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      Ruben Amorim breaking one of football’s unwritten rules to turn around Man Utd’s fortunes and stats show it could work

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      RUBEN AMORIM is breaking rank by going against one of football’s most respected underwritten rules, and it’s working.Manchester United have had a pretty torrid time this season, lying 14th in the Premier League table.Ruben Amorim is gambling on breaking a football rule to change Man Utd fortunesCredit: PAThe tactic came up trumps against Arsenal as they led at home in the first half for the first time in over three monthsCredit: GettyMan Utd also drastically increased their goal tally using the tactic against IpswichCredit: AlamyNowhere has this lack of form been more evident than at Old Trafford, where the Red Devils have lost seven times at home in the league.The ignominy of the run saw United equal an unwanted 132-year-old record, while it also placed a bad relegation omen over them; being their worst record since the club last went down in 1974.One of the most damning stats has been their slow starts at home, with only Bournemouth scoring fewer than United’s 18 goals in the first half since the start of the 2023/24 season.Many clubs prefer to shoot towards their most vocal fans in the second half of games, with United traditionally attacking the Stretford End.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, in an effort to address United’s current shortcomings, Amorim has reversed the usual trend and has turned his own team around in the last three home games.According to The Athletic, Amorim believes shooting towards the Stretford End in the first half – or right-to-left for TV viewers – can help improve their slow starts.While this superstition is based purely on psychology, United have previously found success with the change even before Amorim’s arrival.Since the 2016/17 season, United have shot towards the Stretford End in the first half 30 times, winning 21 games and losing just twice, while scoring 2.2 goals per game and conceding just 0.8.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe sample size is naturally far lower than the 137 times they have not been turned around, with that resulting in 72 wins and 30 defeats with 1.7 goals scored per game and 1.1 conceded.Crucially, United register 0.5 MORE points when shooting at the Stretford End in the first half.Roy Keane fears Man Utd will get WORSE and reveals biggest red flag that could spell the end for Ruben AmorimThe curious benefits of this usually disruptive change have been seen in recent weeks under Amorim.Heading into their clash with Ipswich two weeks ago, United’s two first-half goals were as many as they had managed in the previous 19 games combined.Even last weekend’s match against Arsenal yielded results, as Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick on the stroke of half-time saw United go into half-time with the lead at home for the first time in over three months.The Red Devils could have counted themselves unfortunate to draw that game considering the chances they had.But ultimately they preserved their historic record of being unbeaten at home when winning at the interval.On the tactic, Amorim said: “We score near the half-time, that helped us a lot in the end.”In the second half, we had more space and more energy also because of the result and our fans, to score another goal.”However, the tactic is not fool-proof, with United coming unstuck when they were eliminated in the FA Cup against Fulham following an end switch.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited next face Real Sociedad at home in the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.They took a 1-1 draw away from the first leg, but they have never beaten the Spanish side in England.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Red Devils signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances.CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF More

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      Birmingham’s League One clash postponed at just nine days’ notice and fans have NO idea when they can play it

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      BIRMINGHAM are facing a fixture congestion nightmare after their League One clash with Stevenage has been postponed.Birmingham were scheduled to take on the Boro on March 22 at the Lamex Stadium.Birmingham announced their League One clash with Stevenage has been postponedCredit: RexHowever, Blues stated the game – which was scheduled to take place in nine days – has been postponed due to international call-ups.The League One outfit haven’t announced a new date in which the game will be played but promised a confirmation will be made “in due course”.Birmingham issued the following statement: “The League One fixture was set to take place at the Lamex Stadium on Saturday, 22 March, kick-off at 3pm.”A new date for this fixture, as well as Blues’ trip to Blackpool, will be announced in due course.”Read More on FootballStevenage confirmed the postponement was at Birmingham’s request.This raises questions as to when the sides can fit their postponed match in a packed schedule.Birmingham already have to fit in the Blackpool clash, which has to be moved due to their participation in the Vertu Trophy final against Peterborough on April 13.And, with games already scheduled every midweek between the international break and Easter, there seems to be only be ONE available date to fit in a game before the end of the season.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat would be between the final two weekends of the campaign, which finishes on May 3.Birmingham appear all-but guaranteed to seal automatic promotion to the Championship, sitting 14 points clear of 3rd-placed Wrexham with 11 games to go.Wrexham clash descends into huge brawl at full-time as tempers flare after fiery League One clashAnd fans were convinced the club should have just played the game despite the international call-ups.Fans were left perplexed as they took to social media looking for answers.One fan tweeted: “We should have just played it.”I don’t know when we are going to fit it in now.”Another asked: “Are we gonna have to play one of the postponed games after the final day?”A third wondered: “Genuinely when are we playing this?”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan joked: “We’ll be playing this game in 2028 at this point.”And that one said: “Where are we fitting this in?” More

