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    ‘Our aim is to challenge to try to win the WSL’, says Manchester United Women’s boss Marc Skinner

    WHILE  Manchester United have parted company with two senior men’s team bosses in the last three years, one Red Devils gaffer is set to reach a new milestone. Today against Arsenal Marc Skinner will oversee his hundredth game at the helm of their Women’s Super League side. Man United are currently unbeaten having registered four wins and a draw from their first five WSL games this termCredit: GettyMarc Skinner hopes to guide his side to victory on his 100th game in charge of the Red Devils’ WSL teamCredit: AlamyIt is the first time in a top-flight coaching career, that began at Birmingham City in 2015, that Skinner has reached this mark across all contests at one club. And the head coach has another target in his sights – a first WSL title win for the club. Skinner, 41, who was appointed in July 2021, said: “There’s been lots of ups and downs as a manager reaching 100 games here. “It’s the first club I’ve achieved this for and I’m really proud. I want to be successful and be here for another hundred games.Read More Football Stories”Regardless that it’s a great milestone, we’ve got to try and win this game. “We’ve got to win trophies and keep progressing this team and that’s what I’m here to do. “I’ve got to make sure I maintain focus on every single game and see where we go. “Our aim is to be challenging to try and win the WSL. Most read in Football”But we also have to understand the competition we’re up against and that it’s not a give-me.”In May Man United made history under Skinner winning the Women’s FA Cup for the first time following a 4-0 defeat of Tottenham. The Red Devils boss also faced criticism at times from some supporters following losses to Liverpool and Chelsea preceding a fifth-place finish last term. This season his side have got off to a flying start and are currently third and three points off leaders Man City with a game in hand. Along with Chelsea and the Cityzens, they are the only top-flight side yet to lose a league game this term. So far they have been defensively solid, conceding just once in four WSL games this term with Phallon Tullis-Joyce impressing in goal. However today’s game will see the American shot stopper come up against a side in the top five for the first time this term. Skinner adds: “We’re looking to test ourselves. It’s a big test on game five, so we’ll see where we’re at”.Arsenal’s visit comes after their return to winning ways before the international break under interim boss Renee Slegers.One win from their first four WSL games was among the results that led to former boss Jonas Eidevall resigning on October 15.However, Slegers, 35, has backed the Gunners to remain on track following their 2-0 win against West Ham last month. Arsenal’s stand-in gaffer said: “I can imagine how you can look at it from the outside. “We know what’s happening on the inside and we’ve seen a lot of positive things”We’re very positive about what’s ahead of us, but we know a lot of hard work and ownership is going to be needed.”Slegers hopes to help Arsenal remain unbeaten since the team picked up two wins in the WSL and Champions League before the October international breakCredit: GettyDespite their mixed results in the league Skinner believes Arsenal will be a threatREAD MORE SUN STORIESHe adds: “We’re going to face a team that could either be wounded and really want to show that or hopefully a team we can take advantage of. “But they’re a fantastic team and one that will be difficult to play against.” More

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    Sporting expect Ruben Amorim to raid his old club for Man Utd next summer with THREE stars tipped for pricey transfers

    RUBEN AMORIM revealed he will not sign any Sporting Lisbon stars in January.But the new Manchester United boss refuses to rule out a summer move for sensation Viktor Gyokeres.Ruben Amorim could bring three Sporting Lisbon players to Manchester UnitedCredit: EPAViktor Gyokeres has been linked with Man Utd but is also being monitored by ArsenalCredit: PAUnited have only scored eight goals in nine top-flight games this season.Ex-Coventry striker Gyokeres, 26, has already netted 18 times so far — having hit 43 last term — but the Swede’s release clause is £84million.Amorim said: “I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January. Gyokeres costs 100 million and it’s very difficult.”Despite promising not to make any moves when the winter transfer window opens, Sporting bosses are privately admitting they expect Amorim to come in for his former players next summer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDGyokeres — also being followed closely by Arsenal — refused to rule out a potential move to the Premier League.He said: “Going with Amorim to Man Utd? I don’t know… I’m here.“As you can see, I enjoy it at Sporting. It’s nothing I think about.“I’m just sad about him leaving. We wish him all the best.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThree 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.Goncalo Inacio is another player Amorim could look to take with him to Old TraffordCredit: GettyAnother player Amorim could move for is centre-back Ousmane Diomande.Portuguese Amorim, meanwhile, has yet to speak to any of United’s players, including countrymen Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.Ruben Amorim showed flashes of a young Jose Mourinho is his latest press conference – and teased a big announcementAhead of joining on November 11, he added: “As for United, I haven’t spoken to anyone — not even the players. I’m focused on Sporting.”Ex-Red Devils winger Nani is backing Amorim to be a success.Nani said: “He is in an excellent place and has all the conditions to do well.”Morten Hjulmand is the third man Amorim may bid for as Man Utd bossCredit: Getty More

