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      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reveals he’s in a secret club that no other Premier League manager can join

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      THE mighty All Blacks have played their part in Arsenal’s return to the summit of English football as Premier League title contenders.Ahead of today’s crunch-clash with England at Twickenham, the New Zealand rugby union team prepared by using the Gunners’ London Colney training facilities on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta is getting coaching support from some of the world’s best bossesCredit: GettyNew Zealand chief Scott Robertson meets with Arteta on ZoomCredit: PABoss Mikel Arteta was hoping to spend some time with their coach Scott Robertson — nicknamed ‘Razor’ — only to miss out due to Arsenal’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie away at Preston.Arteta and Robertson formed a close bond over the years after sharing ideas and philosophies in an international group of coaches who chat regularly in person and on Zoom calls.That group also includes Green Bay Packers chief Matt LaFleur, NBA hall-of-famer George Karl, basketball coach Mike Dunlap and former Red Roses head coach Eddie Jones.Aussie Jones — who is now in charge of Japan’s national rugby team — likened the collection of elite managers and their swapping of ideas to ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd Arteta said of Razor and his three-time world champion All Blacks side: “He’s an inspiration, such a character. I had the chance to meet him and we are in one of the groups together.“It was a shame that the day that we were leaving for Preston when they were coming.“I read a great book. I recommend it to everybody, called Legacy.“It talks about the All Blacks and their culture and their winning mentality and how they approach sport, life, and relationships.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s especially about the importance of clarity, or what it means when you put on a jersey. The sense of belonging to something.“When somebody plays with that feeling, it elevates his level of commitment, it elevates his capacity to perform and impacts the organisation in a different way.”How Arteta dominated Liverpool with stealth Havertz trick before genius Slot switch saved the dayArteta often cites Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as a mentor, but their relationship has changed over the last few years due to Arsenal’s title rivalry with the Citizens.So, Razor has been a go-to sounding board — a man known for thinking outside the box, including breakdancing on the pitch for his players after winning trophies.Arteta has gone down a different route, with unusual pre-match motivational tools such as squeezing lemons, blaring club anthems from speakers during training sessions and hiring undercover pickpockets and freestylers.The Spaniard added: “What I like the most is that you can talk openly with somebody who is doing a very similar job in terms of the demands that we all have.“But, there is no competitive approach there and you can really be transparent and honest and share things that probably with a football coach that is playing in the league, you cannot do.“That’s a really good thing because somebody that is in your shoes daily, needs to make very similar calls even if they are different sports. So, it’s great to have that option.”Arteta will be relying on those tricks of the trade as Arsenal travel to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle in today’s early kick-off knowing there can be no more title race slip-ups.Arsenal ratings vs PrestonARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.Tommy Setford – 6A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.Jurrien Timber – 7Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-timeWilliam Saliba – 7Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.Jakub Kiwior – 8Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.Jorginho – 7Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.Mikel Merino – 7A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.Ethan Nwaneri – 9Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.Raheem Sterling – 7The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.Gabriel Jesus – 8Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.SubsThomas Partey – 6Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.Kai Havertz – 8Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.Bukayo Saka – 6More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.Ayden Heaven – 6Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes.Three red cards in their opening eight Premier League outings have cost them seven points already, leaving them five points off the pace-setters and reigning champions City.Arsenal return to the ground that ultimately cost them the title last season thanks to Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner in a heated 1-0 defeat. They eventually finished the campaign two points off Guardiola’s winners on the final day.Arteta was charged by the FA but found not guilty by an independent regulatory commission for calling officials “embarrassing” and a “disgrace” for passing on three VAR checks on Gordon’s goal — including an offside call, a foul and the ball being out of play.The showdown itself was also close to boiling over after Kai Havertz’s rash lunge on Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes’ elbow on Jorginho.However, Arteta says his squad have become more emotionally “evolved” and “controlled” since then.He added: “The players have a memory of all the games that they play when there are certain situations in specific moments as an individual or a collective at certain grounds.“You relate that particular moment, or that smell, or that visual, with something that happened to you or the team. That’s inevitable.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDefenders Gabriel [knee] and Jurrien Timber [muscular] are expected to be fit after hobbling off during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with title rivals Liverpool.But skipper Martin Odegaard, with an ankle knock, and Riccardo Calafiori, suffering from a knee problem, remain out.The All Blacks trained at London Colney this weekCredit: Facebook/All BlacksGreen Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is also in the elite groupCredit: APHis relationship with Pep Guardiola has changed now they are title rivalsCredit: ReutersArsenal are desperate to avoid another slip-up at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty More

