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    Forgotten Man Utd star returns to training in major boost for Ruben Amorim having played just 98 MINUTES this season

    FORGOTTEN Manchester United star Luke Shaw has returned to training after playing just 98 minutes this season.The England left-back has been plagued by injuries once again and has barely featured under new boss Ruben Amorim.Luke Shaw is back in training with Man UtdCredit: PAThe left-back has played just 98 minutes of football this seasonCredit: PAShaw was joined by fellow forgotten man Marcus RashfordCredit: PAIndeed, Shaw has just about clocked up the equivalent of one entire football match since playing for his country in their Euros final defeat to Spain.His absence has left United light in two positions in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.As well as the left wing-back role, Shaw can also play the left centre-back position.But he could now be available for tomorrow’s Europa League game against FCSB.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShaw was seen on the training field with teammates including Marcus Rashford on Wednesday.And he could now be thrust into the starting XI on the left, which has been occupied by right-footer Diogo Dalot during Amorim’s reign.But Shaw may find he has a battle on his hands once he’s match fit.That’s because United are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe 20-year-old is rated as one of the best defensive prospects in Europe.He is expected to fly from Italy to England today.Marcus Rashford trains with Man Utd ahead of transfer deadline day Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu is expected to join Man Utd tomorrowCredit: GettyTyrell Malacia could be on his way to Real BetisCredit: AlamyAnd Dorgu could complete a £30million transfer on Thursday, with a potential debut on Sunday against Crystal Palace to come.The youngster’s arrival could spell the end of Tyrell Malacia’s miserable Old Trafford career.The Dutchman has emerged as a loan target for Spanish side Real Betis.And he could jump at the chance for a fresh start, with United misfit Antony having already signed for the LaLiga club this month.Meanwhile, fans had their ironic say on Shaw’s return to action.One fan said: “Luke Shaw every time we sign a new LB,” shared alongside a photo of Shaw in a Brazil shirt as a mock-up of Roberto Carlos.A second said: “Luke Shaw whenever there is competition for his position,” shared with a WWE getting up from a wheelchair.A third said: “Luke Shaw after seeing we’re signing Patrick Dorgu,” shared with a video of the Undertaker emerging from a coffin in a WWE match.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother said: “Buy a LB and Luke Shaw instantly back in first-team training. Couldn’t write it”A fifth added: “Every time we sign a new left-back Luke Shaw rises like a phoenix.” More

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    Liverpool star Cody Gakpo incredibly reveals how close he came to joining Prem strugglers but left transfer up to fate

    LIVERPOOL star Cody Gakpo was one goal away from joining one of two sides who were struggling in the Premier League.Gakpo, who linked with Leeds and Southampton before his Anfield move, said he let fate decide his future and “asked God for a sign.”Cody Gakpo was one goal away from joining Leeds or Southampton in April 2022Credit: ESPNThe forward revealed he left his PSV future up to fateCredit: GettySeveral pieces had to fall into place for Gakpo to sign for Liverpool – including a hat-trick scored by chance.Manchester United explored the possibility of signing him when a deal for Ajax attacker Antony proved difficult.But when United appeared to pull out of the race for Gakpo, the forward had three options left in 2022: join Leeds, the Saints or stay at PSV.Gakpo told ESPN that he used a league game against Volendam to make his mind up in an extraordinary way.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 25-year-old said: “I prayed, and I asked God for guidance. But you see, I had to make sure I got his message. “So I said, ‘If I score only once I’ll go to Southampton…. If I score twice, I’ll go to Leeds…. If I score three times, I’ll stay.”The striker added: “The next day we played, and I scored twice. I was also involved in a third goal — and at first, it was called as an own goal.”Then I was subbed out. So, two goals, right? I thought, Ah, OK, it’s Leeds then. I was at peace with my decision.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”As I was sitting on the bench, I told my friend, Jordan Teze, who now plays for Monaco, the whole story. “He was like, ‘If God wants you to stay, that own goal will be awarded to you.’ Cody Gakpo looks back on his debut for PSV Eindhoven “It was like a coin toss, waiting to see what they decided. It could have gone either way! “But after the game, they gave me the goal. I scored three, so my fate changed. I stayed at PSV.”Gakpo reportedly refused to get on a plane to Leeds Bradford Airport in 2022, according to Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink.The decision to bide his time appears to have benefitted Gakpo.The Dutchman joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in the 2023 January transfer window.After a rocky start, he has since made more than 100 appearances for the Reds, scoring 27 goals.Gakpo already has 14 goals this season after scoring 16 last term.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis brace against Ipswich on Saturday made it five goals in his last six Premier League matches.Liverpool travel to Gakpo’s former side PSV in their final Champions League group fixture of the season. Gakpo scored two against Ipswich on SaturdayCredit: AFP More

