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      Ruben Amorim introduces rarely-seen pre-match training tactic ahead of 4-0 thrashing of Everton

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      RUBEN AMORIM surprised Manchester United fans before his first Premier League home match in charge.Amorim, 39, led United to a dominant 4-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford thanks to a brace by Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee.Manchester United players practiced corner-kicks before the match with EvertonCredit: XNew Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim introduced an unusual warm-up training sessionCredit: RexThe Red Devils looked evidently different under the Portuguese tactician but there were moments during the match that showed the players are still getting used to his preferred 3-4-3 formation.And Man Utd fans quickly found out how different things are under the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss the moment they took their seats at the Theatre of Dreams.United stars took to the pitch for the pre-match warm-up, as did their opponents.But then the home fans watched their favourite Premier League team practicing CORNER-KICKS.Read More on Man UtdAnd it seemed like Man Utd were actually focused on defending the set-piece.That is a very rare sight during the warm-up session before a competitive match kicks off.The Manchester giants ultimately didn’t have to worry about corner-kicks as they easily defeated a toothless Everton side.Nevertheless, Amorim refused to get carried away at full-time as he insisted there is still a lot of work to do, hinting there could be some more unusual tactics on the horizon.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “The result was good but we were pragmatic. We were pragmatic and did our job. We can still adapt and have a long way to go.”In the right moments we had the goals and that changed the game. We don’t just focus on the result.Johsua Zirkzee’s gun goal celebration explained after Man Utd star’s double against Everton “We have so much to do but it is better to work with victories.”Let’s focus on the performance more. We have good moments but some where we suffer.”Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. More

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      England need to be ‘uncomfortable’ to get better, says Lionesses chief Sarina Wiegman ahead of Switzerland clash

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      SARINA WIEGMAN warns England stars must get used to feeling uncomfortable with their Euros title defence drawing nearer. Her remarks follow Leah Williamson reflecting on testing moments for the Lionesses in two intense end-of-year camps. Sarina Wiegman expects players to feel uncomfortable as England push to improve ahead of next year’s EurosCredit: ReutersThe Lionesses is planning to field a much changed England side against side Switzerland following a 0-0 friendly draw with the United StatesCredit: AlamyEngland skipper Leah Williamson told Sky Sports England’s most recent camps with games against Germany, South Africa, and the USA have been moulded to test themCredit: AlamyTomorrow the England skipper, 27, and her team-mates host Switzerland in an 8pm Bramall Lane clash in their last friendly before 2025.  The duel with next year’s Euros hosts comes seven months before the 2022 champs begin their quest to win the tournament back-to-back. Before then Wiegman’s side will resume their build-up with Nations League action in February with World Cup winners Spain among their group stage foes. And 51-capped Williamson reckons England’s recent camps have been moulded to test them.  Read More Football StoriesLionesses boss Wiegman, 56, said: “That’s what you need at moments. “At the end, before we go into a tournament, you want clarity and that everyone knows their role, which we know in top sport can also change very quickly. “But now you’re trying out things, you want everyone to compete at the highest level, compete against opponents, but also compete against each other. “That’s what you need to become better and that’s uncomfortable. Most read in Football”It’s also trying out new things and we’re not going to get everything right, but we’re learning and it gives us information.”With Wiegman due to whittle her squad down to 23 for the Euros, Jess Park expects the battle for squad spots to be more intense. The in-form Lioness forward, 23, added: “That’s the best way a team needs to be. “If there is no competition it’s never going to bring out the best in you.”Wiegman is likely to field a much-changed line-up to the team that drew with the USA on Saturday. However the England chief will be without the services of Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby with injuries forcing the duo to return to their clubs. The Manchester City and Brighton forwards came on as second-half substitutes against the United States. However Kelly sustained concussion during the match while Kirby picked up a calf injury. With Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Ella Toone also injured, England’s forward ranks are depleted. Among the up and coming stars vying to start is midfielder Grace Clinton who did not feature in the 0-0 draw at Wembley. Along with Jess Naz, Grace Clinton (left) and Ruby Mace (right) are vying for a tarting spot for England against SwitzerlandCredit: ReutersWiegman added: “What we want is consistency and what I talk with Grace about a lot is she needs to stay switched on at all times. READ MORE SUN STORIES”She’s tight on the ball but she also shows she can come into the box. “Defensively her understanding needs to be improved, the consistency and to know what the bigger picture is than only her own task.” More

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      Chester FC fan dies hours after ‘making racist gesture towards player during match’ with club reporting him to police