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      Steven Gerrard holds meeting with Al-Ettifaq chiefs amid calls for him to quit £15.2m job after disaster run of results

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      STEVEN GERRARD held talks with Al-Ettifaq’s chiefs this week as he fights to keep his £15.2million-a-year job.Gerrard, 44, is facing calls to leave after a string of poor form was compounded by a shock cup exit. Steven Gerrard held talks with Al-Ettifaq owners as he fights to keep his £15.2m jobCredit: GettyThe Liverpool and England legend is now 16 months into his whopping £15.2m-per-year contract in the Middle East. And things have got off to a torrid start this season with his star-studded side winning just three of their opening eight league games.Things only got worse when Al-Ettifaq crashed out of Saudi Arabia’s biggest cup competition to a second division side. Gerrard’s team lost 3-1 to Al-Jabalain in the King Cup of Champions round of 16, with the former Aston Villa boss benching Moussa Dembele. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ex-Three Lions captain revealed he held crisis talks with Al-Ettifaq’s owners – but vowed to fight for his job. He said: “On the back of recent results in my position you are always aware of disappointment from fans, I have to take that responsibility on my shoulders.”That is what I will do and continue to fight and work to improve the recent results.”I don’t react, change or get overconcerned about social media or anyone on the outside of Ettifaq’s opinion, my priority is this club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I listen to the people within and continue to support my players.”I meet Mr Hatim (head of football Hatim Al Misehal) after every game and we talk football, where it is a win, loss or draw, we have fantastic support, myself, the staff and the players from the management team.I played with Frank Lampard at Chelsea and we never lost.. but I’d still rather line up alongside Steven Gerrard'”We did meet yesterday but we meet after every single game.” Al-Ettifaq are currently 11th in the Saudi Pro League, only five points above the drop. That is despite boasting a squad with players such as Dembele, Georginio Wijnaldum and Demarai Gray.Pressure is mounting on Gerrard as fans and pundits are beginning to voice their concern over his ability to lead the team to success.Al-Ettifaq managed a sixth place finish under his guidance last season, finishing some 48 POINTS behind champions Al-Hilal.Watching LiverpoolGerrard recently revealed he scheduled his team’s training sessions so that he could watch Liverpool games.The revelation only incensed his critics. The Premier League legend looked to explain those comments, saying: “I am aware of where it came from.”I was on a podcast trying to raise money for a children’s charity to make the charity survive and continue.”I was asked if I still followed Liverpool and I said, ‘Of course I still follow Liverpool,’ they played a huge part of my life and shaped me as a player, person and coach I am today. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I want to make it abundantly clear my priority is Ettifaq, I have a contract with Ettifaq and I am in a real privileged position.”I respect all my previous clubs, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Rangers and LA Galaxy, but my main importance is this job and trying to make this club in the best possible way on and off the field. I am all in and I will continue to be all in.” More

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      Ruben Amorim press conference in full: New Man Utd manager gives very honest answers including January transfer plans