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    Enzo Fernandez ‘trying to fix romance with childhood sweetheart after discovering team-mate was trying to seduce her’

    CHELSEA star Enzo Fernandez is trying to repair his romance with Valentina Cervantes after discovering an Argentina team-mate was trying to seduce her, it was sensationally claimed today.The pair sparked reunion rumours last week after reportedly being spotted kissing and holding hands in London.Enzo Fernandez is ‘trying again with Valentina Cervantes after an Argentina team-mate tried to make moves on her’Credit: InstagramValentina was seen in a photo on Instagram with two coffee cups in a hotel roomCredit: InstagramFernandez sparked rumours of them being together again after liking this Instagram postCredit: Instagram @valucervantesFernandez announced a split from long-term partner in OctoberThey have two children together, born in 2020 and 2023Fernandez is said to have told her he wants to ‘live alone’She has 1.4 million followers on InstagramIt emerged the pretty brunette was still in London and had yet to return to Argentina with their two children nearly a month after flying to the UK to “stay a few days.”Eagle-eyed fans of Valentina, 24, welcomed the apparent reconciliation overnight after spotting two coffee cups in a photo the influencer posted on Instagram showing her having breakfast in a dressing gown on a hotel balcony opposite Rome’s Colosseum.The footballer gave no clues about his whereabouts on his social media ahead of his club’s upcoming match next Monday against West Ham following their 3-1 defeat to Manchester City at the weekend.But one of Valentina’s 2.4 million Instagram followers, hinting at the identity of her travel companion, said: “There are two coffees.. tell me Enzo is there as well.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn an explosive claim about the midfielder’s apparent decision to backtrack on his decision, journalist Daniel Fava revealed yesterday it was linked to a move by another member of Argentina’s winning World Cup squad on Enzo’s long-time partner.Fava said on TV show A la tarde: “In the last few hours there’s been a reconciliation with his ex-partner Valentina Cervantes. They’re giving things another go.”He added: “The information I have is that Enzo Fernandez is desperately trying to win her back because he’s heard that a fellow world champion is sniffing around her.”The Argentine journalist offered no further clues about the identity of the mystery player he was pointing the finger at, or whether he even knew his name.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAfter a colleague interrupted to say: “What you’re saying is that he prefers to get back with her than see another man jumping in,” he said of Valentina: “Today she’s prettier than ever. “Since the separation she has gained a new sex appeal and energy” before making a second bombshell claim “more than one footballer” had contacted her over social media since the shock split.Transfer guru David Ornstein breaks down Marcus Rashford situation at Man Utd and gives prediction on futureChildhood sweetheart Valentina revealed late last month she would be jetting to London with their two children Olivia, four, and Benjamin, one, to see in the New Year with her ex after he told her he wanted to live alone and she returned to their homeland.Fernandez first fuelled rumours of a possible reconciliation by liking photos she posted last week showing off her curvaceous body in a pair of tight-fitting white leggings and crop top.Argentine journalists began to claim the couple had decided to give love a second chance after they were “spotted” being affectionate with each other during a visit to Selfridges.Argentine journalist Pepe Ochoa told TV programme LAM: “The reconciliation was in London. They are giving love a second chance.”Speaking of their affectionate public display during a recent shopping trip, he said: “They were in Selfridges and went to buy things in Prada.“A friend of mine saw them. They were holding hands and there was a kiss.“He was with his dad and his youngest child. When people started to recognise them, she went one way and he stayed inside.”Shock splitFormer law student Valentina announced the end of their relationship in late October by writing on Instagram: “With Enzo, today we decided to put space between us.“But we will always be family and we will support each other in everything because there are two children in the middle who need a lot of our love for them.“I know the person and the excellent father that Enzo is, and the heart he has and with that, I’m satisfied.“Don’t try to create wars where there are none.”In an interview with Argentine newspaper La Nacion last month where she revealed the New Year family reunion, Valentina admitted she and Enzo lived and slept together for another 10 days after he left her shell-shocked by telling her “from one day to the next” he didn’t want to be with her anymore.Speaking of his decision to call time on their relationship, she added: “I think it was a combination of things on his part. He made the decision and I respected it. We have two children together.“To this day, we try to have a good relationship, we try to share, so that the kids can continue living together.“If you ask me what happened, I have nothing specific to tell you.“I just think that he decided to focus 100 per cent on his career, on performing, on finding himself.“He might not have been at his best as a player and tried to find it. Today, fortunately, things are going well for him. That’s why I’m also happy.”Neither Enzo or Valentina have yet commented publicly on the reports they have decided to get back together.But her Rome hotel breakfast snaps have left her Instagram followers in no doubt about their veracity.One wrote: “If it works for you Valentina we support you. Rely on us always.”Another said: “You’re beautiful and I’m happy you’re back with Enzo.”Fernandez, who cost Chelsea £106million, has struggled to live up to his hefty price tag following his arrival at the club in January 2023 from Benfica.READ MORE SUN STORIESSouth American outlet Sports has reported Real Madrid are planning on “going all out” to sign him from Chelsea.It said the Spanish giants are keen on the midfielder and are willing to swap their own player Aurelien Tchouameni with the Blues to get their man. More