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      ‘Vinicius Jr is a player who makes me think, if you work hard, you’re going to get things’, says Man City’s Kerolin

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      BRAZIL star Kerolin Nicoli makes no bones about what fuels her big ambition with Manchester City.Becoming the best player in the world and winning a Ballon d’Or is among her targets. Kerolin believes Manchester City have enough talent within their ranks to overcome Chelsea in this year’s Women’s League Cup finalCredit: AlamyAside from helping her club add to their silverware collection the Brazil forward is eager one day win the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyCity will take on unbeaten Chelsea four times this month in the hope of becoming the first team to defeat them this seasonCredit: ReutersAnd helping her new club to win their fifth Women’s League Cup is on her immediate to-do list.On March 15 the Paris Olympics silver medallist, 25, could play in her first cup contest final since her January transfer from US side North Carolina Courage. A first trophy win for City in three years is up for grabs when they battle Chelsea at Pride Park , with the gifted forward eager to make her mark.It is one of their strongest hopes of domestic silverware this term with title chances slim due to their foes’ 12-point lead at the WSL’s summit.  Read More Football StoriesThe 45-capped Brazil forward said: “Before I came here, when I was talking with Man City, this was one thing I was really excited [about]. “It’s a challenge but to play against Chelsea at this moment, it’s really good for us. “They are playing well but we know how we can beat them. “We can take advantage of that and try to win the game. Most read in Football”We have enough players to do that. I know we’re going to do something really special on Saturday.”Whilst chatting to reporters in Man City’s football academy Kerolin jokes about swapping North Carolina’s warmer climes for chilly England.Despite the cold weather the move was no-brainer for a driven player determined to reach the top. We can do our best to win and have the final in our handsKerolin NicoliKerolin adds: “When I was looking for the list of the Ballon d’Or (nominees), I was looking at where the players were playing.”Most of them were here or in Spain. So I was like, why not (move to City)?”I want to be at the top of the list. It’s not going to be easy, but dreams are for that, right?”Fulfilling dreams by being special on the pitch is not unusual for Kerolin, who grew up playing football barefoot against men on the streets of Sao Paulo, in southeast Brazil. Six years after a bone infection led to doctors warning her to avoid contact sports, the forward burst onto the scene at 17 with Brazilian side Ponte Preta. Last August she thrilled Brazil fans at the Paris Olympics  nutmegging goalkeeper Cata Coll before scoring in a 4-2 defeat of Spain in the Games’ football semi-finals. The year before she became the first South American to be named the Most Valuable Player in the United States’ women’s top-flightsTomorrow Kerolin could become the first Brazilian to play for Man City in a Women’s League Cup decider. And she has no fear about this prospectThe forward adds: “I don’t feel pressure to be the first one because at some point I think it’s good. “Also sometimes I don’t remember I’m the first Brazilian here.“We can do our best to win and have the final in our hands. My mind is like, ‘I want to make history’. “We want to take Chelsea (off the top). They are at the top, so why not go for them?” The duel between the WSL giants will be the first of four high-stakes battles between the sides this month. It also comes five days after the club sacked Gareth Taylor, 52, with former boss Nick Cushing, 40, replacing him in the interim. Sandwiched between a City-Chelsea Champions League quarters knockout tie is a WSL clash, with all four fixtures to be played in ten days. For a forward who counts compatriot Vinicius Junior, 24, among the players she likes to watch, these games are a chance to show the strength of Brazilian football. Kerolin said: “Football from Brazil, it’s a little different and Brazilian players have a different style of play. “They have something different. I was thinking, ‘Maybe I could bring this to Manchester and be me.”Playing on the streets is what brought some different things, because we were playing with men. Kerolin says her compatriot and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is one of the players she likes to watchCredit: Getty”You need more power, to be faster, stronger, and that really means a lot to me. READ MORE SUN STORIES”One player now I’m really excited to keep on watching is Vinicius Jr. “He’s one player who makes me think, ‘if you work hard, you’re going to get things back to you’, because that is what he did.” More

