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      Disguised Cole Palmer rocks up at League One clash after pulling out of England duty with knee injury

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      COLE PALMER watched Stockport County vs Wrexham as he enjoyed a Saturday off.The Chelsea star, 22, was originally named in Lee Carsley’s England squad for Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland.Cole Palmer was in the crowd as Stockport took on WrexhamCredit: RexPalmer, 22, grew up in nearby WythenshaweCredit: RexLouie Barry bagged the winner for StockportCredit: AlamyAfter reporting to St George’s Park on Monday, however, Palmer withdrew from the squad.Palmer had been an injury doubt prior to the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Arsenal last weekend.He went on to start the game, but did not have his usual influence.Having withdrawn from England duty, Palmer found himself with a spare Saturday off.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSThe former Manchester City starlet headed north to watch some League One football.Hailing from nearby Wythenshawe, Palmer rocked up at Edgeley Park as Stockport hosted fellow third-tier new-boys Wrexham.With winter fast approaching, and feeling the cold even more than usual, Palmer wrapped up warm in a big coat and hat.Wrexham stars won’t have been worried about playing in front of a famous spectator, with their Hollywood A-List co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney having attended plenty of their games.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPalmer did report for England duty before withdrawingCredit: GettyThe attacker had been an injury doubt for the matchCredit: GettyBut it was Stockport who rose to the occasion, winning 1-0 under the watchful eyes of Palmer.Louie Barry bagged what turned out to be the winner on 24 minutes, his 11th goal of the season.Lee Carsley proud of England’s control in crucial Nations League win over Greece Earlier this week, England captain Harry Kane hit out at Three Lions stars skipping international duty, amid nine withdrawals from the original squad.The 102-cap striker, 31, told ITV Sport: “I think England comes before anything. It comes before club and it is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer.“Gareth (Southgate) was hot on that and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players. “It’s a shame this week obviously. I think it’s a tough period of the season and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit.“I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. I think England comes before anything, any club situation.“The joy to play for England. I think Gareth brought that back. Every camp, people were excited to come, every camp people wanted to play for England.”Harry Kane hit out at England stars withdrawing from international dutyCredit: Getty More

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      Ruben Amorim reveals he wants to make Man Utd flops take stadium tour to ‘put strength back into the team’

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      RUBEN AMORIM believes that Manchester United players should take the club’s Old Trafford stadium tour.The Portuguese, 39, officially began in his new role as Red Devils boss on Monday.Ruben Amorim has been getting to know his new homeCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, was shown around Old TraffordCredit: GettySince then, Amorim has been shown around his new Theatre of Dreams home.While doing so, he even checked in with a public stadium tour and interacted fans.Speaking since then, Amorim claimed that it’s important for players to truly understand the institution that they’re representing.He said: “When you come [to Old Trafford], it’s so different.READ MORE IN SPORT”You see the trophies, you see the tragedy that we have as a club. The history.”Having referred to tragedy, Amorim then mentioned the way that United rebuilt following the devastating Munich Air Disaster in 1958.”This kind of strength,” he added. “I think it’s important to put in our team.”When the players come here, they should take the stadium tour all the time. I think this is very important to do.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It’s normal if you go a lot of years without winning, you start losing that feeling.”So I think we need to put all the players doing the same thing, to regain that feeling.”Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourAmorim then pointed towards the task ahead.He continued: “We haven’t won the Premier League for a long time. But if you ask, United is the biggest club in England.”So this is part of history, it is not now. So we have to address that, to show that and to try to win again.”Following the international break, Amorim will take United to Ipswich for his first match in charge.He will then get his first taste of Old Trafford on a matchday when his side host Bodo-Glimt in the Europa League.Amorim’s Premier League home debut will come against Everton on December 1. More

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      Inside futuristic Minecraft stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup games