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      RUBEN AMORIM held his first press conference since being confirmed as the new Manchester United manager on Friday night.Strangely, though, that came after his current side Sporting smashed Estrela Amadora 5-1.Ruben Amorim spoke to the media following Sporting’s 5-1 win over Estrela Amadora on Friday nightCredit: PAAmorim will take charge of two more matches as head coach in Portugal – against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday and then his final game against former club Braga next Sunday.Then Amorim officially replaces Erik ten Hag as the new permanent Red Devils boss on November 11 after United stumped up £9.2million to get him out of his Sporting contract.And following Friday’s announcement of his imminent arrival at Old Trafford, Amorim was quizzed on his new job.That included giving a host of very honest answers, including his January transfer plans.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHere’s what Amorim had to say…ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT  “It was a very unusual week.“Obviously, since this whole situation came about I’ve felt different. I understand the anger of some fans and the disappointment. But that’s life. I was moved by the ovation and that’s how it is. “Even the other statement, when it came out, was on a match day. But clubs are now listed companies and they have to present all these things. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”There were two statements. But that’s how things are, there are things that we can’t control. “ON SPORTING FANS’ REACTION“I’m very grateful to the fans and to everything here. People think I wanted to leave straight away. Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarre”In the next home game, whether we win or lose by 15-0, I’ll be there to see what the fans want to give me. “I understand their anger, but we move on and time heals everything. It was the best period of my life.”ON DECIDING THIS WAS HIS FINAL SEASON AT SPORTING”At the beginning of the season, and the chairman is there to confirm it, I had a conversation with him and director of football Hugo Viana.”I said that, whatever happened, it was my last season at Sporting. The president can confirm that.”The season started and we started to have a very good season. United came along, paid the clause, above the clause, and the chairman defended his interests. “I never discussed anything with the chairman.”ON WANTING TO JOIN UNITED NEXT SUMMER”The only request I made to United was that it would be at the end of the season and they told me that wasn’t possible, that it was now or never or Manchester would go for another option. “So I had three days to decide on something that would radically change my life.”ON OTHER OFFERS”It’s not the first time that I’ve been requested and had my clause paid by another club. Nor the second. It’s very hard for me to leave.”I don’t want another team.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.”After Sporting I wanted that one, Manchester, and I want that context because that context allows me to do things my way and the club believes me that way.”There’s a time when I have to take a step forward in my career. That’s what happened. “It was harder for me than for any Sporting fan, believe me, but I had to do this.”ON DIFFICULT DECISION”There was no confusion at all. We have to safeguard everyone’s interests. “Far from playing the victim, I’m sorry. “I said I would stay for as many games as necessary. I didn’t say anything earlier because I couldn’t. That’s how the decision is. “The club knew that if I rejected it, I wouldn’t have it in six months. And I knew that in six months I would know that I wouldn’t be at Sporting. “The only club that I wanted and that moved me was United. It got to a point where I had to decide and I did. “Now I’m going home much more relaxed because I have explained. “People say ‘it’s about the money’, but there was another team that wanted to hire me before and they paid three times more than Manchester.”ON THREE MORE GAMES AT SPORTING AFTER ANNOUNCEMENT”I have to do what Sporting decides. I prefer it that way. “I don’t leave the players in the lurch. “Against Nacional, I felt they were more anxious because I felt they didn’t know what to expect. “I’m happy to stay and I won’t leave my players in the lurch.”ON SPEAKING TO ANY UNITED PLAYERS”As for United, I haven’t spoken to anyone, not even the players. “I’m totally focused.”On the 11th we will have the opportunity to talk about Manchester United. At the moment I am at Sporting. “I wanted to explain all this to Sporting fans. The focus now is on Sporting. Then we will talk about Manchester United.”I changed my mind several times. My concern is not to harm the Sporting team, we’ll see later. I’ll have that concern when I’m at United.”ON JANUARY SIGNINGS FROM SPORTING”Viktor Gyokeres costs 100m and it’s very difficult. “I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January. “I will take my staff with me. That was always one of my conditions. I brought them with me since Casa Pia.”What does it mean to me? It was the best period of my life. Everyone at Sporting knows how important it was to me. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I understand the disappointment of the fans and that leaving in the middle of a season that could be historic.”But today is not the farewell, we still have two important games against City and Braga, to maintain our lead.”The Portuguese gaffer has two more games in Portugal before taking over at Old TraffordCredit: GettyAmorim promised not to poach Viktor Gyokeres in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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      Watch ‘non-league Rory Delap’ cause total MAYHEM in FA Cup giantkilling… but does striker aim PUNCH at flailing keeper?

