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      ‘I love that kid’ – Ruben Amorim backs Mason Mount to become key player for Man Utd and says ‘he wants it really bad’

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      RUBEN AMORIM has backed Mason Mount to prove why he became a European Champion.The new Manchester United boss says the midfielder “wants it really bad” too.Mason Mount was in action against Bodo/Glimt last nightCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim is a big fan of the former Chelsea starCredit: XMount has had an unhappy time with injury since he moved to Man Utd from Chelsea with whom he won the Champions League in 2021.He cost United £55million in July of last year but there has been little in the way of returns with just seven league starts in that time.But on Thursday night the 25-year-old returned to the Red Devils first team in his first start for 90 days playing 59 minutes of their 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.Amorim saw enough in that time and in the short time he has had with him at the club’s Carrington Training base to convince him the forgotten can become a main man at Man United.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “The first thing is he is working really hard. And then you have to understand the human also. He wants this really badly. That is the most important thing.“I have to tell you I love that kid.“You can see in his eyes that he wants this so bad.“He has proven to all of you that he is a talented player. He was European champion.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“So we believe a lot in him.”Of course, the main obstacle is steering clear of those injuries that ruined his first season.Ruben Amorim bizarrely SLAPS Man Utd stars in training as fans joke ‘I hope Luke Shaw doesn’t get injured’Indeed, injury problems throughout the squad that plagued Erik ten Hag’s second season as boss.Mount was confidently talking of putting that all behind him at the start of this campaign when his hamstring went in only the second league game at Brighton.Now he goes again but Amorim says it is not just about fitness but belief that will help take him back to the top.Amorim said: “I know he was suffering from injuries, he was not on the pitch, but now he’s trying to stay fit and we hope he can continue to be fit, to show all the talent that he’s shown, for example, in Chelsea.“He has to stay fit. And like all the guys in the team, they are quality players, they have to improve and believe in themselves.”He certainly saw that belief in Mount against Bodo on Thursday.It was his superb flick that helped to set up the winning goal as he found Bruno Fernandes to square for Rasmus Hojlund.’A PROPER FOOTBALLER’Amorim said: “He did a great job, and you see in some moments and details that Mason Mount is a proper footballer. So we believe a lot in him.”Having played in a 3-4-3 at Chelsea in the past Amorim believes the adjustment to the style he is trying to bring to Old Trafford will not be a problem for the midfielder.The Portuguese said: “He played in this system, so it’s perfect for him.”After an opening draw away to Ipswich, Thursday night was a confidence boosting victory for Amorim in his first game in charge of United at Old Trafford.He was blown away by the reception he got and is now aiming to take the momentum built from the comeback victory over the Norwegians into Sunday’s visit of Sean Dyche’s Everton.He said: “It’s going to be a different match with a lot of fighting, long balls, second balls. They have a quality coach that understands the league, that understands the moment of the opponent.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I hope for a win and I hope to see different things and to see my team improve.“I expect to see different things and better things.”Man Utd ratings vs Bodo/Glimt More

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      Why is Liverpool vs Man City kicking off at 4pm on Sunday?

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      MAN CITY face league leaders Liverpool this weekend having lost three Premier League games on the bounce.Pep Guardiola is enduring the toughest period of his career – losing five fixtures in a row for the first time – having recently signed a new contract.Manchester City’s nightmare continued in Europe this weekCredit: GettyTwo losses to Tottenham Hotspur, and losses to Bournemouth, Sporting Lisbon and Brighton have spoiled City’s Christmas run-in.Form is going from bad to worse for the Spaniard’s side, who threw away a 3-0 lead in the Champions League against Feyenoord to draw 3-3 with Arne Slot’s former team.Guardiola was then pictured with scratches across his head and face. Pep Guardiola’s scratched headIn the opposing dugout, Slot will be licking his lips at the chance to round off a dominant run of form for the Reds and extend their eight point lead at the top of the table.More Premier League newsLiverpool collected a 2-0 victory midweek, putting in a dominant performance against long-running European rivals Real Madrid.Alexis Mac Allister combined with Conor Bradley to work the ball into the Madrid penalty area before finishing neatly into the bottom left.Substitute Cody Gakpo headed home from a trademark Andy Robertson’s cross to seal the victory. The Reds will be hoping to finish a packed run of fixtures with a win over title rivals Man City.Most read in FootballConor Bradley egged on the Kop with a crunching challenge on Kylian MbappeCredit: GettyWhy is Liverpool vs Man City kicking off at an unusual time?This is not the first time the title clash has been given a unique kick-off time.In March, the 1-1 draw between the two kicked off at 3.45pm GMT. Back in November 2023, the fixture was moved from 5.30pm to 12.30pm GMT.On Sunday, the match is due to kick off at 4pm GMT – 30 minutes earlier than the regular 4.30pm schedule.Police concerns have caused the change which is put in place to try and avoid confrontations between fans.Clashes in 2022 led to the City team bus being damaged by fans when leaving Anfield.While Liverpool supporters were subjected to chants relating to the club’s tragedies. More