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    Neymar takes whopping 99 PER CENT pay cut to rejoin Santos on same base salary as Chelsea’s third-choice keeper

    NEYMAR has taken a whopping 99 per cent pay cut to rejoin boyhood club Santos.The Brazilian is back at his old side after axing his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.Neymar has taken a 99 per cent pay cut after joining Santos from Al-HilalCredit: AFPThey paid £78million to sign him from Paris Saint-Germain 18 months ago.And Neymar hit the jackpot when he penned a two-year contract worth nearly £260million BEFORE any commercial deals.Upon leaving Al-Hilal, his salary worked out to a staggering £2.5m per week.But he is now getting significantly less at new club Santos.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Brazilian side have handed Neymar a six-month contract.And his base weekly salary is now just £32,500 — 99 per cent less than what he was on in Saudi.That means he is earning around the same as Chelsea’s third-choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, who has played just once for the Blues in almost four years.However, Neymar will later be able to claim 90 per cent of his image rights, with Santos expecting a huge boost in revenue following his return to the club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIt still pales in comparison with his Al-Hilal cash though.Neymar’s 18 months in Saudi saw him pocket £193.8m in total.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starNeymar now earns the same as Chelsea back-up goalie Marcus BettinelliCredit: GettyHe will still get a further £51.9m in wages from the Middle Eastern side after agreeing to give up £8m.On top of that, Neymar also raked in £136m of commercial income during his time with Al-Hilal.It’s a lot of money for someone who scored just once in seven games, with Neymar hit by two long-term injuries during his time there.Combining his salary, both already paid and owed, and transfer fee, his single goal effectively cost a mind-blowing £322m.While each of his appearances set Al-Hilal back £46m.And those amazing figures have enabled Santos to be able to pay Neymar a basic wage while also giving him the platform to rebuild his stagnant football career. More

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    Marcus Rashford laughs and jokes in Man Utd training days after Amorim said he’d rather start goalkeeping coach, 63

