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      Spanish newspaper’s XI of best U18 starlets in 2016 goes viral with forgotten English prodigy and ‘9 of them top tier’

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      A 2016 best XI of wonderkids has gone viral on social media – and nine of them have hit the heights.But one English-born ace has fallen off the radar and now plies his trade with an unfashionable German outfit.Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was among the most promising talents at the timeCredit: GettyArsenal’s Kieran Tierney was also part of the list during his success at CelticCredit: GettyMarca predicted Europe’s best Under-18 talents in 2016Spanish newspaper Marca put together the best XI of Under-18 talents in Europe back eight years ago.Among them was an unknown Monaco kid called Kylian Mbappe, who is now considered by many as the best in the world.In the 2016 version, the now-Real Madrid superstar was joined by Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.Donnarumma had just taken football by storm with AC Milan before moving to PSG – where he played with Mbappe – in 2021.Read More on FootballRomanian Cristian Manea was at right-back with Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney on the other side, with Liverpool’s Joe Gomez and forgotten England prospect Reece Oxford at centre-back.Rapid Bucharest’s Manea was playing for Belgian outfit Mouscron, on loan from Apollon Limassol, but got lost in the shuffle as did Oxford, who was a revelation at West Ham before joining Augsburg.Gomez is a utility defender for the Reds, while Tierney’s success at Celtic has yet to be replicated at the Emirates due to a raft of injury set-backs.Renato Sanches, Youri Tielemans and Ruben Neves formed the midfield.Most read in FootballSanches was considered the next big thing during his successful stint at Benfica but failed to live up to expectations and even endured a painful loan stint at Swansea.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe midfielder is currently on PSG’s books but returned to Benfica on loan in his bid to rediscover his old form.Tielemans played for Anderlecht at the time and went on to enjoy success with Leicester – where he won the FA Cup – and current club Aston Villa, who are standing out in the Champions League.Meet Ayden Heaven: Arsenal’s next William SalibaNeves burst onto the scene with Porto and became a star at Wolves but has dropped from the spotlight after moving to Saudi Arabia for Al-Hilal.Mbappe was joined by Martin Odegaard and Dominic Solanke up-front.Odegaard was struggling for minutes at Real after his major move from Norwegian outfit Stromsgodset, where he emerged as one of the world’s most promising wonderkids.But the playmaker found his groove at Arsenal and quickly earned the captain’s armband.Solanke played for Vitesse at the time on loan from Chelsea, where he failed to earn a permanent spot and endured a disappointing stint at Liverpool.But the striker showed exactly why there was so much hype around his name with a stunning spell at Bournemouth, which led to a big move to Tottenham last summer.Mixed fan reactionMbappe dominated at Monaco and earned a big move to PSG where he quickly developed into one of the world’s biggest stars and ultimately completed a highly-anticipated move to Real.Fans were left in awe by that nostalgic post, which received some mixed reaction.One fan posted: “Pretty good tbf.”Another commented: “I miss Kieran Tierney.”A third wrote: “As a West Ham fan, Reece Oxford not fulfilling his potential was so sad.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan wrote: “9 out of the 11 are top tier.”And that one stated: “Not a bad return to be fair.” More

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      Which Manchester United players will flourish in Dream Team under Ruben Amorim’s watch?