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    Steven Gerrard mercilessly BOOED by Al-Ettifaq fans after losing local derby with Liverpool legend on brink of sack

    STEVEN Gerrard was booed by fans after Al-Ettifaq fell to ANOTHER defeat.The Liverpool legend’s side were beaten 2-0 at home to local rivals Al Qadsiah on Saturday.Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq FC suffered their fourth defeat in six games on SaturdayGerrard was booed by the home fans following his club’s latest defeatIt was Al-Ettifaq’s fourth defeat in six games, with reports suggesting Gerrard is on the brink of losing his job.And at the final whistle, the Saudi Pro League club’s supporters let the ex-England star know how they felt about the loss.As he clapped on the pitch towards the stands at the end of the game, he was met by jeers from the home faithful.The heated moment was captured on video and shared on social media.Read more football news The boos come after it was reported Gerrard, 44, held talks with Al-Ettifaq owners, as he fights to keep his £15.2million job.Gerrard, who lives a lavish lifestyle in the Gulf state, is just 16 months into the job.However, this week his also side suffered an embarrassing defeat to a second division team in the Saudi cup.Gerrard’s team lost 3-1 to Al-Jabalain in the King Cup of Champions round of 16, with the former Aston Villa boss controversially leaving star striker Moussa Dembele on the bench.Most read in FootballThe ex-Three Lions captain revealed he held crisis talks with Al-Ettifaq’s owners – but vowed to fight for his job.Steven Gerrard is looking for self improvement Al Ettifaq 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.”I listen to the people within and continue to support my players.AI-Ettifaq fans have called for Gerrard to be sackedCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”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.”We did meet yesterday but we meet after every single game.”After nine games, Al-Ettifaq sit in 11th place in the Saudi Pro League – 14 points off the pace of first placed Al-Hilal. More

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    Chelsea fans LOVE Eden Hazard’s reaction as Blues legend is pranked by barber with Tottenham shirt

    CHELSEA fans hailed Eden Hazard’s reaction after he was hilariously pranked with a Tottenham shirt by his barber.Blues icon Hazard, 33, spent seven hugely successful years at Stamford Bridge between 2012 and 2019.Eden Hazard did not realise he was about to be pranked at the barbersCredit: INSTAGRAM @astarbarbersHe reacted hilariously when he realised his apron cape had a Spurs shirt printed on itCredit: INSTAGRAM @astarbarbersHazard made himself a Chelsea legend during his seven years at the clubCredit: GettyHe scored 11 goals and assisted 85 in 352 appearances for the club, winning two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, as well as the FA Cup and League Cup.Hazard left for Real Madrid five years ago – a move that failed desperately, largely due to persistent injuries.But the Chelsea faithful have never held that against the Belgian, who also earned 126 caps and scored 33 goals for his country.And it appears Hazard reciprocates the love between him and Blues supporters.READ MORE ON CHELSEAA-Star Barbers chose to prank him by putting the print of a Tottenham shirt on his apron cape.And when it was put on him he was not having any of it.Hazard said: “Bro, what are you doing man?”The former Lille man then threw it off as the barber laughed at the brilliant response.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlongside the video, they added the caption: “Once a blue, always a blue 🔵.”Reacting to the clip, one fan said: “Don’t ever do that to our man 😂💙💙.”Watch Eden Hazard get mercilessly booed in CHARITY MATCH as fans refuse to forget Chelsea legend’s pastAnother added: “Eden never disappoints us 😂❤️.”A third replied: “💙👏legend.”While a fourth said: “You don’t try that with a Chelsea legend man.”A-Star Barbers have cut a host of footballers’ hair including Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland and Paul Pogba. More

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    Erik ten Hag seen for first time since jetting back to Holland after Man Utd sacking as he’s spotted at Eredivisie match

