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      Fixture pivot encourages Dream Team bosses to back in-form bagsman Alexander Isak

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      RIGHT-MINDED Dream Team managers don’t need much of an excuse to back Alexander Isak (£5.2m).Despite a handful of injury setbacks, Newcastle’s No14 has proven himself to be one of the Premier League’s best strikers since his arrival on English shores in the summer of 2022.Isak has been among the goals recentlyCredit: Dream TeamThe Sweden international has scored 37 goals in 65 league appearances for the Magpies at an impressive strike rate of one every 131 minutes.More relevantly, he’s in great form right now having scored six goals in his last eight outings; and that includes when he was forced off with a knock midway through the first half against Crystal Palace at the end of November.Isak’s prolific spell in front of goal has yielded 68 points since the start of Gameweek 9, making him one of Dream Team’s most in-form players.Aside from a concerning availability record, the main reason gaffers have been reluctant to select the 25 year-old forward is his comparatively relaxed schedule.Only Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer scored more league goals than Isak last seasonCredit: ReutersEddie Howe’s side narrowly missed out on European qualification last season meaning Isak simply doesn’t have as many point-scoring opportunities as the likes of Kai Havertz (£4.7m), Dominic Solanke (£4.1m), Ollie Watkins (£5.5m), etc.However, the fixture list is about to pivot.From the start of Gameweek 15 (which gets underway this Saturday) until the end of Gameweek 19 in mid-January, no team will play more games than Newcastle.And it will stay that way if the Toon get past Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-final at St James’ Park.Most read in FootballNewcastle assets will become more viable from Gameweek 15Credit: GettyWith the fixture count now in Isak’s favour, he is a super viable option for Dream Team bosses throughout the festive period.NEWCASTLE FIXTURES FROM GAMEWEEK 15 TO GAMEWEEK 19:Leicester (h) – Premier LeagueBrentford (h) – Carabao CupIpswich (a) – Premier LeagueAston Villa (h) – Premier LeagueManchester United (a) – Premier LeagueTottenham (a) – Premier LeagueBromley (h) – FA CupWolves (h) – Premier LeagueIf Isak is able to maintain his current form there will be plenty of points up for grabs in the coming weeks.The next two Gameweeks looks particularly appealing as three of his four fixtures are due to take place at St James’ Park.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWAdditionally, both the Foxes and Tractor Boys are currently in the bottom five while the Bees have a dismal record on the road this campaign, in contrast to their amazingly strong home form.Granted, Newcastle haven’t been at their best so far this season but in Isak they have striker capable of special things.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      ‘Time to see if he was serious’ – Fans call for Jose Mourinho to stick to his word with Millwall hunting for new manager

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      MILLWALL fans are calling on Jose Mourinho to keep his word after he jokingly suggested he would be keen to take over at the Den.The Lions are looking for a new manager after Neil Harris quit for the second time, after doing the same thing back in 2019.Jose Mourinho recently named Millwall as a surprise club he’d consider managingCredit: GettyMillwall fans haven’t forgotten Mourinho’s statement and are calling for him to keep his wordCredit: GettyHarris will roll credits on his second stint, which lasted 10 months, after Saturday’s clash at Middlesbrough, which means he will also be in charge of Millwall on Wednesday against Sheffield United.Mourinho suggested in October that he would love a return to English football after stints with Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.And the Special One named Millwall as a surprise club he would consider as they are are close to his London home.The Fenerbahce boss said when asked if he’d manage teams fighting relegation: “Millwall. Millwall. I just cross the bridge from my house! Millwall.”Read More on FootballMillwall fans haven’t forgotten the ex-Real Madrid manager’s statement and took to social media urging him to take up this opportunity and follow through with what he said.One fan tweeted: “Jose we await your arrival.”Another commented: “Guess it’s time to see if Mourinho was serious after all.”A third wrote: “Mourinho called it on. He’ll have to step up now or look silly.”Most read in FootballThis fan said: “Jose Mourinho, a man can dream.”And that one stated: “Jose Mourinho is taking over from Neil Harris at Millwall… You heard it here first.”Jose Mourinho wildly drags his own Fenerbahce assistant by his hood and shoves him away during bizarre goal celebrationHowever, Mourinho admitted that his statement was just in good humour as he confirmed he is not interested in taking over clubs that are fighting relegation.Millwall are currently 11th in the Championship table and quite safe from the drop, but did risk relegation last season.Mourinho added: “I’m never going to a team fighting relegation. It’s too hard.“It’s more difficult than playing for titles. It has to be very hard emotionally because it’s something that changes lives.“I think it’s brave guys that do it. I had three clubs in England, four different periods and I love it.“My family lives in London. London is home so one day I have to be back unless no one wants me.“But don’t get me wrong, for the next two years no one will take me from Fenerbahce.” More