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      THE wait is over.Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game as Manchester United head coach this Sunday when he leads his troops to face Ipswich at Portman Road.Fans of the Red Devils and neutrals alike will be intrigued to see how the Portuguese tactician fares in his first managerial outing on English shores but what should Dream Team managers expect going forward?It’s all eyes on Amorim in Gameweek 12Credit: Dream TeamErik ten Hag’s version of this Man United side was flawed in many ways but several players have thrived in Dream Team across the first eleven Gameweeks of the season.Andre Onana (£4m), Noussair Mazraoui (£3.8m), Diogo Dalot (£4.2m), Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) and Alejandro Garnacho (£4.1m) are all among the top seven assets in their respective positions at the time of writing.But which players will flourish under Amorim’s watch?The former Sporting CP coach is likely to employ his preferred 3-4-3 formation, making use of wing-backs.If Mazraoui is deployed as the right wing-back then there’s every chance that will lead to increased attacking returns for the 27-year-old.Mazraoui has impressed since his transfer to Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe Morocco international has racked up a whopping 91 points already this season via five clean sheets and an unmatched tally (in his position) of 55 tackles, not to mention 13 bonus points.Add in more time in the final third with greater attacking responsibilities and he could go to another level.Most read in FootballMazraoui is seemingly a lock at right wing-back but it will be interesting to see who fulfils the role on the opposite flank in the long run.Dalot will be hopeful of a spot in his compatriot’s starting XI but it will be interesting to see whether Amorim eventually opts to convert one of the squad’s wingers into a wing-back.It’s not unthinkable, for example, that Garnacho might get some minutes in the role in the near future.Many fans are eager to see what role Garnacho will fulfil under AmorimCredit: AlamySuch a move would mean more defensive duties for the Argentine youngster and perhaps a reduced goal threat, which would negatively impact his Dream Team viability.However, if Amorim considers Garnacho worthy of a regular starting spot in his front three there could be plenty of points on offer.Only superstar forwards Erling Haaland (£8.6m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) have registered more shots on target than Garnacho so far this season; Amorim will surely want to maintain that level of threat in the final third throughout his first few weeks as Old Trafford boss at the very least.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 NOWClub captain Fernandes is currently Dream Team’s most in-form player having plundered 61 points across the last three Gameweeks!The Portugal international generally operates best as a central advanced playmaker but such a role doesn’t really exist in Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation.With the wing-backs encouraged to offer width high up the pitch, the two central midfielders are generally more combative types, tasked with recovering the ball and playing through the middle third.The long-term vision probably features Kobbie Mainoo (£3.1m) and Manuel Ugarte (£2.8m) as partners in the middle of the park.This would result in Fernandes being deployed in the front three but in what capacity remains to be seen.It may be that he’s given a partial free role to create in more familiar areas, with a slight preference for the half-space closer to the right flank.Broadly speaking, the 30-year-old should be one of the main beneficiaries if Amorim is able to spark improvements across the board – his individual creative output is up there with the best players in Europe in recent years.Dream Team’s form playerCredit: ReutersOne player Man United fans will desperately be hoping ascends to another level under the new regime is Rasmus Hojlund (£3.9m).Viktor Gyokeres’ widely-heralded form up front was the defining aspect of Amorim’s successful Sporting side.The former Coventry striker has scored 66 goals in 68 games since his transfer to the Portuguese giants, including a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City a few days before the international break.READ MORE SUN STORIESNobody is expecting Hojlund to suddenly morph into one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers but if Amorim is able to mould United into a dynamic attacking force then more and more Dream Team bosses will surely be tempted by the Danish focal point leading the line.Injury problems may scupper some plans in Gameweek 12 but Amorin’s hand will be revealed to some extent and gaffers should pay careful attention.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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      Roy Keane is devoted doting dad of five children including one girl engaged to England star and another who makes cereal