    MARCUS RASHFORD was all smiles in Manchester United training this morning.It comes after Ruben Amorim claimed that 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital would be more deserving of a place in his matchday squad.Marcus Rashford joined Ruben Amorim’s training at Carrington on WednesdayCredit: GettyRashford was all smiles as he was pictured as part of the main groupCredit: PARashford was spotted next to Harry MaguireCredit: PARuben Amorim claimed that 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital would be more deserving of a place in the matchday squadCredit: PADespite that, Rashford was pictured joking and laughing with his team-matesCredit: ReutersRashford is ready to be called upon ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clashCredit: ReutersDespite that, the 27-year-old was included in Amorim’s final practice ahead of United’s Europa League trip to Romania to face FCSB on Thursday.Amorim first questioned Rashford’s effort on the training ground after leaving him out of the Manchester Derby win on December 15.And the Portuguese boss has continued to reiterate his problem with the England international’s work-rate at Carrington.Amorim, who turned 40 years old on Monday, doubled down on his Rashford stance after United’s 1-0 win over Fulham on Sunday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said: “It’s always the same reason. The reasons is the training, the way I see what a footballer should do. “In training, in life and it’s every day, every detail. So if things don’t change, I will not change.”The United forward has not played for Amorim since the club’s 2-1 Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12.The Red Devils have played 11 matches across all competitions since then with Rashford being named as an unused sub once against Newcastle.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe relationship between the manager and player is now reportedly at an all-time low.It comes days after the Guardian reported that Amorim and Rashford are allegedly no longer on direct speaking terms.Paul Scholes says Marcus Rashford should be ‘banished’ from Man Utd dressing room Amorim and his coaching staff had some fun tooCredit: PAAmorim and Fletcher received a birthday treat from the squadCredit: ReutersChelsea-linked Alejandro Garnacho was also pictured looking gleeful in trainingCredit: PAThe report claims that the only time Amorim will address Rashford is when he is speaking to the squad as a whole.Despite that, the £325,000-per-week winger has stayed training with his team-mates and was pictured in practice for the first time last week.But Amorim hasn’t let the controversy get to him this week after he was filmed running the gauntlet alongside Darren Fletcher this morning.The gaffer celebrated his milestone on Monday, while Fletcher is set to mark his 41st birthday on Saturday 1 February.However club legend Paul Scholes has called for Rashford to be banished from the dressing room altogether.Scholes believes his on going transfer saga amid allegations of poor effort in training is “setting a bad example for the young players at the club”.United have lost five of the 11 games Rashford has been absent for.But he has posted messages of support for his team-mates on Instagram after their recent wins over Rangers and Fulham.Rashford has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford during the January transfer window – which closes in five days time.It came after the winger admitted he is ready for a “new challenge” in December.Amorim has repeatedly questioned Rashford’s effort in trainingCredit: PAMeanwhile Luke Shaw returned for the first time since early DecemberCredit: PABut SunSport exclusively reported that he is now open to staying and fighting for his place.Sources close to the dumped striker insist he is ready, willing and able to play if selected.But Rashford’s brother and agent Dwaine Maynard reportedly still met with Barcelona executives in Lisbon last Wednesday.Rashford reportedly has no issues with Amorim and is ready to give 100 per cent for the shirt.The home-grown player was initially linked with moves to Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.But Kyle Walker’s loan move to Milan is set to end the Serie A side’s long-running interest in Rashford and Dortmund cannot afford his wages.Cash-strapped Barca are finding it difficult to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor permanently, so a move to Spain seems off the cards too.Meanwhile, Luke Shaw returned to training for the first time since suffering a “devastating” muscle injury against Everton on December 1.Shaw had only just returned to the previous matchday squad against Ipswich before being ruled out again.Chelsea-linked Alejandro Garnacho was also spotted laughing and joking with his team-mates at Carrington this morning.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited are on course to finish among the top eight of the Europa League standings and therefore secure an automatic spot in the round of 16.The Red Devils sit fourth in the Europa table with one game remaining.United’s next game comes against FCSB on ThursdayCredit: PAAmorim hasn’t let the controversy get to him this weekCredit: PAMAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. 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    Rare Newcastle double Gameweek opens doors for Dream Team bosses seeking short-term gains