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      ‘It’s almost like he’s been playing with a handbrake on’ – Jermain Defoe slams Man Utd for tactical disaster

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      JADON SANCHO has been “playing with a handbrake on”, according to Jermain Defoe.Sancho, 24, proved to be nothing more than an expensive disappointment during his time at Manchester United after signing from Borussia Dortmund.Jadon Sancho has refound his best form at Chelsea after a poor spell at Man UtdCredit: AlamyJermain Defoe believed the winger was ‘playing with a handbrake on’Credit: AlamyHowever, the winger has turned a new leaf and seems to have recaptured some of the form he showed in Germany while on loan at Chelsea this season.The loan transfer taking Sancho from Old Trafford to Stamford Bridge is understood to contain a clause that will see the Blues pay £25million as long as they finish 14th or higher in the Premier League.With Enzo Maresca’s side up to second place after a 4-3 win over Tottenham on Sunday, that clause looks all-but certain to be triggered.Sancho himself played a big part in the comeback win, scoring Chelsea’s first to get them back into the game after the home side went 2-0 up early on with a stunning goal after cutting inside from the left wing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDefoe was astonished by the sequence given he never showed such quality while playing for Man Utd, with the club ultimately deciding to cut their losses after his fallout with Erik ten Hag last year.Speaking on Sky Sports Monday Night Football, he said: “I thought he looked really sharp yesterday.”It’s almost like he’s been playing with a handbrake [on], you’d see him too many times he’d receive it and it would go back and you’re sort of like, ‘Just go at people!’. “But this is Jadon Sancho, 100 per cent. It’s not an easy finish, to be honest, but from that angle, it’s a really easy finish.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSancho has scored twice in the league for the London side, also adding three assists across nine appearances. He has added two more assists in the Conference League, with Maresca praising him following the Spurs game.How Chelsea embarrassed Spurs with Enzo Fernandez leading genius in-game tactical shake-upThe Chelsea boss said: “Since we started, the reason why Jadon came here is because we think Jadon is going to help us.”Unfortunately he had small problems so he was out for a while.”Now he is back and the only thing he has to do is continue in the same way. He cannot drop, otherwise he is not going to play. His performance and Pedro Neto, on and off the ball was very good.”Off the ball, they were running, following [Destiny] Udogie and defensively they were very good. This is what we need.”Speaking to Super Sport TV, Sancho said: “From day one, they made me feel welcome at Chelsea.”I know that I have a lot of people to prove wrong. I’ve been working very hard. “Let me say thank you to the staff and the team for believing in me and giving me the opportunity.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Blues next game on Thursday sees them enduring a long trip to Kazakhstan to face Astana in the Europa Conference League at 3:30pm GMT.The repercussions of the 7,000-mile round trip have seen the Blues Sunday clash with Brentford move to an unprecedented 7pm kick-off time.Chelsea ratings vs TottenhamCHELSEA came from two goals behind to beat Spurs 4-3 in a chaotic game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium,Here’s how the Blues players rated…Robert Sanchez – 4The home fans were on to him for the entirety of the first half