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    Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd fans to expect ‘really hard moments’ as he admits it’s ‘a different world’ to anything before

    RUBEN AMORIM has warned Manchester United fans to expect some ups and downs over the next few years.The 39-year-old was officially announced as Erik ten Hag’s successor earlier this month.Ruben Amorim was officially appointed as Manchester United’s new manager earlier this monthCredit: GETTYThe 39-year-old gaffer replaces the recently-axed Erik ten HagCredit: GETTYThe Portuguese has warned United fans to expect some turbulent times over the next few yearsCredit: GETTYAmorim’s first assignment will be a trip to Portman Road on Sunday to take on Ipswich Town.The Portuguese is looking forward to the challenge ahead and implementing his philosophy on the team and club as a whole.But the former Sporting Lisbon chief has warned the Old Trafford faithful not to expect him to perform miracles straight away.He said: “It’s Manchester United, you feel the weight of history despite the last few years and you want to be part of it. READ MORE ON AMORIM”If you win here, it will be different from any other club in England.”The responsibility is enormous. It will be difficult. “There will be very difficult moments, but I really believe we will succeed.”The Old Trafford hotseat arguably has the most eyes on it in world football.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”But Amorim is ready for all the extra attention and scrutiny which comes with the job.He said: “It’s a different world here. There’s a lot to do. How Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position change”You’re not just a coach. It’s different, but I’m prepared.”Amorim is United’s SIXTH permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May 2013.His successors have all FAILED to win the Premier League, although there has been a sprinkling of FA, Europa League and League Cup success.And Amorim is confident he can end the club’s long wait to return to the summit of the English top flight.He said: “Call me naive. But I truly believe I am the right guy in the right moment. “I could be wrong but the world still will turn [and] the sun will rise again, I don’t worry about that. “I truly believe I’m the right guy for this job.”Confidence aside, Amorim knows he’ll face the same fate as his predecessors if he doesn’t start filling Old Trafford’s trophy room.He said: “I know if you are at Manchester United you have to win games.”So I will not tell you I need a lot of time. “It’s a great league, the strongest in the world, and we have to improve a lot. “We have to win games and then to win titles.”Amorim is confident his stint at the Theatre of Dreams won’t be a nightmare and insists he should leave the club if he doesn’t deliver on his promises within two years.He said: “In two years, you will understand if I am the right man to be in this process.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In two years, you can understand if you want to continue in this path or you want to change.“I know if you are at Manchester United you have to win games, so I will not tell you I need a lot of time.” More

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    Rafa Benitez didn’t hesitate when naming the best player he has ever coached with Cristiano Ronaldo snubbed

    RAFA BENITEZ didn’t need to think twice when naming Steven Gerrard as the best player he has ever coached — snubbing Cristiano Ronaldo in the process.Benitez, 64, has managed some of Europe’s top teams during a glittering coaching career which started in 1986 at Real Madrid’s academy.Rafa Benitez has named Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as the best player he’s ever worked withCredit: GettyBenitez snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo after they fell out at Real MadridCredit: GettyHe has since taking charge of giants including Liverpool, Chelsea and Real.And Benitez has a host of trophies to boot, including two league titles, an FA Cup, one Europe League and a Champions League.The Spaniard’s travels have seen him work with some of football’s top names.Fernando Torres, Luka Modric and Eden Hazard are just some of the stars to have crossed Benitez’s path.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the tactician, most recently in charge of LaLiga side Celta Vigo, reckons Gerrard was head and shoulders above the rest.Benitez managed the midfield powerhouse for six years at Liverpool, with the pair winning an FA Cup and Champions League together.Benitez made his choice despite having also managed legendary forward Ronaldo at Real Madrid.But they famously fell out almost immediately, with Benitez’s contract terminated just six months into his Bernabeu reign.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSExplaining why Gerrard was king in his eyes, Benitez told the It Was What It Was podcast: “He’s the best player that I have ever coached.“He was very good and at the beginning when we were knowing each other.”Rafa Benitez reveals ‘five or six’ offers to return to Premier League but admits ‘there are teams I won’t coach’Benitez explained how Gerrard continued to develop throughout his careerCredit: GettyBenitez was then questioned about the difference between Gerrard and Ronaldo.He was asked: “You coached Ronaldo. You think Steven was a better player?”Benitez answered: “In terms of a complete player. Stevie has the power, he could score goals, good in the air, both feet, could shoot from distance, short, taking penalties, deliveries, corners, free-kicks.“Defending, if it was necessary. He had energy, he trained well and was a good professional. The point with him is he was a box-to-box midfielder from the beginning and little by little he was understanding the game.“He had all the potential and he was getting better in terms of position and decisions later on. But he was great from the beginning.”Rafa Benitez’s managerial statsThose numbers in full:Real Madrid B, July 1993-June 1995: P65 W26 D18 L21Valladolid, July 1995-Jan 1996: P29 W5 D10 L14Osasuna, July 1996-Nov 1996: P11 W3 D4 L4Extremadura, July 1997-June 1999: P92 W36 D26 L30Tenerife, July 2000-June 2001: P46 W23 D11 L12Valencia, July 2001-June 2004: P162 W88 D41 L33Liverpool, June 2004-June 2010: P350 W194 D77 L79Inter Milan, June 2010-Dec 2010: P25 W12 D6 L7Chelsea (interim), Nov 2012-May 2013: P48 W28 D10 L10Napoli, May 2013-June 2015: P112 W59 D28 L25Real Madrid, June 2015-Jan 2016: P25 W17 D5 L3Newcastle, March 2016-June 2019: P146 W62 D31 L53Dalian Pro, July 2019-Jan 2021: P38 W12 D8 L18Everton, June 2021-Jan 2022: P22 W7 D5 L10Celta Vigo, July 2023-March 2024: P33 W9 D9 L15TrophiesLa Liga x2, Uefa Cup (Valencia)FA Cup, Community Shield, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup (Liverpool)Italian Super Cup, Club World Cup (Inter Milan)Europa League (Chelsea)Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup (Napoli)Championship (Newcastle) More