    DREAM TEAM managers should give Newcastle players due consideration ahead of Gameweek 22.Without European fixtures to bolster their schedule this season, the Magpies have had fewer point-scoring opportunities than the teams active in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, limiting the viability of their top assets.Newcastle’s stars will be on the right side of a fixture deficit in Gameweek 22Credit: ReutersHowever, their presence in the Carabao Cup semi-finals means Eddie Howe’s troops have two games in the diary for Gameweek 22, when the vast majority of teams will play just once.And of the four teams set to pull double duty, only Newcastle have the luxury of two home fixtures – a useful bonus factor.Fulham are due at St James’ Park on Saturday before Arsenal make their way to Tyneside on Wednesday night.Newcastle already have one foot in the Carabao Cup final having won 2-0 at the Emirates in the first leg earlier this month.Alexander Isak (£6.1m) and Anthony Gordon (£5.3m) were the goalscorers that day and the pair should be considered the best options for Dream Team bosses looking to target the Toon’s rare double Gameweek.The Swedish striker is up to third in the overall rankings having taken Southampton for 18 points last time out.He’s amassed 230 points at an average of 9.2 per game via 19 goals and seven assists – hugely impressive stats.Isak is one of the game’s most in-form playersCredit: ReutersGordon is currently ranked ninth among midfielders with 179 points to his name.Most read in FootballThe ex-Everton winger is one of the most prolific bonus point accumulators in the game – only six players have earned more than his tally of 29 at the time of writing.Newcastle’s double header isn’t the most favourable of the campaign by any means.Fulham are an organised outfit while the Gunners sit second in the Premier League table.But the fact players of Isak and Gordon’s quality are on the right side of a fixture deficit for once makes them super appealing this coming Gameweek.Bruno Guimaraes offers several routes to pointsCredit: GettySome Dream Team bosses might be tempted by the differential options among Newcastle’s squad in search of short-term gains.Bruno Guimaraes (£5m) appears in just 3.2% of teams and has taken 24 points from his last three outings.The all-action midfielder has quietly reached double figures for goal involvements (two goals, eight assists) but that’s only one string to his bow.He also ranks highly for tackles and bonus points, the latter stemming from the fact he wins an almight number of free-kicks for his team – 88 so far this season when only three other players have registered more than 50.READ MORE SUN STORIESHall averages 5.6 points-per-game this seasonCredit: GettyElsewhere, Lewis Hall (£4.4m) is evidently the optimum selection for those keen on a Newcastle defender for Gameweek 22.The England left-back ranks joint-fifth in his position for total points (161) having supplemented his 11 clean sheets with five assists and 21 bonus points.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 NOW More

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    Jim Ratcliffe brings legendary American athletics coach to Man Utd to make flops ‘run like mad dogs’ for Ruben Amorim