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      THE “non-league Rory Delap” caused utter mayhem in an FA Cup giantkilling.But should the goal have been allowed to stand?Tom Tonks has earned a reputation for his monster deliveriesCredit: RexHuddersfield goalkeeper Chris Maxwell could only punch the throw into his own netCredit: PAJust like Delap at Stoke under Tony Pulis, Tom Tonks has made a name for himself at Tamworth thanks to his sheer ability to launch a football further than most players can kick it.Speaking to SunSport before the Lambs’ FA Cup first-round clash with Huddersfield, Tonks said: “I’ve been hurling in throw-ins since primary school.“I can see it in the faces of opposing defenders and goalies — they absolutely hate it.”And so it proved in Friday night’s FA Cup upset as the National League side dumped out their League One opposition – with Tonks having a huge hand in it. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe only goal of the game came just before half-time after the hosts won a throw-in.That man Tonks went over to take it and fired in a trademark monster throw-in. The midfielder, 33, gave the delivery a huge amount of air time as he went for the aerial approach and dropped it in right in the mixer.And the confusion and congestion inside the six-yard box meant it was utter bedlam as the ball came down.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSo much so that Terriers goalkeeper Chris Maxwell went to punch the ball clear as he desperately backpedalled. But he only succeeded in knocking it into his own net before tumbling to the floor.Stoke legend Tony Pulis reveals Premier League club’s brutal tactic to stop Rory Delap’s iconic long throws The Tamworth players wheeled away in celebration that their super tactic had worked once again. However, the Huddersfield men immediately appealed to the referee.And replays suggested they may have had a case as it appeared Tamworth striker Dan Creaney caught Maxwell in the head with a wayward hand.Some even reckoned it may have been a punch to distract the goalkeeper. But with no VAR and the referee happy, the goal was allowed to stand and Tamworth recorded a famous FA Cup win.One fan said: “This is why the FA Cup is the best, part-timers Tamorth get through with a long throw! Magic of the cup!”Another wrote: “That’s what makes the FA Cup so magical! Nothing like a surprise long throw specialist to shake things up. Rory Delap would be proud — looking forward to seeing more of those epic throws!”A third added: “I’m crying, Tamworth have just scored goal of the century.”But a fourth replied: “Love a cup upset but… that’s a foul.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA fifth responded: “What about the punch on the goalkeeper?”And a final user commented: “I’m not the only one that saw the Tamworth player punching the Huddersfield keeper when they scored their goal right?!”Tonks was up to his usual tricks with another epic long throw-inCredit: BBCHe launched the ball high in the air and got it to drop inside the six-yard boxCredit: BBCHe placed it perfectly under the crossbarCredit: BBCThe goalkeeper failed to deal with itCredit: BBCThere were complaints from the Terriers of a foul on the goalkeeperCredit: BBCIt proved to be the only goal of the game as Tamworth caused an FA Cup shockCredit: PAWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Aston Villa to give Morgan Rogers bumper new deal after stunning form despite being one of Prem’s LOWEST-PAID players

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      MORGAN ROGERS is in talks over a new deal with Aston Villa.The attacking midfielder, 22, has made a huge impression, despite only signing from Middlesbrough in January.Morgan Rogers is in talks over a new deal with Aston VillaCredit: RexBoss Unai Emery said: “Yes, we want to extend his contract — already he’s progressing a lot.“But I want more from him and I think he can do that. What’s most important is that we want to extend his contract. We want him to be here for a long time.“A player like him, young, with the potential and talent he has, to exploit that is another challenge for me.”Rogers is on wages of around £20,000-per-week, making him one of Villa’s lowest paid regular starters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut with two goals and three assists in 12 games he looks to be rewarded with a new deal. Villa – who qualified for the Champions League under Emery last season – sit fourth in the table with only one game lost in nine. And their manager is feeling the pressures of the back of such a breakthrough campaign. Emery said: “I am feeling an increase in our standards, being demanding and being something we want.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“We are trying as well to get these demands, being comfortable and feeling in a good position when we are keeping this level in the table in the Premier League or Champions League.“It’s really fantastic to try to feel something in our demands increasing, and getting it. It can never feel like something negative, like pressure damaging us.“We want to feel something comfortable and really happy and keeping the same level in our demands, and more and more trying to get even better.”Aston Villa hothead Jhon Duran rages as he’s subbed moments after scoring and kicks back of team-mate’s chair More

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      Ruben Amorim reveals he asked Man Utd NOT to join until end of season as he admits ‘I changed my mind several times’