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      ‘I can tap into a lot of expertise,’ says Frank Lampard as new Coventry boss reveals dinner dates with other managers

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      FRANK LAMPARD’S hunger for knowledge saw him arrange regular dinner-dates with some of the best brains in football.And gave him plenty of food for thought ahead of his return to management.Frank Lampard has been hired as the new manager of CoventryCredit: GettyLampard picked the brains of top coaches like Pep Guardiola during his break from footballCredit: GettyLamps takes charge of Coventry City for the first time today when they host Cardiff City at the CBS Arena.And he revealed how he used his 18 month sabbatical from football to gorge himself on a feast of football expertise.He said: “I’m probably fortunate, after a long career as a player and my roots, I can tap into a lot of expertise and other people’s experiences.”During my time out I stayed very close to other managers that are working in the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’ve had dinners with Thomas Frank and Roy Hodgson, people I have a lot of respect for as managers and also Gareth Southgate before the Euros.”I was very lucky, I went up to work in a bit of a media capacity with Manchester City and Pep [Guardiola] invited me in and we had an hour-long chat.”I went to see Thomas Frank and the work he is doing at Brentford.”It’s always enlightening when someone sees the game differently from you, so I’ve done a lot of that sort of stuff.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But, if I’m honest, the main thing I’ve done is watch a lot of games.”I’ve also gone over a lot of things I’ve done in my training and planning for what may come next.Fans spot Frank Lampard do his trademark face change as clip of his first day at Coventry training emerges”I’ve watched a lot of games where teams have tried to do something different and I tap into it.”I watch back games from the weekend, predominantly Premier League games and Championship games.”I’ve been watching matches from a wide angle and it kind of takes some of the excitement out of it with the noise off.”But for me tactically, it’s good to do.”Coventry fans looking for clues about how Lampard will set up the Sky Blues will be interested to discover the teams and coaches who have impressed their new boss most during his watching brief.And Lamps gave a hint that he might Cherries-pick some of the best bits from Bournemouth.He said: “I actually played with Andoni Iraola in New York and watched a lot of what Bournemouth are doing.Frank Lampard’s managerial recordHere’s a look at Lampard’s record as a manager…Derby County May 2018 – July 2019P57 W24 D17 L16 Win percentage 42.1%Chelsea July 2019 – January 2021P84 W44 D17 L23 Win percentage 52.4%Everton January 2022 – January 2023P44 W12 D17 L24 Win percentage 27.3%Chelsea (caretaker) April 2023 – May 2023P11 W1 D2 L8 Win percentage 9.1%Overall: P288 W132 D72 L16 Win Percentage 45.83%”Some of their off the ball work – and how aggressive they are off the ball, I loved that.”I also watched a lot of Ipswich last year and was obviously interested in what was happening there.”Credit to the manager and coaches for what they’ve done.”I went into areas where something interests me – Aston Villa, for example.”You can definitely look at what other people are doing but it’s important as a manager you have your own ideas.”I want to play exciting football. What coach would sit here and say the opposite of that?Lampard’s appointment is a kick in the teeth to Coventry faithful – fan’s viewBy Alex JohnsonIt was always going to be tough to fill the boots of a club legend like Mark Robins, a manager who provided many Sky Blues’ with their best-ever memories supporting the club, but the arrival of Frank Lampard has gone down like a lead balloon among the Cov faithful.In his Q&A appearance with fans after firing Robins, owner Doug King emphasised his intention to bring in a tactically minded head coach to get the best out of what is the most expensively assembled squad in Coventry City history.To end up with Lampard, whose former assistant Jody Morris received a lot of the credit for his success at Derby County, feels like a kick in the teeth. This isn’t someone who has won league titles or been praised for his brilliant style of football in the slightest.Coventry fans will get behind Lampard and give him a chance. But to suggest he is an upgrade on Mark Robins after one playoff finish and a 9.1% win percentage in his last job is laughable.”I’ve got belief in the squad. I want us to be exciting to watch in an attacking sense.”I also want us to be very difficult to play against without the ball and win the ball back as high as we can.”Hopefully the proof will be in the pudding.”Lampard is desperate to get off to a winning start against fellow strugglers Cardiff City today.But he warned: “This is the Championship so you have to have complete respect for your opponent.”Cardiff will be wounded after losing at home to QPR in midweek and we know they’ll be fighting.”We also know they have a manager (Omer Riza) who’s very keen to put his imprint on the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve been able to watch them a bit and they do some interesting things in terms of how they play.”So our only focus right now is on Cardiff and trying to give our lads confidence to produce consistency in our work.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