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    Ben White ruled out for MONTHS in major blow to Arsenal title hopes, confirms Mikel Arteta

    MIKEL ARTETA has ruled Ben White out for MONTHS due to injury. It comes as a blow for Arsenal’s title hopes with the star defender sidelined amid an ongoing knee problem. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with Ben WhiteCredit: GettyArteta said: “Ben is gonna be out for months. It’s been different kinds of struggles. It’s never been the same thing. It’s not been improving. “It got to a point a where we have to protect the player. Unfortunately it’s going to be a few months.”White was forced into surgery due to his knee injury which also kept him out earlier on in the season. The right-back has made nine appearances this season but looks to be out into the new year. READ MORE IN footballArsenal sit fourth in the table with just one win in their last five games, losing ground on rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. White is not Arsenal’s only injury woe with Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice also doubts for Nottingham Forest’s visit to the Emirates on Saturday.Both had a “partial” training sessions while Leandro Trossard was also out on the pitch after being forced off for Belgium on international duty. Meanwhile Riccardo Calafiori picked up a knee injury in October and has since missed five matches. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Arteta said: “Riccy trained today. His rehab has gone really well. He will be in the squad.”Takehiro Tomiyasu has only played one match this season amid a knee injury and remains sidelined.Arteta said: “He’s gonna be away now for a few weeks to continue with his treatment and change his environment a bit. “He’s a guy that will work 24 hours to be fit and he feels terrible being out. Hopefully it can unlock him.”Moment Jude Bellingham gives Arsenal transfer hope after fan asks him to join Gunners More

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    Ex-Brazil striker Hulk to marry his ex-wife’s NIECE in huge beachfront wedding ceremony

    EX-BRAZIL striker Hulk has organised a beachfront wedding ceremony to marry his ex-wife’s niece.According to Portal Leodias, Hulk is due to marry Camila Angelo in December after they already tied the knot at a civil ceremony in 2020.Hulk poses with his wife Camila AngeloCredit: NewsflashCamila is the niece of Hulk’s ex-wifeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/ClJeod9LceX/Hulk’s former wife Iran, left, pictured with her niece CamilaThe footballer was previously married to Camila’s aunt, Iran Angelo, with the couple together for 12 years.They have three children together; sons Ian and Tiago, and a daughter, Alice, who are already cousins to his new wife.Hulk stunned many in 2020 when he married Camila following the end of his 12-year relationship with Iran.Now their wedding ceremony is set to take place on a beach on the coast of Paraiba.READ MORE IN footballThe couple welcomed their second child, Aisha, into the world in June after daughter Zaya was born in April 2022.Hulk scored 11 goals in 49 games for Brazil between 2009 and 2021 and was part of the Confederations Cup-winning squad in 2013.At club level be came a star Porto between 2008 and 2012, which included him a Europa League and four league medals.The 38-year-old also enjoyed spells with Zenit St Petersburg in Russia and Shanghai SIPG.Most read in FootballReports of Hulk and Camila’s relationship emerged in December 2019, just five months after his marriage with Iran ended.The couple married in September 2020 while Hulk was still playing in China for Shanghai SIPG following his split from the mother of his three other children – two sons and a daughter.It is believed Hulk told his family about his relationship with Camila in December 2019 – including his children.Watch ex-Brazil star Hulk incredibly miss from a yard out with chance that was easier to score for Atletico Mineiro More

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    Newcastle vs West Ham: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend with BetMGM

    NEWCASTLE are looking to keep their unbeaten run going when West Ham visit in this week’s Monday Night Football.Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsNewcastle vs West Ham: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Newcastle vs West Ham: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours 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.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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    Championship star forced to take £500 taxi to match after 15-hour flight back from international break he didn’t play in

