but it’s still a top club and for Ruben it will be wonderful.”Amorim playing for Benfica in 2015Credit: GettyJose Mourinho with AmorimCredit: Twitter @Mourinho_XtraAmorim left Sporting to take over at Man UtdCredit: PA More