after he lumped the ball out of play early on.Not an awful lot he could’ve done about the goals, and he did recover well in the second half.Moises Caicedo – 6Chelsea’s best defender on the day, he put in some strong challenges inverting into midfield and put in a solid performance once again.Fortunate to escape a card for a late challenge on Pape Matar Sarr, before a brilliant second half.Benoit Badiashile – 4Looked uncomfortable playing as a left-footed centre-back on the right-hand side.Often didn’t help Robert Sanchez by playing him into trouble, and looked awkward when trying to progress from the back.Levi Colwill – 6Allowed Solanke to get in front of him and finish brilliantly at the near post for the opening goal.Didn’t have an awful lot to do in the second half, which was perhaps a good sign, as the whole defence was improved.Marc Cucurella – 4Slipped at the vital moment to practically set Spurs through and open the scoring within five minutes, before slipping AGAIN which saw Kulusevski double the lead.Recovered really well after swapping his ice skates for football boots, nabbing the assist for Sancho’s goal and giving a solid showing for the whole second half.That said, he has to be marked down for the two goals.Romeo Lavia – 8Energetic, strong and smooth on the turn in midfield, with some brilliant line-breaking passes too.Much the same as Caicedo, he is becoming a dependable, impressive body in the Chelsea midfield.Came off at half-time for Malo Gusto, which must have been a tactical switch.Enzo Fernandez (c) – 9Didn’t misplace a single one of his 28 passes in the first half, the same as Lavia – before adding a stunning, game-winning, left-footed volley to his myriad of impressive actions.His best game in a Chelsea shirt came in one of their biggest matches of the season, as he continues his remarkable run of goal contributions.Pedro Neto – 7A threat on the right wing in the first half for Chelsea, he pressed well and came close to scoring Palmer’s deflected effort.A constant danger, he was creative but slightly lacked in end product if you’re being critical.Cole Palmer – 9Mis-kicked a chance in the first twenty minutes you would usually bet your house on him scoring, before coming close again with a shot from range moments later.Calmly dispatched his equalising penalty into the bottom corner, before setting up Enzo Fernandez to put his side in the lead.Added the cherry on the Chelsea cake with an ice-cold panenka from the penalty spot.Jadon Sancho – 8Excellent finish to pull one back for the Blues and spark hope among supporters.Generally sharp in build-up, and tricky feet as always, with a great slide-rule pass to see Caicedo win the penalty for Chelsea’s equaliser.Nicolas Jackson – 6Looked a threat going forward for Chelsea in spells, but failed to get himself on the scoresheet on this occasion.Seemed troubled as he departed the pitch for the oncoming Christopher Nkunku.SUBS…Malo Gusto (Romeo Lavia, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.Christopher Nkunku (Nicolas Jackson, 76)Got in some good positions and pressed well, remaining an outlet for the Chelsea attack when they countered.Ultimately not enough time to have the impact he would’ve liked.Noni Madueke (Pedro Neto, 86)Not enough time to impact the game in any way.Renato Veiga (Marc Cucurella, 90)Not enough time to give a solid review, hardly touched the ball.Joao Felix (Cole Palmer, 90)Came on with seven minutes to go, in which Chelsea were defending for the most part. 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      How struggling Arsenal compare to this stage last season with Arteta only able to start favourite backline FOUR times