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      Conor Gallagher showed why he must be part of Tuchel’s England plans after upstaging Bellingham with ‘feral’ display

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      CONOR GALLAGHER had started just one game in almost two months before Wednesday’s Madrid derby.He may have, brutally, ended on the wrong side of things, as Atletico Madrid always do against Real.Conor Gallagher stole the show in a match that was expected to be all about Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyBellingham cut a frustrated figure as he was unable to take the game by the scruff of the neckCredit: ReutersBut Bellingham would end up on the winning side as Real Madrid prevailed on penaltiesCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel will name his first England squad this weekCredit: GettyBut the midfielder showed exactly why he must and will be a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s England plans ahead of his first squad announcement.Gallagher’s standout 85 minutes in the thunderous Metropolitano is worthy of praise for far more than his record breaking goal.The second leg opener, bagged after just 27 seconds, is the fastest Champions League goal ever scored by an Englishman.That was a moment to cherish, but everything which came after was equally as important.READ MORE ON JUDE BELLINGHAMAll English eyes will have been on Jude Bellingham at the start, but Gallagher grabbed the spotlight and helped Atletico’s midfield frustrate the life out of his Three Lions teammate and the rest of the Real Madrid side.While the two were on the pitch together, Gallagher was easily the more impressive.What will have been even more encouraging for Tuchel, however, was how Bellingham grew in stature as everyone else faded and was the stand-out in extra time before burying a confident penalty.Carlo Ancelotti’s men had plenty of joy down their right-hand side during the first leg, so Diego Simeone tasked Gallagher with blocking them.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe carried it out magnificently. With his usual feral energy Gallagher shut down Brazilian Rodrygo and made some fine challenges on Kylian Mbappe, including one which stooped a rare dangerous break.It was just his second start in the last 11 games for Atletico, but Simeone clearly trusts him with the big ones. Wednesday night showed that Tuchel can too.Jude Bellingham says ‘The Referee Made a Mistake’ giving red card Gallagher’s previous start was against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and you would not bet against him being tasked with shutting down Lamine Yamal in La Liga this weekend.Tuchel, who has been in touch with Gallagher and spoke with his former Chelsea player ahead of the first-leg, must harness his undervalued quality.The German has options galore in the attacking areas.But finding someone to do the dirty work is equally important as to whether you can fit Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer in the same team.Tuchel is in the England job for one reason – to win the World Cup. To do so will require shades of light and dark within his side.Gallagher showed his adaptability by moving out to the left of the pitch to deal with the threat posed by the likes of Bellingham and RodrygoWith Gallagher’s help, Atletico were very successful in playing on the counter-attackConor Gallagher was a safe pair of hands on the ballGallagher had just one touch in the opposition box but it resulted in the only goal of the gameThe prowess of Bellingham and the other star names is a must, but at holders Argentina proved you need some dogs in there too.There was just one start for England in the Euros, a nightmare against Slovenia which lasted just 45 minutes, but he looked a different player here.Gallagher is learning from the best when it comes to doing anything and everything for the team and has fully bought into Simeone’s ways.Even out on the left, not his favourite position, Gallagher gave everything and left the pitch to a standing ovation.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe would, it is true, rather have played terribly and been looking forward to a quarter-final with Arsenal.But given the cruel nature of Real Madrid’s latest Champions League victory over their rivals, the England midfielder can take nothing but immense pride from his performance.Bellingham was forced to play in areas outside the Atletico box where he couldn’t have his usual devastating impact on the gameWhile Real Madrid took up more attacking positions than their counterparts, it was Atletico who appeared to have greater control of the gameBellingham spent much of his time camped outside the Atletico box, but his opponents deprived him of the space to make use of the positions he took up More

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      I get the same text from Sir Alex Ferguson every time I get sacked from a job, admits Wayne Rooney