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      A MAN who allegedly made racist gestures towards a footballer has been found dead hours after the match. The Chester FC supporter was caught on camera allegedly performing a gesture towards a Warrington Town player during the National League North fixture at Cal.Delivery Stadium on Saturday.A Chester FC fan was found dead hours after a match on SaturdayCredit: X @ChesterFCChester FC announced they were “angry and dismayed at an alleged instance of racism” after the alleged action.The club said in a statement: “We have acted swiftly to obtain video and photographic evidence of the incident and have identified the individual in question.”The matter will now be subject to an FA investigation and this information will also be shared with Cheshire Police.”Racism has no place in sport or society, and anyone found to have displayed such behaviour will receive an indefinite ban from attending matches.”In an update this morning, a spokesperson shared on social media: “It is with sadness Chester FC has been made aware of the tragic death of the individual involved.”We have disabled comments out of respect and the immediate thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends.”As reported by the MailOnline, Cheshire Police confirmed the man was “due to be spoken to at a later date” about a “racially aggravated public order offence”.He was found yesterday at a property in Flint, North Wales and there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Most read in FootballA spokesperson for the force said: “During the match between Warrington FC and Chester FC on Saturday, November 30 police were made aware of a racially aggravated public order offence.”The suspect was identified and was due to be spoken to at a later date about the matter.”Sadly, the man was reported to have died at an address in Flint on Sunday, December 1. “There are no suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”The matter has been referred to the IOPC in line with standard procedure.”An IOPC spokesman added: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the man’s death.”We can confirm we received a referral from Cheshire Constabulary this morning (December 2) and we will assess the available information to determine if an investigation is required.”Chester FC was contacted for comment.Chester FC shared this announcementCredit: X @ChesterFC More

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      Inside EFL club’s stadium with police-seized LED lights from cannabis factory helping maintain pitch

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      POLICE have gifted LED lights to Crewe Alexandra after seizing them during a raid at a cannabis factory.The Christmas donation will help to maintain the League Two side’s pitch at their formerly named Gresty Road.Christmas lights of a different variety have arrived at Crewe Alexandra courtesy of Cheshire PoliceIt came after a police raid seized equipment at a local cannabis farmsCheshire officers arrived with a special delivery to Crewe’s ground last week, according to The Mail.LED grow lights are an efficient and sustainable option for illuminating stadium grass playing surfaces and reusing heat, according to HortiDaily.And Crewe’s snazzy new lights fit the bill for a fourth-tier side battling for promotion to League One.The sponsored Mornflake Stadium is currently kitted out with a set of modern-looking floodlights.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Crewe welcomed the extra utilities that could even be used on the training ground pitches.Multiple outlets have reported several successful million-pound police raids in the area of Crewe this year.And it seems they’ve run out of places to put the seized cannabis farm equipment.Items, including compost, garden canes, flower pots and fertiliser were donated to local gardening centres over the summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAuthorities have also donated some of the cultivation material to primary schools, including electric fans.Lighting was even provided to a pigeon flying club.If I was a painter or a builder I might not be here and now I’m back in EFL after open heart surgery saved my life In June 2021, the club agreed a £500,000 naming rights deal with its long-term shirt sponsor Mornflake.Dating back to 1906, the home of the Railway Men has a current capacity of 10,100 with a complete rebuild of all four stands occurring in the 1990s.Crewe dropped to third in the League Two table after drawing 1-1 away at Carlisle on Saturday. The club, managed by former EFL midfielder Lee Bell, confirmed the LED delivery to SunSport.Crewe have confirmed the delivery to SunSport More

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      Jorginho tells Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to become England’s fifth-ever Ballon d’Or winner and end 23-year wait