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      RUBEN AMORIM has revealed he did not want to join Manchester United until the end of the season and admitted “I changed my mind several times”.The Red Devils announced Amorim, 39, as Erik ten Hag’s replacement on Friday morning and he will begin work at Old Trafford on November 11.Ruben Amorim coached Sporting Lisbon for the first time since being announced as Manchester United boss on Friday nightCredit: APHe has revealed he did not want to leave Sporting for Man Utd until the summerCredit: PAEx-Sporting and Man Utd winger Nani embraced Amorim ahead of the gameCredit: PAHe will remain in charge of Sporting for their games against Manchester City and Braga – and on Friday evening led the Portuguese champions to a 5-1 win over Estrela Amadora.The result moves Sporting six points clear at the top of the Primeira Liga.And Amorim confirmed after the game that he wanted to remain at Sporting until the end of the campaign but was told by Man Utd chiefs it was “now or never”.He said: “I asked United if it could be at the end of the season. It was what I wanted. United said no. It was now or never. So I had to make a decision.”This is exactly the context I wanted [United struggling] because I can do things my way.”Before he added: “I changed my mind several times.”My concern is not to harm the Sporting team, we’ll see later. I’ll have that concern when I’m at United.”Amorim also quashed talk he was joining Man Utd for the money.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “Some people say it’s for money. It’s not.”Other clubs were prepared to pay 3 times more and I refused. This is the club [United] I wanted.”Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarreThe feeling around Amorim’s impending departure has divided the Sporting faithful.Outside the stadium, there was a banner which read: “Amorim, this is not your home anymore, thank you.”Other fans, though, took flags into the ground declaring their love for the coach who led the club to two titles.When Amorim’s name was first read out 30 minutes before kick-off, there were whistles and jeers followed by applause.I changed my mind several times.Ruben AmorimBut when the 39-year-old came out of the tunnel for the game, he received a standing ovation and applauded the fans.After the game, Amorim said: “Obviously, since this whole situation came about I’ve felt different.”I understand the anger of some fans and the disappointment. But that’s life. I was moved by the ovation and that’s how it is. “Even the other statement, when it came out, was on a match day.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.”But clubs are now listed companies and they have to present all these things. There were two statements. But that’s how things are, there are things that we can’t control. “I’m very grateful to the fans and to everything here. People think I wanted to leave straight away. In the next home game, whether we win or lose by 15-0, I’ll be there to see what the fans want to give me.”I understand their anger, but we move on and time heals everything. It was the best period of my life.”Amorim has won two league titles as Sporting manager – the first of which in 2021 ended a 19-year wait.His Man Utd contract runs until 2027, with the option of an extra year.The Red Devils paid £8.3million to trigger a release clause which allowed him to leave Sporting.His first game in charge of Man Utd comes away at Ipswich on November 24.United are understood to have paid an extra £900,000 to get him early rather than waiting a further three weeks.Amorim has been highly sought this year following his success with Sporting.READ MORE SUN STORIESPremier League rivals Liverpool were close to appointing the Lisbon gaffer before making the decision to bring in Arne Slot instead.While he also held talks with West Ham over the summer and had been rumoured to be on a list of candidates to take over from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. More

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      Ruben Amorim begins Sporting farewell tour with 5-1 thumping of Estrela as Gyokeres shows why Man Utd must get him too

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      RUBEN AMORIM is heading to Old Trafford – and now Manchester United should sign Viktor Gyokeres.On the night Amorim started his three-game farewell tour at Sporting, former Coventry striker Gyokeres maintained his stunning record at the club with a hat-trick in the first 42 minutes before grabbing the fourth in the second half.New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim led Sporting Lisbon to a dominant winCredit: PASporting star Viktor Gyokeres, who’s been linked with a reunion with Amorim at Man Utd, scored four past EstrelaCredit: PAGyokeres is one of the hottest strikers in EuropeCredit: ReutersThe red-hot forward, a £20million bargain from the Championship, has now scored 20 goals in 16 games this season on top of his 43 strikes in 50 matches last term.How United, the third lowest scorers in the Premier League, would love someone like the Swedish international.Gyokeres’ opener was well placed from an acute angle while the next two – the third being a penalty – were just raw power.His fourth in the 70th minute was a brilliant individual effort oozing with self confidence.Read More on Man UtdThat was before Maximiliano Araujo made it five for the hosts minutes before full-time.Yet United fans will hope their team do not defend under Amorim like the moment Sporting allowed Rodrigo Pinho to pull one back for 2-1 with an easy header.As you would expect, the announcement of Amorim’s departure has been mixed here.Outside the stadium, there was a banner which read: “Amorim, this is not your home anymore, thank you.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNew Man Utd boss Amorim received applause but also some whistles and jeersCredit: PAOther fans, though, took flags into the ground declaring their love for the coach who led the club to two titles.When Amorim’s name was first read out 30 minutes before kick-off, there were whistles and jeers followed by applause.Watch Sporting Lisbon fan reveal how you’ve been pronouncing incoming Man Utd manger Ruben Amorim’s name all wrongBut when the 39-year-old came out of the tunnel for the game, he received a standing ovation and applauded the fans.Gyokeres said about Amorim and reports suggesting he could follow him to Manchester: “We’re sad to see him go. He did an extraordinary job here. We all wish him the best. “Follow him to Manchester? I don’t know, I’m here and I like it here. I don’t think about it.”Speaking after the game, Amorim ruled out a move for Gyokeres, or any Sporting player in January.And the incoming Red Devils chief even put his own very lofty price-tag on the Swedish striker.Amorim said: “Gyokeres costs 100 million (£84m) and it’s very difficult.”I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother player who enjoyed a good reception from the home supporters was former United winger Nani. He started his career at Sporting and the 37-year-old came on as a second half sub for Estrela.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. More