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney revealed he still keeps in touch with iconic manager Sir Alex Ferguson.However, there is a catch as they only contact each other after Rooney, 39, gets sacked from the dugout.Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney revealed he still talks with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyRooney claims Man Utd icon Ferguson sends him a text every time he gets sackedCredit: RexThe legendary striker and Ferguson, 83, spent nine years together at Old Trafford where they won five Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League.The pair had a few heated exchanges during their spell at United but ultimately patched things up and still talk.The ex-England international is following in Fergie’s footsteps but his spells as Derby, DC United, Birmingham and Plymouth Argyle boss met a heartbreaking end.And that was when Ferguson reached out with a text that Rooney still remembers.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-Everton star joined Gary Neville, Ian Wright, Roy Keane and Jill Scott on The Overlap, via Sky Bet, and answered fan questions.Neville read out one of them for the panel, which read: “Do you ever hear from your old managers?”Wright confirmed that he still keeps in touch with his former gaffers.And that was when Rooney revealed: “Every time I get sacked Fergie gives me a text.”Most read in FootballThe former centre-forward’s fellow panelists immediately burst into laughter.Scott asked: What does it [ the text] say?”Coleen Rooney reveals being married to Wayne is ‘like being a single mum’ in one of her most brutally honest interviewsHowever, the United great opted against sharing any details of the exchange.Instead, Rooney simply said: “He gives me a text every time I get sacked” More

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      Aston Villa hero Marco Asensio WILL face parent club PSG in Champions League quarter-final thanks to little-known rule

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      ASTON VILLA star Marco Asensio WILL be able to play against his parent club Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final.The 29-year-old joined Villa in January on a six-month loan from the French giants.Marco Asensio can face PSG in the Champions League quarter-finalCredit: GettyAsensio has made a stunning start to life in Birmingham, scoring two last night to seal last-16 victory over Club Brugge.The strikes took his goal tally to seven in eight games.Villa face PSG in the next round and the Spanish midfielder is eligible to play.Players are banned from facing their parent side in the Premier League but this rule does not apply in the Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUefa regulations state teams do not have “any influence whatsoever over the players that another club may (or may not) field in a match”.Villa had the rule go against them earlier this season when on loan man Samuel Iling-Junior came on at Villa Park for Bologna in the league phase.Looking ahead to the quarter-final, it is not just Asensio who will be looking to haunt his old employers on April 9 and 15 as boss Unai Emery used to manage the Parisians from 2016 to 2018.But fans reckon it is written in the stars for the ex-Real Madrid star to score the winner, with one saying: “That would be absolutely beautiful.”Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsAnother added: “Asensio knocking out PSG in the next round of the Champions League is the sort of s***housery I’m all up for.”He already has Champions League pedigree, having lifted the trophy three times at Real Madrid.Awkward moment Aston Villa keeper refuses to move out of net and let kids take penalties at half-time of Crystal Palace clash More

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      Premier League club to DOUBLE stadium’s capacity with huge redevelopment plan as owner admits ‘we need to improve it’

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      BOURNEMOUTH are set to more than double their stadium capacity.The Cherries’ Vitality Stadium home holds just 11,307 fans – making it by far the smallest ground in the Premier League.Bournemouth are aiming to expand their current Dean Court homeCredit: AlamyThe Vitality Stadium holds 11,307 fansCredit: ReutersClub owner Bill Foley has previously discussed the possibility of Bournemouth building a new stadium.But during a recent appearance on talkSPORT, the American said that the Cherries are now aiming to expand their current Dean Court site.After revealing that Bournemouth will be moving to their new training ground in April, the 80-year-old said: “We are well underway to having a solution for our stadium with several stages in mind.“The first stage would be to grow to about 16,000 seats, the next stage would be about 20,000, and the third stage would be to about 24,000 seats.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Much more hospitality and a much more welcoming environment, in terms of when people arrive and how they get into the stands and so on.”The Vitality Stadium is privately owned by property company Structadene.Foley wants to buy Bournemouth’s stadium outright before beginning redevelopment work.He added: “We are hopefully going to be acquiring the Vitality.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets“We have a plan in place. It is going to be a staged effort, and we need to have the council’s approval.“We’ll start with the south stand, and we’ll really expand that and make that a permanent stand with some hospitality.New $1bn stadium in Miami rapidly takes shape and set to open in 2026 “At the same time we’re going to be redoing the main stand in terms of hospitality and ingress and egress, high speed elevators and so on so people aren’t having to walk up three flights to go to have lunch and then walk down two flights to go to their seats, and then walk two flights up again.“The stadium is just antiquated and we need to improve it.”On the work that has gone on behind the scenes, Foley continued: “We’ve been working hard on it. Our general contractor was over in Las Vegas last Monday and we spent four or five hours together, going through options and looking at the stages and how we move forward.“Now we’re working with the council to see if we can get fairly quick approval for what we want to do.“We’ve already raised the money, so the sooner we get approvals and we get our design plan in place, we’ve already retained our architects and retained our builder and so on, we’ll be ready to go.“People will be surprised with how quickly we go with this situation.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFoley also revealed that Bournemouth are looking to extend boss Andoni Iraola’s contract, with the Spaniard’s current deal set to expire at the end of next season.According to talkSPORT, Iraola would be Tottenham’s top candidate to replace Ange Postecoglou, should the under-fire Aussie be sacked.Bill Foley revealed Bournemouth’s plans to talkSPORTCredit: Getty More