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      ROY Keane is a proud family man.While he may have intimidated rivals on the pitch as Manchester United captain in the 90s and 00s, and be as fierce a pundit there is on the box, he’s soft when it comes to his kids and grandkids.Roy Keane poses with wife of 20 plus years, TheresaOver the years, Keane has been a doting dad to five kidsKeane has also showered his grandkids with plenty of attentionThanks to his Instagram account, the former Premier League hardman has given us a glimpse into his life.From celebrating his daughters on their birthdays to enjoying dressing up as cartoon characters on grandad duty, SunSport looks at Keane’s family life.And that includes a Premier League footballer who scored recently against his beloved Republic of Ireland.His wifeKeane has been married to Theresa for over 20 years and they share five children together – Shannon, Caragh, Aidan, Leah and Alanna.Read more football news The pair met in 1992, when the midfielder was playing for Nottingham Forest under Brian Clough.”I spotted a beautiful girl in a club in town. Her name was Theresa Doyle but she blanked me,” Keane once revealed of his encounter with the Nottingham-born beauty.”She was in a steady relationship and didn’t seem at all impressed by Roy Keane, the great footballer. In fact, I think my reputation was as a downer for all kinds of reasons.”From time to time we ran into each other around Nottingham. I knew some of her friends, who told me Theresa was a dentist’s assistant.Most read in Football”Eventually, after her relationship broke up, she relented and we went out together. I was in love.”Roy Keane in heartfelt tribute to future son-in-law Taylor Harwood-Bellis after ‘bittersweet’ England goal vs Ireland_1Back in 2021, he celebrated her birthday by cheekily cutting off half of her image in an Instagram selfie.He captioned the photo: “Happy birthday to my first wife x”Successful daughtersKeane has five children with Theresa, including four daughters.Caragh, 28, is the second oldest of their brood.At the age of 25, Caragh was forced to turn down a “dream teaching position” after being diagnosed with lupus – a chronic autoimmune condition that results in severe inflammation.Caragh was told she may need to undergo chemotherapy after developing extreme joint pains and blisters.But, after researching the linked between gut health and inflammation, she changed to a healthy diet.And three years later, with her lupus conditions now a thing of the past, Caragh has released a cereal that encourages gut health and avoids processed ingredients.Dad Keane has even been promoting the snack, gifting it to colleagues including Ian Wright and Gary Neville on the Stick to Football podcast.Keane celebrates daughter ‘No2’ Caragh’s graduationCaragh struggled with Lupus when she was 25 and had to forget her dream jobInstead, Caragh created a cereal that promotes gut healthAlanna Keane works as a spin specialist and laster therapist at clinic in Altrinchamread more sport featuresHe said: “My daughter Caragh has got a company with health stuff. I am proud, very proud.”Keane’s youngest daughter, Alanna – who he affectionally calls No5 on social media – has branched out on her own.She works as a skin specialist and laser therapist at the Little Cheshire Clinic in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. Only son Aiden Keane prefers to keep a low-profile, as does Shannon his eldest offspring.Footballer in the familyIt was bound to happen.Daughter “No4”, Leah has fallen for the charms of a Premier League footballer.She has dated Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who recently made his debut for England against Republic of Ireland, for around five years, according to reports.The pair recently got engaged, and Harwood-Bellis celebrated with a goal on his Three Lions debut.ITV host Mark Pougatch joked to Keane in the studio that the Southampton defender will be bringing his goal up over Christmas dinner, especially because it took the Irishman three years to score for Boys in Green.Leah Keane has fallen for the charms of a Premier League footballerLeah has been dating ex-Man City youngster Taylor Harwood-BellisHarwood-Bellis celebrates scoring against the Republic of IrelandKeane affectionately calls daughter Leah ‘No4′ on InstagramBut Keane Sr, who may have already started writing his father-of-the-bride speech ahead of their upcoming wedding, immediately quipped back: “Bittersweet for me, this.”It [the wedding] is not done and dusted yet!”Things can change very quickly in the Keane household.”No, he’s a really nice kid, his family have done a good job.”It’s nice for him, it’s good for him, he’s a bit of a goal threat.”Doting grandadFor all his toughness and talk, Keane can be a big softy.And he will do anything for his grandchildren, who absolutely dotes on and shares family time on his brilliant Instagram account.Including dressing up as animated puppy Chase from popular kids’ cartoon Paw Patrol.Captioning the snap of him in a giant dog costume, Keane quipped he’s only doing it to pay for his pool heating bill.Inside Keane and Haaland’s feudRoy Keane’s feud with the Haaland family seemingly began all the way back in 2001 when Keane hit Alfe Inge Haaland, Erling’s father, with a horror tackle.After a barren spell for Haaland earlier this season, Keane said: “The levels of his general play are so poor. He has to improve that. He is almost like a League Two player.”Keane upgraded him to a “Championship” player after Haaland scored against Nottingham Forest.After scoring four against Wolves, Haaland said: “I don’t care about that man.”But Keane highlighted Haaland’s behaviour when he was subbed off, saying he behaved “like a spoiled brat”.Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones caught the wrath of Keane’s death stare when he dared to question that label considering his quartet of goals.Keane loves playing the part of granddadTo amuse his grandkids Keane dressed as Paw Patrol character ChaseKeane was brilliant player, is a great pundit, and amazing granddad tooHe joked: “Available for party hire. I don’t like parties or kids but the pool needs heating.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKeane also joked about his granddaughter idolising him, and took a grandson to see Sing 2 in the cinema.Brilliant player, great pundit, better family man. More

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      Roy Keane’s daughter Leah pictured with England ace Taylor Harwood-Bellis for first time as cute throwback pic emerges