    ERIK TEN HAG has been spotted for the first time since jetting back to Holland after his sacking from Manchester United.The manager was finally put out of his misery at Old Trafford earlier this week following the club’s disastrous start to the season.Erik ten Hag has made his first public appearance since being sacked by Manchester UnitedCredit: RexHe was spotted watching a match in the Dutch ErediviseCredit: RexHe was watching Heracles Almelo beat NAC Breda 2-0Credit: RexThe Red Devils had only won three of their league games under the Dutchman this season – their worst start EVER.And, with the Red Devils all the way down in 13th in the Premier League, club chiefs decided they had to act.The final nail in the coffin came after Ten Hag’s side lost 2-1 to West Ham at the London Stadium.Despite dominating the match, his side failed to take their chances, and a Jarrod Bowen penalty confirmed the defeat.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter his sacking, Ten Hag, 54, hopped on a private jet back to his homeland in Holland.But it seems he has no intention of taking a break from football.In fact, Ten Hag waited just days before attending a match in the Dutch Eredivisie, between Heracles Almelo and NAC Breda.Heracles won the game 2-0 thanks to a brace from Brian De Keersmaecker at the Erve Asito stage.Most read in FootballThe ESPN commentator, Sjors Blaauw, pointed to Ten Hag during the coverage.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “Of course Erik ten Hag has time. He’s using that time to watch a nice game of football in Almelo.”Man United have won their only game since Ten Hag’s exit.Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarreRuben Amorim is the new Manchester United managerCredit: PARuud van Nistelrooy oversaw the 5-2 drubbing of Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.Despite that win, they club wasted no time in appointing a full-time successor to take over at Old Trafford.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim has agreed to take over the job on a contract until 2027.Amorim, 39, has agreed a £6.5million-a-year deal and has claimed he turned down THREE TIMES that amount from another club who met his £8.3m buy-out clause.However, he admitted that he has not made the decision to leave Sporting lightly.He said: “United came along, paid the clause, above the clause, and the chairman defended his interests.“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.“I had three days to decide on something that would completely change my life. It’s not the first time that I’ve had my clause paid by another club.“Nor is it the second. It’s very hard for me to leave.“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.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I would earn three times more with the last club that offered to pay my clause. I gave everything I had for the club.“I changed my mind several times. My concern is not to harm the Sporting team. And we’ll see later. I’ll have that concern when I’m at United.” More

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    FA to let Thomas Tuchel work from home as England boss with German set to split his time between London and Munich

    THOMAS TUCHEL has been told he can work remotely for part of the week when he starts as England manager in January.The German committed to living in England “most of the time” when he was appointed last month, but will not be pressured by the FA to attend daily meetings at the Three Lions’ training base at St George’s Park.Thomas Tuchel will divide his time between London and Munich as England bossThe FA have allowed Tuchel to work from his base in MunichTuchel’s England regime is likely to be different from that of his predecessor Gareth Southgate, who was based at the National Football Centre in Burton for three days a week during his eight years in charge.He demanded similar attendance levels from the rest of the FA’s back-room team and held regular meetings with age-group coaches, analysts, coach educators, security and team operation staff.And Southgate, 54, and his assistant Steve Holland attended an average of five Prem matches between them each week.Tuchel will go to some meetings with junior coaches and other departments, but has been told he can work remotely.Read more football newsThe German, 51, lived in London for 18 months when he was in charge at Chelsea, and plans to split his time between the capital and his current base in Munich, near where his two daughters live.England women’s coach Sarina Wiegman splits her living arrangements between the UK and her home in Holland.Tuchel said last month: “I love to live in England and I’m looking forward to living again in England.“I want to be close to the Premier League, I want to be close to the majority of the players.Most read in Football“But of course, the schedule will allow me to be close to my family and my children in Germany.Thomas Tuchel ‘was NOT England’s first choice and Pep Guardiola could still get the job’“I will be in England most of the time.”Tuchel has signed an 18-month contract with the sole target of winning the 2026 World Cup.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024In another surprise Tuchel will NOT attend England’s crucial Nations League games against Republic of Ireland and Greece this month.It is not yet known if he will go to the 2026 World Cup qualifying draw in Switzerland in December.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel. More

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    Watch former Premier League bad-boy Nile Ranger’s dramatic extra-time winner as seventh-tier Kettering stun Northampton