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      Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 28: Justin Kluivert and Chris Wood among strong options

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      DREAM TEAM managers have until the leisurely time of 1:30pm this Saturday to confirm their transfers for Gameweek 28.The first thing to note is that Aston Villa and Crystal Palace will BLANK this coming Gameweek, prompting many gaffers to ditch the likes of Morgan Rogers (£3.9m) and Ollie Watkins (£5.2m)Villa do not have a fixture in Gameweek 28Credit: GettyWhen deciding upon your transfers, it might be wise to also take Gameweek 29 into account.That’s a while away yet as there’s an international break to endure first but you should be aware of the fact there are just five teams with three fixtures to fulfil across the next two Gameweeks.And it’s this point of interest that informs our latest transfer recommendations.Chris Wood (£3.9m)18 goals and countingCredit: GettyNottingham Forest are due to play Ipswich, Brighton and Manchester United across the next two Gameweeks.This weekend’s meeting with the Tractor Boys has to be considered a favourable match-up for the big New Zealand striker, statistically the most clinical finisher (measured by performance against xG) in the Premier League this season.Wood has scored 18 goals in 2024/25, a tally only bettered by Mohamed Salah (£8m), Erling Haaland (£8.1m) and Alexander Isak (£6.4m).Nuno Espirito Santo’s side beat Manchester City last time out and they could make mincemeat of an opponent 15 places below them in the table this Saturday.Wood isn’t guaranteed to start against the Seagulls after the break as Taiwo Awoniyi (£2.2m) has led the line in the previous FA Cup games but the former may get some bonus minutes off the bench before reclaiming his spot in the starting XI against the Red Devils.Most read in FootballJustin Kluivert (£3.9m)A midfielder in fine formCredit: ReutersBournemouth’s No19 has amassed 200 points via 13 goals and seven assists this season.12 of those goal involvements have come in his last 11 appearances.The Dutchman is due to face Brentford this Saturday before taking on Man City (FA Cup) and Ipswich (Premier League) in Gameweek 29.The Cherries have the benefit of three consecutive home games across the next two Gameweeks.Kluivert is a particularly appealing Dream Team asset as Bournemouth’s first-choice penalty taker.Josko Gvardiol (£4.3m)Gvardiol poses a goal threatCredit: GettyPep Guardiola’s side have found clean sheets hard to come by throughout this uncharacteristically average season.Even so, City’s Croatian left-back ranks seventh among defenders with 188 points to his name.This is mainly because of the attacking threat Gvardiol poses in the final third.No Dream Team defender has scored more goals than the 23-year-old at this late stage of the campaign – he also ranks joint-third for shots on target and joint-seventh for bonus points in his position.City host an in-form Brighton this weekend before a potentially tricky trip to Bournemouth in the FA Cup but a home game against relegation-bound Leicester in Gameweek 29 sweetens the deal.Many Dream Team bosses will be on the hunt for a defender after Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) suffered an injury against PSG and Gvardiol might fit the bill.Joao Pedro (£3.7m)Joao Pedro’s penalties are a bonusCredit: GettyBrighton’s No9 is statistically the most in-form forward in the game right now having banked 44 points from his last four outings.This fruitful run has included three goals and two assists.Like Kluivert, Pedro benefits from being his side’s penalty taker, a very good one at that.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn terms of match-ups, the Seagulls’ next two Gameweeks are far from favourable – Man City (a), Nottingham Forest (h), Aston Villa (h) – but Fabian Hurzeler’s side have won six games in a row in all competitions.Pedro currently features in just 1.3% of teams.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