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      Man Utd star Andre Onana avoided red card due to little-known rule as Bodo/Glimt star reveals referee’s explanation

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      ANDRE ONANA avoided a red card against Bodo/Glimt due to a little-known rule.The Cameroonian, 28, was in action as Manchester United came from behind to beat their Norwegian opponents 3-2 in the Europa League.Andre Onana appeared to handle outside the boxCredit: TNT SportsOnana helped his side to a comeback winCredit: GettyLawrence Visser elected not to punish Andre OnanaCredit: RexWith 15 minutes remaining, Onana was involved in a highly contentious moment.As Bodo/Glimt broke forward, the United stopper raced out of his goal.Onana challenged Jens Petter Hauge, with the ball clearly striking his arm and stopping Bodo/Glimt’s attack.Referee Lawrence Visser immediately waved away the visitors’ claims.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe decision was then cleared by VAR as the game continued.After his side’s defeat, Bodo/Glimt’s skipper Patrick Berg revealed Visser’s on-field explanation for the decision.He told Norwegian broadcaster NRK: “I feel Jens tries to drag the ball past Onana and then it hits his hand.”He [Visser] explains that there is a rule that states that the ball can hit the hand if it is on the ground as a support, then it does not matter.”Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd ratings vs Bodo/GlimtWhile the decision not to send Onana off was correct by the letter of the law, it still left some opposition players with a sour taste.Hakon Evjen added: “It looked like he takes it with his hand now and then, whether there is support or not.Ruben Amorim touched by Old Trafford welcome in win over Bodo/Glimt “It is an open target for Jens at 20 metres, so it is at least debatable.”Man Utd had taken the lead after just 48 seconds via Alejandro Garnacho.But Bodo/Glimt stunned the Old Trafford crowd by turning the game on its head courtesy of strikes by Evjen And Philip Zinckernagel.Rasmus Hojlund levelled on the stroke of half-time, before grabbing what turned out to be the winner on 50 minutes.After the game, Onana caught up with a high-profile compatriot.The goalkeeper beamed as he posed for a snap with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.Onana beams as he poses with Francis NgannouCredit: GettyPatrick Berg revealed the referee’s decision making processCredit: Getty More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 13: Gaffers spoiled for choice amid decisive turning point