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      THE 2034 World Cup might be a decade away but work has already begun on a stunning futuristic Minecraft arena in Saudi Arabia.The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium is perched on a cliff no less than 650ft high in Riyadh and decked out in LED panels.Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will be built into a cliff edge near RiyadhThe 45,000-seater stadium will cost more than £1billionThe futuristic panelled cubes will act as an extension of the Tuwaiq cliffsThe 45,000-seater is expected to cost more than £1BILLION, with construction set to get underway in 2026.The logo-like arena will become the world’s first fully integrated venue with a combined retractable pitch and man-made LAKE fuelled air-con.The LED wall will be a portal to live event broadcasts, high-definition films and will open to reveal breathtaking views of the city when not activated.There will be three stands, with one side open, offering a dramatic vista of the Qiddiya city itself.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe exterior will be formed by a collection of modular cubes that will act as the extension of the Tuwaiq cliffs in a huge digital canvas.Its aim, other than to host football matches at the 2034 World Cup, is to “connect the upper plateau and Gaming and Esports District to the theme parks below”, according to The Mail. One Saudi-based industry insider told The Mail: “This will be the first time we have seen that brought to life.”SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles has a massive screen. This stadium is a massive screen.”Most read in FootballAn inside look at The Prince Mohammed bin Salman StadiumAl-Nassr’s new stadium will have a 45,000 capacityFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe climate will be controlled via a lake underneath which collects rain water to pre-cool the air conditioning system.There will be a retractable roof and a digital wall which will drop down in front of the spectator’s view, with work set to finish up in 2029.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex And at the touch of a button the surface will flip from grass to artificial turf.The Minecraft-esque stadium is set to play host to Cristiano Ronaldo’s current side Al-Nassr once it’s complete.Beneath the glitzy facades of the Saudis developments, lies the stories of threats, forced evictions and bloodshed.Many projects have faced fierce criticism over human rights abuses – including the £400billion Neom Stadium project where tribes were reportedly shoved out of their homeland, imprisoned or executed.Only last month, in an ITV documentary, workers complained of 16-hour days, their passports being confiscated and of not being paid in some cases.The documentary also featured claims that 21,000 Indian, Bangladeshi and Nepalese workers had died in the country since 2017, each working on Saudi’s Vision 2030.Those allegations have been strongly refuted by country’s National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.The pioneering Sci-Fi stadium is one of 15 to be built as Saudi Arabia close in on the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup.The futuristic arena is set to feature a giant LED screen wall inside the arenaIt is to be situated on top of a 200-metre cliffThe official announcement will come from Fifa on December 11, but there is no opposing bid following Australia’s withdrawal.As such Saudi Arabia will become the second Middle Eastern nation (behind Qatar) to host the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet in 10 years time.The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, named after the country’s prime minister, crown prince and de facto ruler, will be one of 11 new venues to go alongside four current grounds. Another futuristic arena is being built in Neom.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe amazing structure will not be reachable by car as it will sit 350m above ground in the as-yet unbuilt city of Neom, known as “The Line.”It is a vertical garden city without cars, streets or carbon emissions for its residents all in a single, long building.The Neom Stadium will not be reachable by carThe new arena will sit atop the city of NeomFull list of the stadiums with their capacitiesRiyadhKing Salman International Stadium – 92,760King Fahad Sports City Stadium – 70,200Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium – 46,979New Murabba Stadium – 46,010Roshn Stadium – 46,000Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium – 46,865South Riyadh Stadium – 47,060King Saud University Stadium – 46,319JeddahKing Abdullah Sports City Stadium – 58,432Qiddiya Coast Stadium – 46,096Jeddah Central Development Stadium – 45,794King Abdullah Economic City Stadium – 45,700Al KhobarAramco Stadium – 46,096AbhaKing Khalid University Stadium – 45,428NeomNeom Stadium – 46,010 More

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      Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic slams club’s recruitment and questions the ‘character and resilience’ of players