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      ENGLAND star Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been pictured with his fiancee Leah Keane for the first time.The 22-year-old recently got engaged to Leah, who is the daughter of Manchester United legend Roy Keane.An old photo of Leah Keane (C) and Taylor Harwood-Bellis (R) has resurfaced on social mediaCredit: X @beckybellisxLeah is the daughter of Man Utd legend Roy KeaneCredit: GettyHarwood-Bellis made his England debut at the weekendCredit: GettyThe couple have kept their relationship private over the years, but an old image resurfaced online this week in the wake of Harwood-Bellis’ Three Lions debut.It dates back to 2019 and was posted by the defender’s twin sister, who joked she was “third wheeling” while out for a meal.In the photo, Harwood-Bellis and Leah are seen enjoying some drinks at a restaurant.After earning his first senior England call-up, the Southampton ace revealed he was with Leah when he found out the news from interim boss Lee Carsley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I couldn’t quite believe it at first. It was a feeling of pride. I was with my partner.”Then I phoned my dad and he was very proud, the fact I had played for England through the age groups and now I was in the seniors. All my family were delighted.”One of the first people to message was Aaron Ramsdale, he messaged straight away. He’s one of my mates at Southampton.”Harwood-Bellis was handed his England debut against Ireland on Sunday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe capped off the experience with a goal just 17 minutes after being introduced as a substitute.It was a bitter-sweet moment for father-in-law Keane, who later told ITV Sport: “It’s nice for him, it’s good for him to make his debut.Taylor Harwood-Bellis discusses being called up for the England squad for the first time “He is a really kid good and his family have done a great job.”But asked by presenter Mark Pougatch about the defender joining his family, Keane joked: “It’s not done and dusted yet, things can change really quickly in the Keane household.” More

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      Sliding doors moment saw Antony join Man Utd instead of Liverpool after Klopp looked to sign him as Salah replacement

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      LIVERPOOL almost moved to sign Manchester United flop Antony as a replacement for Mo Salah.The pair both play in the same position at two of the country’s biggest teams.Liverpool almost signed Antony before he joined Man UtdCredit: GettyThe Brazilian was lined up by Jurgen Klopp as a replacement for Mo SalahCredit: RexBut while one cost an eye-watering amount of money, the other has bagged an incredible amount of goals.Salah was deemed pricey at £36million when he joined Liverpool from Roma in 2017.The Egyptian had previously struggled in England with Chelsea.But an amazing debut season saw Salah immediately silence the doubters with 44 goals in all competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has since gone on to net 221 goals in 366 games for Liverpool.But The Times claims Salah nearly left Anfield two summers ago.The forward’s contract was nearing its end and Liverpool were struggling to meet his demands.It’s reckoned then-Reds boss Jurgen Klopp sounded out Ajax’s Brazilian winger Antony as Salah’s replacement.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYet a move never occurred after Liverpool eventually stumped up the cash required to extend their star man’s deal.The decision, taken by Fenway Sports Group’s president Mike Gordon, proved to be an extremely astute one.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training sessionSalah has netted an incredible 65 goals since penning his new contract.While in the same time, Antony has managed a return of just 12.He entered the world of English football the same summer Salah signed on after Man United came calling.Erik ten Hag paid £88m to be reunited with his old Ajax star.But Antony’s time in the Premier League has been full of struggles.He has featured in just two of United’s 11 league games this season.And Antony’s future is likely to become even less clear under new manager Ruben Amorim, who does not play with natural wingers in his 3-4-3 system. More

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      Former Inter Milan star Guarin reveals he drank 70 beers in one night and slept with ‘any girl’ at his lowest point