    WATFORD star Francisco Sierralta was forced to take a £500 taxi for his side’s next match after a 15-hour flight from Chile — where he was left on the bench for the entire international break.Hornets ace Sierralta, 27, faced a rough trip back to England after being called up by international boss Ricardo Gareca for World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Venezuela.Francisco Sierralta took a £500 taxi after a 15-hour flight to make Watford’s next gameCredit: GettyChile drew with the former 0-0 before ending the break with a 4-2 win over the latter.But Sierralta’s 15-hour flight to South America proved fruitless as he was an unused sub in both games.The defender then had to make another 15-hour flight back to London’s Heathrow Airport.Yet his torturous trip was far from over.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter touching down in the capital, Sierralta next had to jump straight in a taxi and drive for five straight hours to Plymouth.His side Watford play Argyle in a crunch Championship match tonight.And the Hornets stumped up a crisp £500 to ferry Sierralta directly to their seaside base.It meant the centre-back was on the move non-stop for over 20 hours.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile his entire round trip clocked in at a mammoth 15,620 miles.It now remains to be seen whether Sierralta faces Plymouth tonight, with Watford boss Tom Cleverley keen to assess his condition.Watford interim head coach Tom Cleverley explains what attracted him to managing The Hornets gaffer said: “It’s a situation I’ve never seen before in my career where you’ve got a player who is going straight to the team hotel without a training session.“He lands at Heathrow this morning and then will get a cab straight down to Plymouth.“We’re sending a physio down there to work with him and help get the journey out of his legs and back.“The first time I’ll see him will be when I get to Plymouth, which will be strange. “He’s an important player for us, so we’re managing things to give him the best chance of being in the best condition.” More

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    Sir Alex Ferguson reveals Ryan Giggs would have ended up playing for MAN CITY if it wasn’t for Man Utd steward

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON says Ryan Giggs was his first big win over Manchester City.Fergie’s dismissive taunt about the “noisy neighbours” after the Abu Dhabi takeover has gone down in football history.Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Ryan Giggs nearly played for Man CityCredit: GettyA steward told Sir Alex about Giggs’ talent when he was a kidCredit: Times Newspapers LtdBut the former United boss told Tony Pulis in Sky’s “Chasing the Dream” documentary that prising Welsh wizard Giggs out of City’s clutches was a key moment in his Old Trafford success story.Ferguson recalled: “At United, our first-team squad there were quite a few over 30.“City were getting all the best young players at the time, absolutely. They would win the Youth Cup.“We had to put a stop to that, so we increased the scouting and worked really hard at that, particularly in Manchester.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“We got the Phil and Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt. David Beckham was the only one from down south.“With Ryan Giggs, we had a steward at the club who came to me and said ‘there’s a young boy training at City, but he’s a United fan. You need to get hold of him.’“We got him down the training ground right away, they played a practice match against Viv Anderson, and Viv was screaming: ‘Can I kick him? Can I tackle him?’And I said: ‘Don’t you dare touch him! He’s only 14.’”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGiggs and Co were part of the group known as “Fergie’s Fledglings” when they broke into the first team squad.The Scot added: “When you get a gem like Giggs or Scholes, it’s staring you in the face.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduates“Scholes was an incredibly young player. You get diamonds like that, whereas Beckham was a late developer..“The Nevilles – always hard working, always making great sacrifices to be footballers. “Nicky Butt – determined young lad, always going to make it.“You have a responsibility too, to give them the right guidance, to be strong in terms of the path you’re taking them through.“Playing for Manchester United, playing in front of 75,000, playing in cup finals, playing for your country – these are all the stepping stones that you’re guiding them for.”What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More

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    Forgotten former Newcastle star who swapped national teams now a RAPPER after leaving Saudi minnows

    A FORMER Premier League star-turned-rapper has switched hitting crossbars to spitting bars.The 35-year-old has gone from being released by Saudi Arabian minnows Al-Orobah to releasing his fourth single earlier this year.Vurnon Anita played 155 times for NewcastleCredit: PA:Empics SportThe midfielder now balances football with rappingCredit: Dreams Never End Records
    Vurnon Anita is best known for the five years he spent at Newcastle.But he is now going down a different path under the pseudonym JR.He has gone from getting on the ball in midfield to picking up the microphone, having launched a career as a rapper.Anita’s biggest hit “On Top” has amassed 600,000 listens on Spotify and he averages 3,000 plays per month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs a player, he featured 155 times for Newcastle and won the Championship title with the Toon in 2017.The Ajax academy graduate also had a brief loan spell at Leeds the season after.Since leaving England, he has played for Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia, Willem and RKC Waalwijk in Holland and Al-Orobah in Saudi Arabia.He is currently without a club but is keeping busy in the music studio.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnita was capped three times by Holland and was included in their provisional squad for the 2010 World Cup.But he has since changed his allegiance represent Curacao.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersThe country is a Caribbean island just 37 miles away from Venezuela that classes itself “within the Kingdom of the Netherlands”.Their national team, ranked 90th in the world, are managed by ex-Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat.Former Aston Villa star Leandro Bacuna and ex-Southampton defender Cuco Martina are their top two-capped players.Anita is not the only footballer with Dutch descent to try their hand at rapping.Memphis Depay, Ryan Babel and Royston Drenthe all had spells in the Prem and in the charts. Who are these famous footballers? More