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nemanja Vidic criticised the club’s players and recruitment with a brutal assessment.Vidic, 43, won five Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League and three League Cups during his eight-year stint at Old Trafford where he amassed a staggering 300 appearances.Nemanja Vidic slammed Manchester United’s players and recruitmentVidic experienced tremendous success under Man Utd legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Action ImagesThe centre-back continues to watch his beloved club and didn’t hold back on United’s worst ever start to a Premier League season.The ex-Serbia international questioned the players’ “character and resilience” and even dismissed claims that they are under too much pressure.In fact, the former defender insists the Red Devils’ flops could do with some real pressure so that they can finally understand the true demands of the club they are playing for.Vidic told Sky Sports: “Honestly, I don’t think it’s [the] pressure [of] playing for Man Utd. The way Man Utd fans support the club and the players… Read More on Man Utd”They don’t have pressure at all. Because they’re still behind the players and the coaches. I think they need pressure. I think those players, they definitely need pressure. We are all expecting more from them. “Even now we have some fantastic players. I think my question is more about the characters, resilience, [being] ready to compete, to give extra and compete week in week out.”I remember when I was playing for Man Utd: Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans – [I was thinking] they were coming to take my place. “I was scared I was going to lose my place. And that’s normal. If I’m not performing well, they will bring in a new guy. No one had to tell me that.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd have splashed well over £1billion since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and bought hefty flops, such as Angel Di Maria, Alexis Sanchez and Antony.Vidic insists the team’s recruitment needs to change and focus on the right characters rather than the biggest names.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsThe Serbian added: “So a job needs to be done in the next few transfer windows. Not just players they are going to bring in, I think some players definitely have to try and find new teams.”Sometimes you don’t need the best player in the world to play for your club, but you need the right character.”If you want to play for the big clubs, competing for the trophies, you have to be consistent. “And that’s not just down to quality, it’s down to mentality. That’s the key for me.” More

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      Curtis Jones joins Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford in exclusive club after goal on England debut – can you name them all?

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      CURTIS JONES joined an exclusive club of England stars to score on their Three Lions debut on Thursday night.Jones, 23, became the 14th England star to score a debut goal for England since the year 2000.Curtis Jones scored on his England debut, becoming the 14th player to do so this centuryCredit: GettyJones pulled off a delicious flick to score his goalCredit: GettyThe Liverpool midfielder scored a delightful flick to add the cherry on top of England’s 3-0 victory over Greece in Athens.Jones made a run from the edge of his own area all the way to the Greece six-yard box where he inventively tucked home a drilled pass from Morgan Gibbs-White.That goal will be one for him to remember, with the star now joining the likes of Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford on the list of England debut goal-scorers this century.But not every goalscoring debutant has gone on to do big things. Can you name them all? READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCurtis Jones (vs Greece, 2024)The latest name on the list, Jones netted his first goal on the 83rd minute mark.The midfielder has been in great form for Arne Slot’s Liverpool side and will be hoping his impressive performance against the Greeks will earn him even more caps for the Three Lions under incoming boss Thomas Tuchel.Ollie Watkins (vs San Marino, 2021)Ollie Watkins took just 20 minutes to find the back of the net on his England debut, albeit against San Marino.Watkins scored in the 83rd minute of a 5-0 win over San Marino, just 20 minutes after being introduced off the bench.Most read in FootballOllie Watkins scored on his England debut in 2021Credit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Aston Villa striker will likely remember his dramatic late winner against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final more than his debut goal.Dominic Calvert-Lewin (vs Wales, 2020)Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored his debut goal in a 3-0 win over home nation rivals Wales during an friendly clash in 2020.Lee Carsley proud of England’s control in crucial Nations League win over Greece Sadly for Calvert-Lewin his headed finish was scored in front of an empty Wembley stadium thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.Since netting that day, the Toffees talisman has made 11 caps for England but hasn’t been called up to the squad since 2021.Callum Wilson (vs USA, 2018)Newcastle striker Callum Wilson was playing for Bournemouth when he made his England debut in 2018.A lovely near-post finish sealed the deal as England beat the USA 3-0 in a friendly at Wembley.Wilson has made just eight more appearances for the Three Lions since that day, scoring once more.Marcus Rashford (vs Australia, 2016)Playing as a striker, an 18-year-old Marcus Rashford burst onto the scene with a volleyed finish against Australia in 2016.The Man Utd star had been a mainstay in the Three Lions set up since that day making 60 appearances, scoring 17 goals and playing in four major tournaments.But struggles at club level saw Rashford lose his place in the squad this year.Marcus Rashford was just 18 when he scored on his debutCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunHarry Kane (vs Lithuania, 2015)Of course Harry Kane scored on his England debut.The nation’s captain was a fresh-faced 21-year-old when he came off the bench for Wayne Rooney and netted after just TWO MINUTES in a 4-0 win over Lithuania.A fitting substitution too as Kane would ultimately replace Rooney as England’s all-time top scorer in 2023.Harry Kane started his England career as he meant to go on with a goal after just two minutesCredit: The FA – Getty ImagesRickie Lambert (vs Scotland, 2013)Rickie Lambert scored the winner as England beat Scotland 3-2 in a Wembley friendly, some way to make your debut.Unfortunately the retired Saints and Liverpool ace only made 11 appearances for the Three Lions in total.Andros Townsend (vs Montenegro, 2013)Andros Townsend managed a debut goal in a World Cup qualifier against Montenegro.The winger scored in a 4-1 victory and went on to make 13 appearances for his nation.Steven Caulker (vs Sweden, 2012)The first defender on the list, Steven Caulker only made ONE appearance for England. It was a memorable one however, as the former Spurs centre-back arrived at the back post to score against Sweden.Unfortunately for Caulker, his goal isn’t the one that everyone remembers from England’s 4-2 defeat that day with Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring THAT overhead kick.Unbelievably, Caulker went on to make 13 appearances for Sierra Leone and no more for England.Steven Caulker scored in his only ever England appearanceCredit: Getty Images – GettyDavid Nugent (vs Andorra, 2007)Playing for Preston at the time, David Nugent is the list’s second one-hit-wonder.Nugent bagged a debut goal against Andorra and never played for England again.Kieran Richardson (vs USA, 2005)Kieran Richardson’s debut goal came against the USA when he was just 20 years old.Richardson made only seven more caps after that day, scoring once more too.Shaun Wright-Phillips (vs Ukraine, 2004)It took Shaun Wright-Phillips just 20 minutes to score on his debut after coming on as a substitute during a 3-0 win over Ukraine.He went on to have a strong international career, earning 36 caps and playing in the 2010 World Cup.Francis Jeffers (vs Australia, 2003)One-hit-wonders are a bit of a thing for the England national team.Francis Jeffers set the tone for David Nugent and Steven Caulker when he netted on his debut, and only England appearance, against Australia.England lost 3-1 and Jeffers never played for the Three Lions again, but at least he will always have the memory of scoring for his nation.Francis Jeffers scored on his one and only England appearance tooCredit: Times Newspapers LtdDarius Vassell (vs Netherlands, 2002)Former Aston Villa and Man City star Darius Vassell started his England career with a bang.The centre-forward scored in a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands under the management of the late Sven-Goran Eriksson.READ MORE SUN STORIESVasell represented England at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004, and earned 22 caps as a player.The 44-year-old is now an assistant manager for the England U18s. More