    MANCHESTER UNITED have brought in one of the world’s leading athletics coaches in a bid to boost their season, according to reports.Ruben Amorim’s side have flopped to 12th in the table following a run of dodgy form.Harry Marra is working as a consultant at Man UtdCredit: GettyMarra is a coaching legend and is led Ashton Eaton to two Olympic gold medalsCredit: GettyBut in an effort to boost the second half of the season, Amorim has brought in legendary track and field coach, Harry Marra.Marra, 78, was named the World Athletic’s coach of the year in 2016 after helping fellow American, Ashton Eaton to Olympic decathlon gold in 2016, which was a follow-up of a win in 2012.He has also served as the speed and fitness consultant for the Major League Baseball team San Francisco Giants.Now, according to The Times, Marra is sharing his expertise with fitness and coaching staff at Carrington after Amorim reportedly had issues with body-fat levels on his stars.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis arrangement sees him in direct contact with Man Utd’s interim performance director, Sam Erith, and is set to last for a few weeks.New-York-born Marra’s insight will mainly lend itself to speed and endurance training, two things which are vital in Amorim’s high-octane system.Amorim famously said he wants his players to run like “mad dogs”.In December, the Man Utd manager said: “It’s very clear. If you want to win the Premier League, you have to run like mad dogs. If not, we are not going to do it, that is clear.”Most read in FootballThe Athletic claims several stars have considered the use of personal trainers to provide guidance on running given the major demands put on them by Amorim’s style of play.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMarra’s world-renowned techniques include breaking down movements into mechanisms that follow specific principles.Under Marra’s tutelage, Eaton twice broke the world decathlon record and became only the third man to defend his Olympic crown in the event.Man Utd flops ‘hammered’ by Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney in legends’ WhatsApp group – and current star is in chat tooHe has also worked with Brianne Theisen, a world and Olympic medalist in the heptathlon, who is also married to Eaton. Marra officiated the couple’s wedding.Marra also coached Lalu Muhammad Zohri when he became the first Indonesian to win any kind of medal at the World Junior Championships when he took gold in the 100m in 2018.Speaking about his methods, he told the Santa Barbara Independent: “You have to listen to the athlete.”Who is Harry Marra?Harry Marra is a legendary track and field coach with unrivalled success that has earned him guru-like statusBorn in New York, Marra started out as a pole vaulter at Christian Brothers Academy before studying a B.S. Degree at Mount Saint Mary’s University and his master’s degree from Syracuse University.He got his first head coaching job at Springfield College before coaching at San Francisco State University from 1981 to 1993 while also serving as a speed and fitness consultant with the San Francisco Giants.From 1990 to 2000 he was the All-American National Decathlon Coach.He would eventually become Ashton Eaton’s fitness coach, who would go on to become a double Olympic and world decathlon champion, becoming only the third man to defend the Olympic title.Eaton also twice broke the decathlon world record.Marra also worked with  Brianne Theisen, Paul Terek, Sheldon Blockburger and four other 8,000-point decathletes; Brian Brophy, Paul Foxon, Bart Goodell and Chris Wilcox.His exploits in helping Eaton win the decathlon at the Rio Games in 2016 saw him voted World Athletic’s coach of the year.In 2018 he guided Lalu Muhammad Zohri to become the first Indonesian to medal at the World Junior Championships when he took gold in the 100m.Marra was ranked No.1 in a ranking of the top 10 Track and Field coaches of all time by Sportsfoundation.org.And now he is lending his expertise to staff at Man Utd.Marra later added in an interview with Chasing the Standard on YouTube: “It all starts with the initial movement of the part of the skill, so that if the initial movement is correct, then at least you have a chance to complete the skill correctly.”So I put a focus on teaching the skills, understanding what the demands of the skills are, and then showing how to start and carry on the runway.”He has already been seen visiting Old Trafford, having been seen sitting in front of Sir Alex Ferguson while wearing a United tracksuit.Man Utd often industry-leading practitioners to share their insights to enhance the knowledge of those at the club.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis season the club have hosted several expert-led events covering issues such as medical and injury management, movement mechanics, nutrition and strength training.Man Utd’s next game is against FCSB in the Europa League.Marra has already been seen at Old Trafford, sitting in front of Sir Alex Ferguson wearing a club tracksuitCredit: AFPMAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. 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    Lionel Messi ‘tells family and friends he will return to Barcelona’ as David Beckham makes shock admission

    LIONEL MESSI has set his sights on a sensational return to Barcelona.The 37-year-old ended his two-decade spell with Barcelona in 2021 and subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.Lionel Messi is determined to complete a return to BarcelonaCredit: APMessi left Barcelona as a free agent in 2021Credit: GettyAfter two years in France he left Europe to sign for MLS giants Inter Miami in a huge free transfer and has since netted 34 goals and provided 18 assists in just 39 appearances.But with just one year left on his current deal, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is looking to the future.Messi recently told a family friend that he wants to complete a sensational return to Barcelona.Yanina Latorre told La Nacion: “He [Messi] told me that when he finishes here [Miami], where he is happy, he will return to Barcelona.”Read More in FootballThe Argentina captain also allegedly rejected the possibility of extending his stay in the USA and said: “No, my place is there.”A return as a player could be made complicated due to Barcelona’s ongoing money issues, so he could take up an ambassadorial role.Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also recently admitted that Messi only sees his future in Spain.Speaking at the Economic Forum in Davos, the England legend said: “I would like Messi to live in Miami when he retires, but Leo told me that he only thinks about living near the Camp Nou.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDavid Beckham has admitted that Messi intends to go back to BarcelonaCredit: Reuters”There is no player who loves Barcelona as much as he does.”You can see the Barca crest on his leg and even on his water bottle.”Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s sons playing in same Inter Miami team as incredible video shows wonderkids in action While Beckham did not disclose exactly when Messi could go back to Barcelona, his Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas previously revealed that he will sit down with the forward to discuss his future.Mas said: “I fully expect that when our new stadium opens in 2026, Leo Messi will be our number 10.” More