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      BUKAYO SAKA has been told to end England’s long wait for a Ballon d’Or winner.Since the award’s inaugural presentation in 1956, only four Englishmen have got their hands on the legendary golden ball.Bukayo Saka has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent playersCredit: GettyEnglishman Jude Bellingham came close to winning the Ballon d’Or this yearCredit: PAStanley Matthews claimed the very first one 68 years ago, followed by Sir Bobby Charlton in 1966, a Kevin Keegan double in 1978 and 1979 and Michael Owen in 2001.Others have come close over the years with top three finishes – Bobby Moore in 1970, Gary Lineker in 1986, Alan Shearer in 1996, David Beckham in 1999, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in 2005.Arsenal’s Saka, 23, has made the Ballon d’Or top 30 in the last two years, finishing 24th in 2023 and 21st in 2024 – having established himself as a Three Lions regular and Premier League star.And Gunners midfielder Jorginho – who finished third in the 2021 Ballon d’Or with Chelsea – said: “[Saka] is unbelievable… world class. I said to him: ‘I want to see you win the Ballon d’Or’.read more arsenal“I said that because I believe in him. I hope he believes in himself as well.”In third place this year, Jude Bellingham became the first Englishman to nick a Ballon d’Or podium place for 15 years after a stunning debut season at Real Madrid with 23 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, winning La Liga and the Champions League.To make the next step, Saka needs a similar return and trophy haul.But Saka’s consistency is now setting him apart from the rest this season with five goals and 10 assists in the Prem in 12 outings – seeing him top the assist charts of Europe’s top five leagues above the likes of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJorginho has also been impressed with the variety in left-footed Saka’s game. He added: “Before he was going the left foot, going the left foot. Now he’s going the right foot.“The thing he needs more of now is his hunger to get in the box when he’s on the weak side. I want to see headers from him.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problemENGLISH BALLON D’OR WINNERSONLY four Englishmen have lifted the famous Ballon d’Or since its inception in 1956:1956 – Stanley Matthews (Blackpool) Age: 411966 – Sir Bobby Charlton (Manchester United) Age: 291978 – Kevin Keegan (Hamburg) Age: 271979 – Kevin Keegan (Hamburg) Age: 282001 – Michael Owen (Liverpool) Age: 22“It’s the little things that he’s missing because sometimes the ball’s on the other side and I can see it coming. I am like: ‘Get in [the box]. And he’s not there. I’m like, no, man.”Jorginho admits he keeps Saka grounded by teasing him in training with a Brazil-based nickname ‘pesudo’ – which translates as ‘big foot’.It is used on the rare occasion Saka fluffs a finish or makes a mistake.Arsenal ratings vs West HamWEST HAM and Arsenal served up one of the finest London derbies in recent memory on Saturday night, with SEVEN goals in the first half alone.The Gunners sailed into a 4-0 lead in the opening 35 minutes before the Hammers reduced the deficit with two quickfire goals, including a sublime Emerson free-kick.Bukayo Saka’s penalty on the stroke of half-time made it 5-2, becoming only the fourth Premier League match in history to see seven goals before the break.A relatively lacklustre second half followed, with Mikel Arteta ringing the changes, particularly with Wednesday night’s showdown with Man Utd at the Emirates in the back of his mind.The result pulled the Gunners up to second in the Premier League table, six points behind Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s huge showdown between the leaders and a struggling Man City.Read how SunSport’s Charlie Pittock rated the Gunners stars.Jorginho – speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast – said: “He’s going mad, but it’s a joke because he’s completely the opposite, isn’t he?“He’s just an unbelievable player who is becoming like a machine for us and I hope he becomes like for England as well, you know, because his talent and his hunger and his quality is just so high.“And on top of that, the person he is, he just deserves like the world for him, like everything. I’m there cheering for him, honestly.”***Listen to the full Rio Meets Jorginho interview on Apple Podcasts and Spotify*** More

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      Ipswich release statement after captain Sam Morsy refused to wear Rainbow armband against Nottingham Forest

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      IPSWICH captain Sam Morsy REFUSED to wear a Rainbow armband last weekend due to “religious beliefs”.The Egypt international starred for the Tractor Boys in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest – a weekend that saw the Prem promote their Rainbow campaign in support of the LGBT+ community.Sam Morsy refused to wear a Rainbow armband at the weekendCredit: GettyKieran McKenna’s Ipswich have released a statement respecting Morsy’s decisionCredit: GettyAs well as players wearing Rainbow laces and clubs using Rainbow corner flags, captains are asked to wear Rainbow armbands.However, Morsy, 31 – a practising Muslim – was the only one of the league’s 20 captains not to do so.In a club statement, while stressing their commitment to LGBT+ inclusion, Ipswich admit they “respect the decision” of Morsy to don a plain Prem captain’s armband instead.The statement read: “Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone.read more football“We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance.“During this year’s campaign, members of the club’s men’s and women’s first-teams visited our Foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session, while the club also made a joint pledge of solidarity and inclusivity alongside Nottingham Forest ahead of the game.“At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband, due to his religious beliefs.“We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch.”Most read in FootballAhead of kick-off against Crystal Palace at Portman Road tonight, there are more planned initiatives to support the LGBTQ+ community, including a “takeover of the stadium’s big screen”.Morsy has been captain of Ipswich under boss Kieran McKenna since 2021.Sheffield United’s Anel Ahmedhodzic also refused to wear a Rainbow armband in the Prem back in December 2023, but did not give a specific reason as to why, simply saying the word “guess”. More

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      Joshua Zirkzee’s gun goal celebration explained after Man Utd star’s double against Everton