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      Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ‘huge fan’ of £50m Premier League defender with 43 senior caps already aged 22

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      ENZO MARESCA is reportedly a “huge fan” of Bournemouth defender Ilya Zabarnyi.The Cherries star has impressed since he arrived in the Premier League in 2023.Enzo Maresca is keen on signing Ilya ZabaryniCredit: AlamyThe defender is valued at £50millionCredit: GettyZabarnyi, 22, joined Bournemouth from Dynamo Kiev on an initial five-year contract.Due to his good form at the Vitality Stadium, he has already been rewarded with a new deal.He is now tied down on the South Coast until 2029, but Chelsea remain keen.CaughtOffside have claimed that the Blues could make an offer to sign the Ukranian.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report suggests that Bournemouth could be open to a sale if his £50million price-tag is met.It is further added that Maresca is “a huge fan of the defender’s playing capabilities”.It is also claimed that the manager is ready to “make room for him in an ever-expanding Chelsea squad”.This season Zabarnyi has played in every Premier League fixture for the Cherries.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has helped the side to 12th in the league with only 15 goals conceded.This defensive record is better than the likes of Aston Villa, West Ham and Brentford.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup gamesIt is only slightly worse than the 13 goals conceded by Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.He has also gained plenty of international experience having earned 43 caps for the Ukraine.However, Chelsea will have to compete with Spurs in the race for his signature.It is claimed that the North London side have been”tracking” the defender for some “a while”.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Alisha Lehmann poses with an ALIEN in bizarre Nasa-themed adidas shoot alongside Juventus star boyfriend Douglas Luiz

