Soccer

STEVE COOPER may be looking over his shoulder at Leicester — as managerial options come on the horizon.Chief Cooper has struggled for results since taking over when Enzo Maresca moved to Chelsea.Steve Cooper has won two of his first 11 Prem games in charge of LeicesterCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy performed admirably as Man Utd’s caretaker bossCredit: AlamyThe ex-Nottingham Forest manager, 44, was picked ahead of Graham Potter and Ruud van Nistelrooy as Foxes gaffer.But Potter is itching for a return now he has missed out on the  Manchester United and England hotseats.Dutch giants Ajax and West Ham are also possibles and he would be open to a Prem job if he had time to influence their season.And Dutchman Van Nistelrooy enhanced his reputation as caretaker-boss at Man Utd.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSFoxes experts claim Cooper has until the end of the year to impress before a call is made.Leicester went into the November international break 15th in the Premier League table.They have won just two of their 11 games thus far, drawing four and losing five.Last time out they were beaten 3-0 by Man Utd, managed by Van Nistelrooy, at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter the game, Cooper told the BBC: “The result will paint the picture but in the end we didn’t show enough desire in either penalty area.”We let two unopposed shots from outside the area for the goals.Man Utd ace Roy Keane declares WAR on noisy neighbours who use their leaf blowers before 8am”Two of the goals have come from our corners as well which is frustrating. It wasn’t a dangerous position but we made it dangerous.”At the other end we got into good areas but didn’t show that same desire.”Our general play was fine but in the end we didn’t have the purpose. We had good spells, we were in the game, it didn’t feel like they were going to score the next goal.”We can’t just say we missed Jamie Vardy, we can’t be reliant on that.”Cooper went up against Van Nistelrooy last SundayCredit: AP More

NEW Red Devils’ boss Ruben Amorim is under a huge spotlight – but left Manchester shoppers in the dark.Incredibly, the Portuguese manager went unnoticed as he strolled in the busy town centre.Ruben Amorim should have been recognisable to football fansCredit: SplashShoppers paid no notice as Amorim walkers among themCredit: SplashAmorim can’t relax for much longer as he’s set to take trainingCredit: SplashNo-one clocked who he was as Amorim passed shoppersCredit: SplashThe former Sporting Lisbon chief, 39, arrived in the city last week to huge attention, even giving his first interview.He’s due to be officially unveiled next week, assuming his work permit goes through smoothly.But despite Amorim’s trademark beard, passers-by seemed oblivious as he walked smiling down a street.His garb was striking enough – a white top with the hoodie up contrasting sharply with a black puffer jacket.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 14-cap ex-midfielder was accompanied by a mini entourage, all dressed just as casually.In fact, from the group’s relaxed look, you’d never know Amorim is taking on one of the world’s most prestigious and high-pressure positions in football.He certainly won’t be a mystery shopper in the transfer market – as United’s global status means he’ll struggle to land any bargains.And he’ll promptly become one of the most recognisable faces in the country.Most read in FootballAmorim perhaps had a quiet smile at going so undisturbedCredit: SplashFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSo perhaps it’s no wonder he appeared to appreciate his temporary anonymity on a crowded Manchester pavement.Amorim is replacing the sacked Erik ten Hag, tasked by the club’s minority owner Jim Ratcliffe with reviving the heady days of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1986-2013 reign.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tour’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.”He’s pencilled in to oversee training for the first time next week – should, as expected, the necessary paperwork get sorted.Based for now at the five-star Lowry Hotel near Old Trafford, Amorim is waiting anxiously to share his ideas with his new squad after the international break.He’s already explained he wants his players to go on a morale-rousing stadium tour –  to “put strength back into the team”.Then come his first two matches – at Ipswich in the Premier League and at home to Bodo-Glimt in the Europa League.By then, Amorim will have gone from “Man who?” to the man who can’t afford to fail – or he’ll inevitably be the 10th permanent or temporary boss exiting Old Trafford since Ferguson retired.Amorim will have a busy first official week at Old TraffordCredit: Splash More