    NILE RANGER headed the extra-time winner as seventh-tier Kettering stunned League One Northampton to make the FA Cup second round.Ranger, 33, once pocketed £10,000-a-week and says he could have been as good as Erling Haaland – but instead ended up unemployed after stints in jail.Nile Ranger headed in against Northampton Town in the FA CupCredit: bbcHis goal gave Kettering Town a huge upset in the historic competitionCredit: bbcHe was handed a career lifeline by Southern League Premier Central side Kettering last month.And he made an instant impact with a towering header to stun their more illustrious local rivals.Cobblers star Connor Johnson had netted in the first-half own goal to hand Kettering the lead before Luca Miller levelled to send the game to extra time.Thrilled Ranger said: “It’s special, especially where we’re coming from.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Obviously our tier of football is quite low, so coming to Northampton, it’s a derby as well. Look what it means to the fans. It’s a lot.”I’m trying to be humble. I’m getting old now.”Obviously, I went down a level to show everyone I’m still hungry. It feels good for myself as well.”Ranger rose highest to head home the winner in the 92nd minute at the Sixfields Stadium.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe is not the only former Premier League star at Kettering with Gary Hooper and Marvin Sordell both also on the books.The result was a huge scalp for Kettering and Northampton are four divisions higher than the Southern League Premier Division Central side.Meet non-league star with longest throw in football who plans to put it to good use in FA Cup giant killingRanger was over the moon after scoringCredit: PAGainsborough will be the lowest-ranked side in tonight’s FA Cup second-round draw after a penalty shoot-out victory following a 4-4 draw with eighth-tier Hesnesford.The Northern Premier League strugglers recovered from 3-0 down to force extra-time with an added time leveller from Will Lancaster.Seventh-tier Trinity fell behind again before levelling — then won 5-4 on penalties to reach the second round for the first time in 72 years.Gainsborough boss Russ Wilcox said: “I’ve never been involved in anything like that. In the penalty shoot-out we had three chances to win it and three chances to lose it.”And National League strugglers Wealdstone pulled off a shock by winning 1-0 at League Two Grimsby with Alex Reid’s 90th-minute strike.The striker said: “The gaffer said show respect but believe in yourselves.”Oldham overcame the one-division gap to League Two Tranmere to beat Rovers 2-1 at Prenton Park.National League Dagenham also beat League Two opposition with Dion Pereira’s second-half penalty clinching a 1-0 win at Crewe.Daggers boss Ben Strevens said: “It’s an amazing day for us. The scenes at the end are what we do it for.”Seventh-tier Harborough are in the second round for the first time after a 4-1 win at National League South Tonbridge.FA Cup first round results Here are all of the results from the FA Cup first round…Notts County 5-1 Alfreton TownTamworth 1-0 HuddersfieldTonbridge 1-4 Harborough Town Worthing 0-2 Morecambe Burton Albion 1-0 Scarborough AthleticSolihull Moors 3-0 Maidstone UnitedGillingham 0-2 BlackpoolReading 2-0 FleetwoodNewport County 2-4 Peterborough Barrow 0-1 DoncasterWoking 0-1 Cambridge UnitedStockport 2-1 Forest Green RoversBristol Rovers 3-1 Weston-super-MareRochdale 3-4 BromleyWalsall 2-1 BoltonPort Vale 1-3 BarnsleyExeter City 5-3 BarnetSwindon Town 2-1 ColchesterWycombe 3-2 York CityChesterfield 3-1 HorshamSouthend 3-4 CharltonMaidenhead 1-2 Crawley TownBrackley Town 0(5)-(4)0 Braintree TownCrewe Alexandre 0-1 Dagenham and RedbridgeBradford City 3-1 Aldershot TownCarlisle 0-2 Wigan AthleticTranmere 1-2 OldhamStevenage 1(5)-(4)1 GuiseleyGrimsby Town 0-1 Wealdstone Salford City 2-1 ShrewsburyRotherham 1-3 CheltenhamRuchall Olympic 0-2 Accrington StanleyHednesford Town 4(4)-(5)4 Gainsborough TrinityNorthampton Town 1-2 Kettering TownStill to playMK Dons v AFC WimbledonSutton United v Birmingham CityCurzon Ashton v Mansfield TownBoreham Wood v Leyton OrientHarrogate Town v WrexhamChesham United v Lincoln CityPaul Malone gave the Southern League Premier Central side the lead before Ben Stephens (two) and Danny Forbes sealed it.Northern Premier League Guiseley gave League One Stevenage a scare before finally going out on penalties.Will Longbottom’s equaliser for the non league outfit made it 1-1 but keeper Murphy Cooper made two saves to help win the shoot-out 5-4.Maidstone’s hopes of another memorable Cup run ended with a 3-0 defeat at Solihull Moors.READ MORE SUN STORIESJosh Magennis scored a hat-trick for Exeter in the League One side’s 5-3 win over National League Barnet.And National League North outfit Rushall Olympic finished with ten men with Luke Benbow sent off for two bookings as they were beaten 2-0 at home by League Two Accrington. More