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      FORMER Inter Milan star Fredy Guarin has revealed how he spiralled out of control and would drink 70 beers in one night at one point in his career.The Colombian retired in 2021 after a 15-year career that took in stints at Inter as well as Porto and SH Shenua.Fredy Guarin admitted he struggled with alcoholism throughout his careerCredit: AP:Associated PressHe made 141 appearances for Inter, scoring 22, and won 58 caps for his country.But his alcoholism prevented him from reaching his potential and even cost him his place in the Inter team, leading to his exit in 2016.Guarin told Caracol Televisión: “I started to make a name for myself in Italy and I was already having problems off the pitch. “At first I managed it well: I would get drunk two days before the match, then go out on the pitch, score one or two goals and the team would win. I think I lacked awareness.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I drank at home, in the club, in the restaurant, I already had my family and that was s*** because I knew I was making mistakes, both at work and with family responsibilities. “I failed in all objectives, footballing and personal. I was totally lost in alcohol, and they told me through my agent that I could no longer stay in Milan.”His drinking habits got worse when the Covid pandemic hit during his time at Vasco da Gama, which resulted in Guarin drinking up to 70 beers a night.The 38-year-old even attempted suicide after reaching the point where he sought danger and did not care about hurting himself.Most read in FootballHe continued: “For the first six months I felt like the happiest person in the world, then Covid came, the separation from my wife, and I drank 50, 60 or 70 beers in one night. “The pandemic came, there was no training, no group, no football. I went to the favelas, [slept] with any girl without protection, I totally abandoned myself. I looked for danger, adrenaline, I wanted to see weapons and nothing worried me. I spent 10 days totally drunk.”Shocking moment blood-soaked ex-Inter Milan star Fredy Guarin is arrested by cops after ‘assaulting parents’ “I lived on the 17th floor and I had no attachment to life. My reaction was to throw myself out of the window. There was a net, I jumped and it sent me back, but I didn’t realize anything. “I didn’t understand what I was doing, I don’t know what happened. I got to the point where nothing interested me and I didn’t care about hurting myself.”WHERE TO GET HELP YOU NEEDIF you are ever worried that someone’s life is in immediate danger, call 999 or go directly to the emergency services.For anyone in crisis, struggling to cope or needing immediate help, use the Shout Crisis text line (text 85258) or The Samaritans (call 116 123) – which are both available 24/7, 365 days a year.CALM offer a confidential helpline (0800 585858) and livechat, both available from 5pm to midnight.Visit nhs.uk/mental-health/ to find NHS mental health support near you, and how to self-refer for talking therapies, such as CBT and counselling for mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, panic, OCD and more.Visit the Movember website for more advice on men’s health and recommended support groups, organisations and charities.Movember Conversations is an online tool that helps you practise difficult conversations with pretend scenarios. More

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      Meet Ayden Heaven, 18, Arsenal defender and fan who is built like Patrick Vieira and idolises surprise ex-Gunners duo