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      ARSENAL’S title charge last season was based on solid defensive foundations.Between the first-choice back four of the 2023/24 campaign – Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel and Oleksandr Zinchenko – they missed just 14 Premier League games.Arsenal managed to keep a consistent and injury-free back four last seasonCredit: GettyRiccardo Calafiori is one that has struggled with injuries this termCredit: AlamyWhite made 37 appearances. Gabriel made 36. Zinchenko had some injury issues but still managed 27, while Saliba played every minute of every game.Yes, their attack was pivotal – scoring 91 goals, a club record across a 38-game season.But they also produced one of their best defensive displays since the Invincibles, conceding 29 – only three more than that historic title-winning side of 2003/04.Ultimately, it brought them mightily close to the Prem crown – taking Manchester City all the way to the final day back in May but falling short by just two points.read more arsenalSeven months on, and Mikel Arteta’s Gunners find themselves on the outskirts of this title race, six points off leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand heading into the festive period.And once again, we can look to the defence for answers, where a lack of consistency is hurting them in the Prem.Due to another bout of injuries in an injury-hampered season so far – missing Gabriel, Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori last weekend – Arteta was forced, not for the first time, to put out a makeshift back line in the 1-1 draw at Fulham.Thomas Partey, Saliba, Jakub Kiwior and Jurrien Timber was Arsenal’s NINTH different back four combination already this campaign.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt is understood that Arteta’s first-choice back line this term is Timber, Saliba, Gabriel and Calafiori, but that quartet has started together just FOUR times so far – winning three and drawing one.The most games on the spin Arsenal have used the same backline is just THREE, between game week two and four with White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber – winning twice and drawing once.In total, Arsenal have had the same backline for back-to-back games on just THREE occasions, unbeaten when they do so (played seven, won five, drawn two).Arsenal vs Fulham: Comprehensive Player Ratings (1)Between game week six and game week 12, Arteta put out SEVEN different combos in a row, winning just three times (drawn two, lost two).All of this has had an impact, even if only slightly. Last season at this stage, Arsenal had conceded 14 goals and produced six clean sheets.That came about through naming the same back four for six successive game weeks, winning four and drawing twice in that time.This time around, they have let in 15 goals and notched five clean sheets. Given the disruption, it is perhaps impressive that the stats are almost identical.But the big difference comes from results. After 15 games in 23/24, Arsenal had won 11, drawn three and lost once, compared to this term where they have won eight, drawn five and lost two.Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s top goalscorerArsenal concede more shots on their own goal per game than they take on the opposition’sFour of those draws have seen Arsenal throw away points from winning positions against Chelsea, Liverpool, Brighton and Man City – spending most of the latter two games down to 10 men.And within those four results, there were three different backlines on show.There have been some positives. The successful pairing of Saliba and Gabriel has started 12 of 15 games, but the constant change around them has taken its toll.It is chalk and cheese when compared to Liverpool – who have used six different back lines.But the Reds’ first-choice option of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konata and Andy Robertson has started eight of their opening 14 games.In their opening 10 outings, that same back four started seven times (winning eight, drawing one and losing one).Trent started the first 11 games on the spin, missing just two. Van Dijk has started every game. Konate has started 11 of the first 14.Their longest run of constant changes to the backline is six, between game week nine and game week 14 (winning four and drawing two).But within that period, Trent, Van Dijk and Robertson were a constant presence.READ MORE SUN STORIESNot for the first time this season, Arteta’s biggest task is clearing the medical room and keeping it that way. Consistency is vital if they are to chase down another title charge.Arsenal ratings vs FulhamARSENAL lost the chance to go four points behind leaders Liverpool after Fulham held Mikel Arteta’s side to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.See how the players rated…David Raya – 6 Couldn’t do much about his one-on-one with Jimenez and was rarely threatened after that.Thomas Partey – 5 Started from right-back but it quickly became clear just how missed the Ghanaian’s presence was in midfield.Often looked disjointed and uncomfortable in carrying out his defensive duties up against the explosive Adama Traore.William Saliba – 6 Brought his side level with a tap in from six yards from another profitable Arsenal corner. It’s two goals in one week for the Frenchman.Jakub Kiwior – 4 Terrible afternoon filling into Gabriel’s big shoes as his performance showed why the Pole is only used in emergency situations.Easily outmanoeuvred by Raul Jimenez’s inside run for the Fulham No.9’s sleek low finish opener inside 11 minutes.Jurrien Timber – 5 Forced to move into left-back but undoubtedly a greater influence on the right side of defence.Dutchman was quiet by his standards and was dragged narrow for Jimenez’s opener.Martin Odegaard – 6 Grew into the game as Fulham sat back and fed Saka with some intricate through balls, but nothing came off.Replaced by 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri with 10 minutes remaining when Arsenal were chasing a winner.Jorginho – 6 Largely did his job in nullifying Emile Smith Rowe before the Arsenal youth academy star was replaced inside 60 minutes.But some wayward long balls saw a frustrated Arteta turn away in the opening half.Declan Rice – 6Tasked with bailing out the makeshift left hand side of Timber and Kiwior out and again lethal from corners. Didn’t stop running and linked up well with Saka and Odegaard.Booked for a professional foul in the dying embers.Bukayo Saka – 7Every time you looked at the TV, Saka was crossing. Great corners from the right hand side.He thought he’d won it for Arsenal in the 87th minute, but his back post header was ruled out for Martinelli’s offside in the build up.Leandro Trossard – 6Handed a shock start ahead of Gabriel Martinelli but it failed to come off.More of a threat in the second-half before he looked disappointed to be subbed off for Martinelli on the hour mark.Kai Havertz – 5 It was his header from Rice’s corner that Saliba prodded home to put Arsenal on level terms. Didn’t have much of a sniff other than that.Out-duelled by Diop for much of the first half and rarely tested former Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno in his 73 minute appearance. More