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      GAMEWEEK 13 is a decisive turning point in the Dream Team season.All 20 Premier League clubs will be in action TWICE, signalling a start to the hectic festive period.There will be shed-loads of points up for grabs in the coming weeks but you will have to make smart decisions if you are to leave your rivals in the dust.Liverpool v Manchester City will cause shock waves in Dream Team one way or the otherCredit: AFPSelecting the right captain for Gameweek 13 would be a great start but that’s easier said than done as it’s a wide open field ahead of this evening’s deadline (6:30pm).Erling Haaland (£8.6m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.4m) are always the most popular captains but with the pair in direct competition at Anfield on Sunday, it might be wise to look elsewhere for a change.That being said, Liverpool’s main man should still be considered a fine choice given the form of Pep Guardiola’s side – the defending champions are conceding plenty of goals at the moment.The Reds travel to Newcastle in midweek while City will host Nottingham Forest.Set for his first double Gameweek of the seasonCredit: Dream TeamPerhaps this is the week to captain Cole Palmer (£6m)?Chelsea’s main man has had his workload managed this season but the schedule is likely to make Gameweek 13 his first double of 2024/25.Enzo Maresca’s side welcome an out-of-form Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge this weekend before a favourable trip to Southampton on Wednesday.Most read in FootballPalmer has mustered just 13 points from his last three appearances but the Blues’ upcoming double header looks mightily appealing on paper.Bukayo Saka (£6.4m) finished as Gameweek 12’s top performer having collected 30 points across his two fixtures.Arsenal’s No7 took 14 points off Forest and 16 off Sporting CP, registering a goal and assist in each outing.Martin Odegaard’s (£5.1m) return from injury has undoubtedly helped Saka and the England international is certainly among the leading captaincy candidates for Gameweek 13 ahead of games against West Ham and Manchester United.Gaffers who captained Saka in Gameweek 12 were handsomely rewardedCredit: RexA rare double Gameweek for all 20 top flight teams opens up all manner of alternative captaincy options for gaffers who like to think outside the box.Joao Pedro (£4.1m) has added 25 points to his tally from just two outings since regaining fitness and the Brazilian forward will be hopeful of extending his good form at home to Saints tonight.Brighton travel to Fulham on Thursday for their second fixture.Pedro averages 8.7 points-per-game this season, a rate only bettered by Haaland and Salah among forwards.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 NOWCaptain material?Credit: GETTYMatheus Cunha (£4.8m) is among the most popular recruits this week and Dream Team bosses who have transferred Wolves’ talisman into their XI might want to go the whole hog and captain him.After a 20-point haul at Fulham’s expense last weekend, the former Atletico Madrid man is the most in-form player in the game!Gary O’Neil’s troops face Bournemouth and Everton this coming Gameweek.READ MORE SUN STORIESElsewhere, strong cases can be made for Nicolas Jackson (£4m), Bryan Mbeumo (£4.3m) and a couple of Spurs assets – it really is a wide open field.Confirm your captain (and vice captain) before the 6:30pm deadline!BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      I’m a Ballon d’Or winner who had the world at my feet but I lost control of my career after bold transfer

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      MICHAEL OWEN believes he “lost control” of his career the moment he left Liverpool for Real Madrid.The former England international swapped Merseyside for Madrid in the summer of 2004 after eight goal-filled seasons with the Reds.Michael Owen joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2004 after eight seasons with LiverpoolCredit: PA:Empics SportSome of the Anfield faithful turned on the former academy star after his departureCredit: GETTYOwen believes his departure from the club was the moment he ‘lost control’ of his careerCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe stunning move to the Bernabeu, however, didn’t go to plan as he failed to win a trophy in his sole season with the Galacticos, in which he scored 16 goals in 45 appearances.He returned to England the following summer for a four-season stint with Newcastle before a shock move to Liverpool’s bitter rivals Manchester United in July 2009.Some of the Kop faithful still resent Owen for joining the Red Devils, although the 44-year-old believes their resentment originally stemmed from him leaving Anfield in the first place.He told The Telegraph: “The moment I chose to go to Real Madrid I lost control of my career and what the perceptions of it are.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I don’t love going to Anfield now because I know I am not loved back.”I tend to only go when I am working. It’s not that I dread going, but for a long time I used to bury my head when driving back to the academy to see friends.”I have told myself since, ‘I should not have been feeling like that.'”People say now, ‘It was because he signed for Manchester United.’ Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMichael Owen’s career statsLiverpool: 297 appearances – 158 goals & 49 assistsReal Madrid: 45 appearances – 16 goals & four assistsNewcastle United: 79 appearances – 30 goals & 2 assistsManchester United: 52 appearances – 17 goals & three assistsStoke City: Nine appearances – One goalClub Total: 483 appearances – 223 goals & 58 assistsEngland: 89 appearances: 40 goals & 12 assists”But the whole world knows there has been some history rewritten there.”There was resentment directed at me before then when I played for Newcastle, even though I had a clause in my Newcastle contract that I could re-sign for Liverpool every summer.Michael Owen heartbreakingly admits he prays every single night for cure for rare disease that has blinded his son James“The Manchester United aspect is now an easier stick to beat me with.”But when I came back to Anfield for the first time as a Newcastle player, there were a few hundred, possibly a thousand supporters, booing me.”I can’t forget how I, my parents, and my former Liverpool team-mates felt.”Everyone who understood and appreciated the reality of the situation was disappointed on my behalf.”Owen never had any ambitions of leaving Liverpool, let alone playing abroad, when he was at the peak of his powers.But he would have kicked himself had he not taken the opportunity to play for the European giants.The 2001 Ballon d’Or winner admitted: “I never had big ambitions to play abroad. “Really, but I fit the bill as the type of player they pursued.”If you are scoring goals, are a creative midfielder, or an amazing, unique type of right-back like Trent, you are seen as a marquee signing.“They wanted me with [Luís] Figo, [Zinedine] Zidane, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I looked at that and thought it would have been harder not to score.”I thought long and hard about leaving Liverpool, but in the end something inside told me I would regret it if I didn’t give it a go.”Michael Owen doesn’t ‘love going to Anfield’ any moreCredit: GETTY More