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      IN Ayden Heaven, it seems Arsenal have got one hell of a player.The 18-year-old centre-back made his competitive senior debut in the Gunners’ 3-0 win at Preston in the Carabao Cup fourth round – from the bench in the 80th minute.Ayden Heaven is greeted by Mikel Arteta after his debut against PrestonCredit: ReutersThe defender (right) made his Gunners bow in the Carabao Cup at DeepdaleCredit: ReutersHeaven (second left) with other Arsenal academy stars after beating Bolton in the Carabao CupCredit: GettyHeaven has represented England at Under-18 levelBefore that, he was one of several academy stars to feature on the club’s pre-season summer tour of the States with boss Mikel Arteta starting him against Manchester United.Heaven – standing at 6ft 3in and a left-footer – was at fault for United’s opener, outmuscled and outpaced by Rasmus Hojlund, but he recovered well as Arsenal won the game 2-1.He has gone from strength to strength since then, looking good on living up to his potential and the lofty expectations Arsenal have of him to succeed.HOW DO THEY PLAY AND WHO DO THEY REMIND YOU OF?The first thing you notice about Heaven is his size and physicality, the body of a young, raw Patrick Vieira who is not afraid to get stuck in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs shown against Hojlund in the summer, Heaven still needs time to bulk up and prove he can mix it with the biggest and most intimidating strikers in the Prem.But Arteta is happy to remain calm in that department, mainly because of Heaven’s technique and calmness on the ball.Avid watchers of Arsenal’s academy sides know Heaven very rarely loses his cool, appears unflappable in possession and has the ability to ping cross-field balls like a prime Steven Gerrard.Arteta will be hoping Arsenal have another William Saliba-style defender in the making – one who is big, quick and able to start attacks from deep.Most read in FootballTELL US ABOUT THEIR RISE?Heaven is extremely highly thought of at Arsenal, having also made the bench for Arsenal’s last 16 first Champions League clash at Porto back in February.He is now a trusted member of the senior squad, expected to step up when called upon, especially after Arsenal’s injury woes at the start of this campaign.Arsenal teenager Jacker Porter made his Gunners debut against Bolton and became a record breakerAfter featuring against Preston, Heaven said: “I’ve waited a long time. Today the day finally came, I’m just happy. I thank my team-mates, my family and everyone that’s got me here.“I feel like Mikel has trust in me. I feel that’s a big part in it and yeah, I just feel like there’s trust when it comes to making your competitive debut.”Heaven signed for the Gunners in 2019 after being released by West Ham as a 12-year-old, having also had trials at Chelsea and Fulham – turning down the latter because training was too far from his north London home in Edmonton.Before being picked up by Arsenal, he played for Sunday League outfit Levels – a grassroots club who give players opportunities to compete against elite football academies.But Arsenal were always going to be his first pick given he was a boyhood fan – his idols being Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott.Heaven explained: “Arsenal were knocking on the door and that made more sense given that, firstly I’m a fan, but also the location was much more convenient.“Hale End was only a 15-minute drive, so everything fell into place perfectly. Signing for the club I’ve supported and my mum was so happy for me – she even cried!“My family are so important, they’re my motivation, I’ve got two younger siblings and an older sister that mean the world to me.”Heaven flourished under former Arsenal U18s coach Jack Wilshere, helping him get chances in the first team and training under Arteta at London Colney.The teenager added: “The intensity is crazy! You get dizzy sometimes because it’s at such a quick tempo. The difference between under-18s, under-21s and the first team is unbelievable.”I don’t know how many players are able to do that on a stage like this at his ageARTETA AFTER PRE-SEASON GAME AGAINST MAN UTDWHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING?Arteta is not one for over-hyping a young player too quickly, but the Spaniard had some nice words to say about Heaven after the pre-season victory over United.He said post-match: “At 17, I don’t know how many players are able to do that on a stage like this.“He’s lost a duel against one of the strongest and fastest players in the world, it can happen.“But the reaction afterwards, the composure, the quality, the body language that he had were all remarkable. I’m really happy with him.”WHAT DOES THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD?Heaven’s future at Arsenal is not set in stone. After signing scholarship terms with the club last summer, he is yet to begin serious talks over a new deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis contract expires in June 2025. There is confidence an agreement can be made for such a young talent in the coming months. If not, there are big European clubs sniffing around, including Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, who famously developed young English stars like Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham and Jamie Gittens.BOY WONDERSHERE is more from our Boy Wonders series More

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      Ex-Man Utd ace Cleverley reveals which manager was ‘best coach and best tactically’… and it WASN’T Sir Alex Ferguson

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      FORMER Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley revealed the one manager he thinks was better than the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson from a “tactical” and “coaching” perspective.Cleverley, 35, climbed through the ranks at United after an eight-year stint in the academy and received his first senior call-up under Ferguson in 2008.Tom Cleverley claims there is one manager that stood out more than Man Utd legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty Images – GettyCleverley claims Marco Silva was the ‘best tactically and the best coach’Credit: PACleverley played under Silva at Watford for about a yearCleverley is following in Silva’s footsteps as he is currently the Watford managerCredit: GettyThe ex-England international spent just over two years playing for Sir Alex and won the Premier League in 2013, just before the Scottish great rolled credits on his glittering 27-year stint at Old Trafford.After five goals and seven assists in 79 appearances, the midfielder left the Red Devils in 2015 for Everton, who loaned him out to Watford two years later where he swiftly made a permanent move.That was where Cleverley claims he met the “best coach” in his entire 15-year playing career.And that was none other than Marco Silva, even though he was in charge of the Hornets for just a year until his sudden departure in 2018.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-United ace claims Silva was capable of setting up a team so that “every decision made such sense to us as players”.Cleverley told The Telegraph when asked about Silva: “The best tactically and the best coach.“I went out every game knowing exactly what he wanted from me. He was clear and thorough with his message.” Cleverley, who retired in 2023, is now following in Silva’s footsteps as he took over as Watford manager in April after an impressive month serving as interim boss.Most read in FootballAnd the rookie head coach, who has gone 13 home games unbeaten, met the Portuguese tactician, who now manages Fulham, in a pre-season friendly at Motspur Park in July.The Cottagers picked up a comfortable 6-1 victory over the Hornets and Cleverley admits: “We got a good serving.”The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIThe two managers could meet again next season as Watford are currently sixth in the Championship table thanks to their impressive young boss. More