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      Millwall boss Neil Harris quits AGAIN barely 24 hours before facing table-toppers Sheffield United

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      NEIL HARRIS has quit Millwall for the second time in his career.The manager resigned from the club back in 2019, and now he is stepping down again.Neil Harris has quit Millwall for a second time in his careerCredit: PAHarris will quit as Millwall manager after the clash against Middlesborough on Saturday.This means he will have two more games in the dugout, with the first against table-toppers Sheffield United on Wednesday evening.Despite the club’s strong form at the end of the previous campaign under Harris, it has not been continued this term.Harris, 47, was the manager of Millwall for the first time between 2015 and 2019.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, he left the South London club by resignation in October 2019 before going on to join Cardiff City the following month.Harris rejoined the Lions in February on an 18-month contract with the club, threatened with relegation from the Championship.The Lions were just one point above the bottom three, but he led them to a 13th-place finish, winning all five of their final games to the season. However, his term as manager has been cut short after a confirmed statement by Millwall.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMillwall are currently 13th in the division, having seen their nine-game unbeaten streak come to an end in their last match.Lions chairman James Berylson hailed Harris’ work during his stint in charge and insisted that he “accepted” the coach’s decision.Premier League club to make history by wearing AI-generated kit designed by fans Millwall statement on HarrisMillwall released a statement on the exit fo Neil Harris as manager.It read: “Millwall Football Club can confirm a mutual decision has been reached with Neil Harris to step down from his role as head coach following the Lions’ trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday.”Neil returned to the club in February 2024 with an immediate focus of steering the club away from the relegation zone. “He successfully achieved this after collecting 26 points from a possible 33.”Gallen on Harris’ exitMillwall’s director of football Steve Gallen insisted that the recuitment process is underway to replace Neil Harris.He said: “We respect Neil’s decision and he departs with the best wishes of everybody at the club.”Since I joined in May, I have enjoyed my time working alongside Neil and I thank him for his efforts during this period.“A comprehensive recruitment process is already underway for a new head coach.”The direction we as a club want to head in is clear and the next head coach will play a pivotal role in helping us execute our strategy.”He said: “At the start of 2024, we found ourselves in a tough spot.”Neil came in and along with his coaching staff galvanised the squad.”Through action and leadership, he led Millwall on a magnificent run of form, ensuring our return to Championship football this season.”I want to thank Neil for all his efforts since returning to the Club and we will be forever grateful to him for that.”After discussions with Neil in recent days, he felt it was the right time to step down from the role following the Middlesbrough game and I have accepted his decision.”On Saturday, they were beaten by Coventry City 1-0 at The Den.It was after that result that Harris claimed people needed a reality check.He said: “That is where people have to get their heads out of the clouds and realise how well we’ve done to achieve what we have so far. And how tough it is for us as a group.”Right at the end we put the ball in the box and one of my young centre-forwards and one of my young wingers are standing outside of the penalty area.”It shows a lot of learning we have got in front of us.”You miss Romain [Esse], you miss Japhet [Tanganga] and you miss Jake Cooper.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Three players that probably get in any Championship team.”Just a reminder to people, the thickos, that when you take the three best players out of the team that this is Millwall Football Club.”Harris’ letter to fansNeil Harris penned an open letter to fans after it was announced that he would be stepping fown from Millwall..It read: “Today I am announcing that I will be leaving Millwall Football Club after Saturday’s game against Middlesbrough.”This isn’t an easy decision, as everyone knows this club is more than a job to me, it’s my club, and always will be.”Being here always felt like home, as a player, as a captain, and as a manager.”We are a family, and it’s been my life for so many years.”But I always said when I returned that I would leave when the time felt right, and now is that time. Coming back last season and all the highs that came with it will never be rivalled.”It was one of the highlights of my career. We fought together as a team, as fans and as a united football club.”We have some special characters in this team. They are dedicated and hungry to do well. With the right encouragement and support, I’m sure they can achieve great things.  “I would like to thank all the staff at the club for their loyalty and support and especially the owner James Berylson, for welcoming me back. He’s been superb to work with, and I will always be grateful for the great friendship we shared. “We have the most passionate fans in the country, and your support has meant the world to me. We are often misunderstood, but the uniqueness of Millwall is also what makes us so special.”I wish all of my friends at Millwall Football Club the best for the rest of the season and I will see you soon.””Chopper.” More

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      Man Utd ‘would listen to offers for Marcus Rashford in January’ as Ruben Amorim desperately scrambles to free up funds