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      Ruben Amorim singles out key Man Utd star who was ‘dead’ as he explains changes in 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt

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      RUBEN AMORIM singled out Rasmus Hojlund for praise after his match-winning performance against Bodo/Glimt but revealed the ace was “dead” at full-time.Manchester United emerged as victors from the 3-2 thriller at Old Trafford, with Hojlund scoring twice and proving pivotal to Alejandro Garnacho’s opener.Rasmus Hojlund was ‘dead’ after his match-winning display against Bodo/GlimtCredit: GettyRuben Amorim has said he needs to build the fitness of his playersCredit: RexHojlund, 21, played the full length of the Europa League clash, which is only the second time this season he has completed a match.However, speaking to TNT Sports, Amorim admitted: “We had more chances [than against Ipswich] and were more dangerous. “But we will have to change players.”I felt that Rasmus was dead. Some [players] were really, really tired.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We made four substitutions because of the fitness of the players, not because of what was best for the game. “We are in that moment. We need the squad all together and fit.”Amorim was full of praise for the “quality” forward, but had some pointers on where he will need to improve going forward.On the ex-Atalanta star, he said: “He has to improve more. He takes too many touches when he holds the ball.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He connected in transitions very well. He was aggressive in the box for the goals. He is a quality player.”Amorim, 39, confessed to being taken aback by the support he had received from supporters during his first home game in charge of the Red Devils.Manchester United vs Bodo/Glimt: Player RatingsThe ex-Sporting Lisbon boss said: “The first thing is that half of the stadium doesn’t really know me.”I came from Portugal and I have done nothing for this club yet, so the way they make me feel at home is so special.”It’s not after something, it’s before something.”This is something special and I will keep this to the end of my career.”Amorim went bold with his tactics against the Norwegian side, even playing without any recognised centre-backs in the latter stages.He will be hoping to land his first Premier League win next when his team host Everton on Sunday.Man Utd ratings vs Bodo/Glimt More

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      Man Utd ‘send scouts to watch £50million-rated Egypt star’ who Mo Salah ‘recommended Liverpool should sign’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush, according to reports.The Egyptian, 25, has been in excellent form for the Bundesliga side this term.Omar Marmoush has impressed for Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: RexMarmoush has already attracted interest from Liverpool, with his international team-mate Mo Salah reportedly having recommended him to Anfield chiefs.According to Sky Sports Germany, however, Man Utd could swoop in ahead of the Reds.They claim that United chiefs have been keeping an eye on Marmoush, and that they could even make a move in January.New boss Ruben Amorim is not expected to have as much money to spend on reinforcements as predecessor Erik ten Hag.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut January recruits are possible, with Viktor Gyokeres a potential target.With Sporting set to demand £83million for the Swede, United could turn towards £50m-rated Marmoush as a cheaper alternative.The forward signed for Eintracht from Wolfsburg in 2023.Having scored 12 Bundesliga goals during his first campaign in Frankfurt, Marmoush has already nearly matched that tally this term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has netted 11 goals in as many games, also adding a further three in the Europa League.While Salah is claimed to have recommended his pal to Anfield bosses, Marmoush could even replace him at Liverpool.Manchester United vs Bodo/Glimt: Player RatingsThe winger’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and last weekend he claimed that he’s “more out than in” as he waits to be offered a new deal.Marmoush is able to play across the front line, a versatility that could appeal to both United and Liverpool.In addition to a forward, Amorim is also believed to covet a wing-back in January.The Red Devils have been linked with Wolves ace Rayan Ait-Nouri.Man Utd ratings vs Bodo/Glimt More