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      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE has revealed all about the MOVIE which inspired his ‘gun shooting’ celebration. Manchester United’s newest striker whipped out his signature moves after netting a double as the Red Devils’ thumped Everton 4-0 on Sunday.Joshua Zirkzee has explained his to-go gun celebrationThe United striker bagged a brace against Everton at Old TraffordIt’s not exactly brand new to the Prem – Phil Foden bends down and poses with an imaginary gun whenever he scores too.But Zirkzee’s cele has left everybody talking – because he sprays an invisible machine gun.Lifting the lid on how he came to choose it, he said: “I started off with something else.”But I got it from the film Django Unchained. There’s a point where he (Christoph Waltz) teaches Django (Jamie Foxx) to shoot.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDElsewhere, Zirkzee also revealed that it pays tribute to Fiorentina legend Omar Batistuta.Argentine legend Batistuta, 55, is famed for creating the firing gun celebration more than 30 years ago.Zirkzee said: “Yeah, he is a great role model and I think it’s a great way to celebrate. “When there is a lot of emotion, I think it’s a great way to celebrate.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJoshua Zirkzee said he was inspired by Jamie Foxx’s shooting scene in DjanoFiorentina fans booed Zirkzee for doing the celebration when Bologna converted a penalty against them in November 2023.They thought it was disrespectful to emulate Batistuta’s moves in his former Stadio Artemio Franchi stomping ground, as then manager Thiago Motta was forced to apologised after the game.Man Utd player ratings v Everton articleMeanwhile, Zirkzee will be hoping to award fans with it again and again, after an upward turn in form over the weekend.Many believed his United career was over before it’d even begun after news that he’d arrived overweight and that Erik ten Hag didn’t even want him. The former Bologna striker said: “Yeah, he is a great role model and I think it’s a great way to celebrate. “When there is a lot of emotion, I think it’s a great way to celebrate.”The Red Devils forked out £36.5million for the 23-year-old but fans were hoping to lure Liam Delap from Ipswich next summer.Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. More

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      Inside Scott McTominay’s career revival as ‘new Napoli leader’ with ex-Man Utd star loved by fans, coach and team-mates

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      SCOTT McTominay is taking Serie A by storm and is already a fan favourite at Napoli.Perhaps under appreciated at Old Trafford, McTominay left Manchester United this summer to join Napoli in a £26m move.Scott McTominay has revitalised his career with NapoliCredit: GettyThe midfielder picked up the Man of the Match award as he scored the winner in Napoli’s 1-0 win over Torino on SundayCredit: X @SerieA_ENMcTominay spent seven years with the United first team and was considered as an engine room cog that helped facilitate the Red Devils’ stars – at Napoli he is the star.The 27-year-old Scotland international has become a leader in Italy and someone that manager Antonio Conte is trying to build his team around.It’s working too – McTominay put in a Man of the Match performance and scored the winner as Napoli beat Torino 1-0 on Sunday, adding to his impressive tally at the club already.The midfielder has managed four goals and two assists in 12 appearances this term.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWith his goals helping Napoli sit four points clear at the top of the Serie A table.In fact, if you take away McTominay’s influence then Conte’s side would be sat fifth in the league.Italian media have described the star as the “new Napoli leader” after he has become a favourite amongst the players in the dressing room.His popularity amongst the team was exemplified when he celebrated with teammates and backroom staff after scoring his goal against Torino on Sunday.Most read in FootballMcTominay was dominant against TorinoThe Scot celebrated his winning goal with the team and staff on the touchlineCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIncluded in those celebrations was Antonio Conte, the Napoli boss who has changed his formation just to ensure he can squeeze McTominay into the team.The former Chelsea and Tottenham boss ditched his favoured 3-4-2-1 setup to shift to a 4-2-4 and a 4-3-3 to get the best out of McTominay.Scott McTominay delights Napoli fans as he’s spotted speaking Italian for the first time The Scot isn’t getting big-headed from his influence on the pitch either, despite netting crucial goals against Torino and Inter in recent weeks.Speaking after Sunday’s performance, he said: “I’ve scored two important goals in the last three games, but the whole team deserves credit.”We’re improving and we’ve got to keep this up. The great results we’re getting is proof that we’re working well.”While Conte thanked the sporting director at Napoli for pushing to sign McTominay on his advice.He said: “We quietly signed [McTominay] and the club and sporting director Giovanni Manna did a great job at understanding what he could bring to Napoli.”But the same goes for every new recruit. We’re a team that’s on the up and the growth of a team happens through the steps each individual player must take every week.”He added: “It is inevitable though that if they ask me to reinforce the squad, I try to pick the best players.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We did well with Scott because he was not a starter at Manchester United, but I already knew him very well and we worked under the radar to bring him here.”Of course, everyone is eager to prove themselves and I am glad that we got it right choosing McTominay.”Antonio Conte has gushed about the former Manchester United midfielderCredit: GettyMcTominay’s start to life in Naples has been superb More