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly willing to listen to offers for Marcus Rashford in January.The Red Devils star could be offloaded in order to raise funds for new manager Ruben Amorim.Marcus Rashford could be sold by Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyThe forward has scored three goals under Ruben AmorimCredit: RexRashford, 27, has previously been seen as unsellable at Old Trafford, having risen through the ranks at the club.The forward has struggled for form over the last 12 months and has only managed four goals in 15 Premier League appearances this season.He has netted three times in Amorim’s four league matches since taking over from Erik ten Hag.However, it appears that his improved form has not done enough to solidify his spot at the club.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSky Germany have reported that Man United “would sell” Rashford by the summer at the latest.It is also claimed that the club are “open to top offers” during the upcoming January transfer window.The report has claimed that the club have acknowledged his improvement with Amorim at the helm but are not against cashing in.The main reason behind the potential departure of the academy graduate is his “very high salary,” which would free up FFP space.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Telegraph also report United have concerns over his lifestyle off the pitch.Last season Rashford was fined £650,000 — two weeks’ wages — and dropped from the FA Cup tie at Newport County after he rang in sick for training after partying in Belfast.The out-of-favour England international is earning an astonishing £325,000 per week.His current contract expires in 2028, having signed an extension in July 2023.How Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position changeShould Rashford leave then Man United would be able to have more “room to manoeuvre” in the transfer market.Amorim has previously hinted about trying to find a “solution” for Rashford.He said: “We’ll try to find the right solution for him, but he has to be Marcus.”First of all, we have to try to return to that moment.”Since Amorim’s arrival at the club, there have already been some exciting names linked to transfers.It is believed that Amorim is keen on bringing three stars from Sporting Lisbon to join him at Old Trafford.This includes impressive striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has scored 25 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESDefensive midfielder Morten Hjulmand and centre-back Goncalo Inacio would also add some much-needed steel to the team.Meanwhile, club legend Rio Ferdinand claimed that the hierarchy needs to “get players out” quickly.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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      Tragedy as footballer trips and falls nearly 300ft to her death while filming selfie at top of 25-storey tower block

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      FUTSAL player Carol Oliveira has tragically died aged 22 after falling from a helipad on Sunday.The Brazilian fell nearly 300ft from the top of a 25-storey tower block in Balneario Camboriu, Brazil.Carol Oliveira has tragically died aged 22Credit: NF/newsXThe Brazilian played futsal for a team in her home countryCredit: NF/newsXOliveira had been recording videos with her brother in the moments prior to her death.Per CNN in Brazil, it’s claimed that she lost her bearings while focusing on her phone, stepping straight off the building.Police and firefighters later recovered her body, after she had fallen approximately 22 stories.Oliveira had played for the Centro de Tijucas futsal team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe represented her team at the Tijucas Women’s Municipal Futsal Championship earlier this year.Oliveira was a big Corinthians fan and wore their shirt in her social media profile picture.Her former futsal coach Angelica Solidade has paid tribute to Oliveira.She said: “Everyone liked her. You never heard a person say ‘Carol is boring’ or ‘I don’t like her’.Most read in Football”Everyone liked her from the adults to the young players she looked after on the bus.”Solidade has since set up a fundraiser to help Oliveira’s family with funeral costs. More

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      Former Chelsea wonderkid who was ‘poached from Leeds’ that resulted in £5m out-of-court settlement wakes up unemployed

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      FORMER Chelsea ace Michael Woods has become a free agent at the age of 34 after leaving a non-league outfit.Woods burst onto the scene in 2006 when the Blues signed him from Leeds along with fellow prospect Tom Taiwo.Former Chelsea prospect Michael Woods is now a free agent at the age of 34Credit: GettyWoods spent the last few years at non-league clubsCredit: Getty – ContributorThat led to a clash between the West Londoners’ hierarchy and their former owner Ken Bates, who was the Whites’ chairman at the time.Bates accused Chelsea of making illegal approaches and even branded then owner Roman Abramovich and Co as “a bunch of shysters from Siberia”.The businessman then labelled an initial offer of £200,000 as “insulting” and called for the Premier League giants to face a points deduction, transfer ban or suspension from European competitions.Eventually, Bates accepted £5million compensation in an out-of-court settlement with Abramovich’s side.Read More on FootballHowever, neither Leeds academy graduate managed to stand out at Stamford Bridge.Taiwo retired at 29 due to injury, while Woods only managed two senior appearances during his five-year spell at Chelsea.The midfielder, though, also dealt with injury setbacks as two years into his stay he was told he may never play football again after a serious knee injury in a reserve fixture. And just ten minutes into his comeback appearance, the ex-England youth international dislocated his ankle.Most read in FootballOngoing struggles to break into the first team, with Frank Lampard and Michael Essien ahead of him in the pecking order, led to a loan stint at Notts County in 2010 and his eventual departure a year later.Woods didn’t return to action for another year when he signed with Yeovil Town in 2012.Premier League club to make history by wearing AI-generated kit designed by fans However, the central midfielder struggled to settle and went on to play for the likes of Doncaster Rovers, Harrogate Town, Hartlepool United, Dover Athletic, York City and South Shields.Eventually, Woods spent six months at Blyth Spartans in the seventh division.However, the club confirmed the player is no longer on their books with a short statement that read: “Blyth Spartans can confirm that midfielder Michael Woods has departed the club.” More