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      Nottingham Forest vs West Ham set to make Premier League history with unique managerial record

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      IT is the Premier League’s first Glove Affair for 31 YEARS.Uniquely among the managerial fraternity, both Julen Lopetegui and Nuno Espirito Santo were goalkeepers in their playing careers before becoming bosses.Former goalkeeper and Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo hosts West Ham on FridayWhile ex-LaLiga stopper and West Ham gaffer Lopetegui makes up the historic clashThe last time two stoppers faced each other in opposing dugouts in the top flight was on Friday, April 9, 1993.Tottenham crushed Norwich 5-1 at White Hart Lane — ex-Colchester keeper Mike Walker was manager of the Canaries, while former England No 1 Ray Clemence was in caretaker charge of Spurs along with Doug Livermore.However, Friday’s clash at the City Ground, as surprise package  Nottingham Forest face under-performing West Ham, represents the FIRST time two permanent chiefs who were former goalies going head to head.Any suggestion you have to be crazy to become a keeper in the first place has been shot down by the Hammers manager.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWell-travelled Spaniard Lopetegui laughed: “This is a big lie! A very big lie.“Normally the most sensible people in the dressing room are the goalkeepers. Believe me.“You can say they are different but not crazy.”There is an eight-year age gap between Lopetegui, 58, and Nuno, 50, but they are both ex-Porto managers and they crossed paths earlier this century in LaLiga combat.Most read in FootballJulen Lopetegui played 149 LaLiga matches over nine seasonsNuno was called to the senior Portugal squad competing in Euro 2008, replacing the injured Quim, but did not play a matchFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLopetegui, who also coached at Real Madrid and Sevilla, said: “I’m a little bit older than him. “Yes, I remember him as a keeper. I played against him as a coach, too. But we were never keeper on keeper. I didn’t play against him as a keeper.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese model“Who was the better goalkeeper? Ha, I forgot my time. I don’t remember a lot. Maybe me. I don’t know.”Goalkeepers is a key theme of West Ham’s selection approach, as matchday 10 represents their first league visit outside of London.Frenchman Alphonse Areola was dropped after the 4-1 defeat at Spurs even though he had started in the opening eight league ties.Pole Lukasz Fabianski was given the responsibility for the home match with Manchester United last Sunday and pulled off several great saves to help the Hammers win 2-1 — a result that saw the Old Trafford axing of Erik ten Hag.Lukasz Fabianski was instrumental in keeping United goalless before half-time on SundayAsked if he empathised with Areola’s disappointment, Lopetegui said: “I was a goalkeeper a long time ago. But I understand.“I can change other positions. I repeat, you don’t change one player, it’s not about thinking that something is wrong with him.“It’s thinking that maybe you’re going to be positive with this change.“Sometimes it’s going to happen or not. In football, we don’t have a crystal ball. But we try to take the decision that we think will always help the team.“Did I get dropped? A lot! In my opinion, to my coaches, I was right! It’s like this.“We trust Alphonse a lot. He did very well in this team before. But we decided that in this match, Lukasz was more ready and maybe it was good to put him in for different reasons.READ MORE SUN STORIES“All of them have to be ready to play. It’s up to us to decide who is going to be in or not.“It’s not because we don’t trust them. It’s good, this kind of inside competition, to be more competitive.” More