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    Harry Redknapp: Why Ruben Amorim should build his new Man Utd around Harry Maguire to drag them up from rock bottom

    WHEN legend Sir Alex Ferguson won the Treble at Manchester United they called it ‘The Impossible Dream’.But now, 25 years on, Ruben Amorim will walk into Old Trafford with plenty saying it’s become the Impossible Job.Ruben Amorim should be a success at Old Trafford, says Harry RedknappHarry Maguire should be someone Ruben Amorim turns to, Redknapp addedWell I’ve got news for all of them — Sir Alex had the last laugh in 1999 and I’m convinced United’s new manager will do the same.Not by winning everything in sight, before you think I’ve lost the plot. I am not suggesting three trophies and an open-top bus parade around Manchester in May.But I do see this as the perfect chance for Amorim to make himself a hero.It is actually the dream job and the perfect time to take on one of the biggest four or five clubs in the world.Read more football newsYou see, if you’re at an all-time low, like United are now, there’s only one way to go. It was the same for me when I went to Spurs in 2008.I took over a side that was rock bottom, without a win after eight games, and where chins were on the floor. But I looked around on that first day and knew we wouldn’t be there for long.Not with the likes of Luka Modric, a young Gareth Bale, Jermaine Jenas, Aaron Lennon. Top talent all over the place.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAmorim’s got his fair share at United, too.Most read in FootballAlejandro Garnacho — a player I love — Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford would walk into most sides in the Prem.Ruben Amorim showed flashes of a young Jose Mourinho is his latest press conference – and teased a big announcementObviously results must improve and the manager will want to bring in one or two new faces and make the odd tweak.But we’re not talking a complete overhaul.This isn’t the United David Moyes inherited when he replaced Sir Alex in 2013.One that may have been champions but — with all due respect — certainly wasn’t anywhere near their finest.Fergie got them over the line but so many players were nearing the end and a total rebuild was on the cards.Harry didn’t always have the easiest of rides under Erik ten Hag — and that’s putting it mildly — and a lot of money was spent on new central defenders.Harry RedknappIt was nothing like the current squad, one which just needs a bit of fine-tuning. So ignore rubbish about how this season is already a write-off.With so many games left, if United go on a run — and there is no reason why not — they could get fourth spot.Chelsea are probably favourites but no one’s grabbing it by the horns.Tottenham are in and out and Aston Villa have the Champions League to deal with as well.The immediate job for Amorim is to bring back the confidence, to make them feel good again, like I had to at Spurs.Amorim’s first job will be to install confidence in his squadMaguire had a difficult time under sacked boss Erik ten Hag at Man UtdI remember looking at Jonathan Woodgate, Ledley King, Vedran Corluka and the rest and thinking, ‘If I can’t get this lot playing better, something really is wrong’.They didn’t need me to tell them it hadn’t been good enough — even though I did!I also told everyone it was a level playing field as they were all starting from the same point.Whoever was out of favour before, it didn’t bother me. This was a fresh start and I’d pick a side based on who impressed me in training.That was the challenge, and they all took it on.It’s a tough job, for sure, as tough as it comes. But an impossible one? Not a chance.Harry RedknappI wanted to find the players I could rely on, just as Amorim has to at United. And I’d be amazed if Harry Maguire isn’t top of that list.Harry didn’t always have the easiest of rides under Erik ten Hag — and that’s putting it mildly — and a lot of money was spent on new central defenders.But Maguire kept his head down throughout it all, didn’t cause a fuss, waited for his chance and always gave 100 per cent when it arrived.There might be more glamorous names at United, but no one gives more, wants to win more, or cares quite as much.Maguire has had his ups and downs at Old Trafford during his careerRuben 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.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMaguire’s the sort of player every new manager needs and I’m sure it won’t take Amorim long to realise that.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe’ll soon discover the Premier League is a world away from the one he leaves behind in Portugal and there’s a lot of hard work ahead.It’s a tough job, for sure, as tough as it comes. But an impossible one? Not a chance. More