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      ALISHA LEHMANN has posed with an ALIEN in a bizarre Nasa-themed Adidas photoshoot.The Juventus star featured in the promotion alongside boyfriend Douglas Luiz.Alisha Lehmann was involved in a bizarre shoot for AdidasCredit: InstagramShe starred alongside extraterrestrial Lil MayoCredit: InstagramJuventus star Douglas Luiz was also involved in the promoCredit: InstagramHe was more suspicious of the alien than his partnerCredit: InstagramLehmann, 25, swapped the Women’s Super League for the Serie A Women in the summer.She moved to Juventus at the same time Luiz made his transfer from Aston Villa.The couple were both involved in the shoot, which included alien Lil Mayo.The character has a massive following on Instagram of 1.5million followers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe account of the extraterrestrial has the bio “I am alien”.The shoot was done to promote Juventus’ new Nasa-inspired clothing collection.The full video included Lehmann and Luiz among other Juventus stars from the men’s and women’s teams.It showed an astronaut walking around the Allianz Stadium in Turin during which they spot Lil Mayo.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe alien has multiple viral posts on its Instagram account as it travels around planet Earth.This includes a visit to the Church of Scientology in Los Angeles and the Oktoberfest in Germany.Alisha Lehmann poses with an ALIEN in bizarre NASA-themed adidas shoot alongside Juventus star boyfriend Douglas LuizLil Mayo can drive a boatCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has visited the Church of ScientologyCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has visited a 7-ElevenCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has tried human foods such as pizzaCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has also been pictured cruising in a boat in Miami Bay and visiting a 7-Eleven.He posed for pictures with Lehmann in which she kissed it on the cheek.Luiz also had a couple of snaps with the alien but the Brazilian seemed more suspicious of the extraterrestrial.But of course Lil Mayo is not a real alien and is actually an old movie prop created by Alex Martyn.He started the account in order to be able to create his own “spicy memes”.Meanwhile, since Lehman joined Juventus, she has only scored once in nine league outings.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe stunned fans on Halloween as she wore a skin-tight black outfit.Back in July, she suffered a wardrobe malfunction while wearing a see-through white top.Lehmann joined Juventus in the summer from Aston VillaCredit: GettyShe has a huge online followingCredit: instagramShe has over 16m followers on InstagramCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7 More

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      Ruben Amorim reveals reason why Cristiano Ronaldo gave him the nickname ‘the poet’ in revealing first Man Utd interview

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      RUBEN AMORIM has lifted the lid on why Cristiano Ronaldo referred to the new Manchester United boss as a “poet”.Amorim arrived at Old Trafford on Monday and met with members of the club’s hierarchy having been named Erik ten Hag’s successor.Ruben Amorim was asked for the backstory behind Ronaldo’s nickname for himCredit: GettyUnited legend Cristiano Ronaldo nicknamed Amorim ‘the poet’Credit: GettyThe 39-year-old gave his first interview as Man Utd manager on Friday.And he’s already been encompassed the club’s folklore, walked the iconic grounds, and even gatecrashed a fan tour of Old Trafford.While Amorim is known for his work ethic, his effective and no-holds-barred communication skills earned him the nickname “poet” from Ronaldo.When asked about it, Amorim told MUTV: “Yeah. But it’s like a funny thing because I like to speak.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Not too much but when I speak, I speak, I think I speak from the heart.”‘I think the people feel that it was something just to have fun.”Amorim is just nine days older than Ronaldo and his playing debut came just months after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined United in 2003.The pair appeared together on multiple occasions for Portugal between 2010 and 2014 before Amorim hung up his boots to embark on a career in the dugout.Most read in FootballAmorim and Ronaldo played for Portugal togetherCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter spells at Casa Pia and Braga, Amorim would join Ronaldo’s boyhood club Sporting Lisbon.In his first full season at the club he led Sporting to their first league title in almost two decades, before adding a second last season as interest from Premier League clubs grew. He leaves the Portuguese giants with a perfect record of 11 wins from 11 league games this season — yet the lure of Old Trafford was too good to turn down.Amorim has vowed to lead United into a new era of no-fear football.He added: “United are the engine of the Premier League. We know that we are the engine of the football.“I’m really honoured to be here. It was my only choice because I feel how big this club is. I will do everything for the team.“I will defend my players if I have to and I will do everything to put this club in the place it belongs. And I believe we are going to succeed.”Amorim is the sixth manager to try and haul United to their feet after the dismal decade since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.He was also nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’ after the young coach spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018. Amorim met Mourinho threw his brother-in-law Antero Henrique – a former Porto communications director who worked with Jose during his ‘Special One’ years at the Estadio do Dragao where he lifted the Champions League in 2004.READ MORE SUN STORIESIronically, Henrique was also targeted by United as a sporting director before switching their attention to Dan Ashworth.But Ashworth should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.” More