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      Ruud van Nistelrooy sends emotional message to Man Utd fans after being brutally axed by Ruben Amorim

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has penned an emotional farewell message to his beloved Manchester United fans.The interim boss, 48, was let go following the arrival of Ruben Amorim, after failing to make the cut on the new manager’s coaching staff.Ruud van Nistelrooy has sent a touching message to Man Utd fans after he was released by new manager Ruben AmorimAmorim decided to let Van Nistelrooy go in his first decision as bossVan Nistelrooy had been holding out hope to go sink back into his assistant role at Carrington following Amorim’s arrival on Monday.But the incoming Portuguese manager decided to axe him in a bid to start afresh.Van Nistelrooy’s touching statement read: “To everyone at Manchester United Football Club.”In particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”It has been a privilege and honour to represent the club as a player, coach and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we have shared together. “Man United will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope there are many more glory days at Old Trafford very soon – not only because I want the club to do well, but because you all deserve it! “All the best and take care, Ruud.”The legendary striker returned to Old Trafford in the summer to work under Erik ten Hag and was installed as interim gaffer following his compatriot’s sacking on October 28.Most read in FootballVan Nistelrooy posted his tribute on social mediaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVan Nistelrooy was keen to stay on in a role following Sunday’s 3-0 Premier League win against Leicester, which capped an unbeaten four-match stint in charge.But that proved to be his final game with United with Amorim deciding to let him go in his first decision as boss.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourVan Nistelrooy reportedly took the news well and urged players to get behind their new gaffer in his final chat with them.A source said: “Ruud made clear to the bosses he wanted to stay at United because he loves the club.”But he was also pragmatic and expected that Amorim would want total control of things, including his backroom staff.“He made all that clear to the players and demanded that they give their all to the new manager.”Van Nistelrooy said goodbye to the Stretford End for the final time on SundayThe club legend was given a standing ovation from fans inside Old Trafford after Sunday’s trouncing of Leicester.The makeup of Amorim’s coaching staff is yet to be confirmed but the Dutchman will not be part of it.Meanwhile, Amorim gave his new United players some much needed TLC this week.The Red Devils chief was snapped greeting Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Toby Collyer at Carrington.Meanwhile, Darren Fletcher and Stalwart Fletcher survived Amorim’s cull and will remain on in a coaching capacity.Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido, Paulo Barreira, Emanuel Ferro and Jorge Vital all travelled with Amorim to Manchester — but have not been confirmed yet.The third youngest current Prem manager has stepped up to take on the league’s biggest job.He shocked fans by gatecrashing a stadium tour of Old Trafford this week.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club shared a video in which Amorim joined the crowd in the dressing room and made sure to give each fan a handshake.The 39-year-old will take charge of his first United game away at Ipswich Town on November 24.He shook the hands of each fan as he introduced himself during a stadium tourAmorim was all smiles at Carrington while meeting his new squad More

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      Concerned Man Utd fans jump to support Garnacho as he’s abused over Argentina cameo days after refusing to celebrate

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      TROUBLED Man Utd fans have jumped to Alejandro Garnacho’s defence after he was subjected to online abuse from Argentina fans while playing on international duty.It comes days after the 20-year-old refused to celebrate his banger from the bench which capped off United’s 3-0 win over Leicester in the Prem.Man Utd fans have backed Alejandro Garnacho after he was targeted by Argentina fans on social mediaIt comes days after Garnacho refused to celebrate his stunning goal against LeicesterGarnacho would have wanted to kick on from Sunday’s stunner, but things couldn’t have gone more wrong for him.The young winger was scolded by fans on social media after his 26 minute cameo in Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Paraguay last night.Garnacho was berated for failing to make an impact after entering the fray in the 64th minute with Argentina already 2-1 down.The United star was mocked with memes and edited pictures online, as fans wrote: “Garnacho should never be called up, he’s not good enough.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile another brutal Argentina fan wrote: “Garnacho will never prove himself, terrible player.”But United fans have jumped to their star-boy’s defence, with one writing: “Garnacho didn’t even play 30 minutes and was hardly helped.”While another wrote: “Please tell me what Lionel Messi did in that game?”A third said: “Garnacho needs a lot of support from us when he comes back to Manchester, probably feeling very low. Things could really kick on under Ruben Amorim.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt was reigning champs Argentina’s third World Cup qualifying defeat and Garnacho didn’t even play in the losses to Uruguay and Colombia.But the bombarding couldn’t have come at a worse time for the young winger.’He should get a job somewhere else,’ fumes Roy Keane as he blasts Man Utd star for gesture after goal Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes hinted on Garnacho’s mental struggles after Sunday’s goal at Old Trafford.Fernandes said: “He celebrate like he should because he thinks he has lost faith from some fans. I told him people will always moan but lots of people like you and enjoy what you do.”I told him to celebrate, it was something special. He is a special player, we have difference makers. They are the ones who win us games. We want them to score every game but that isn’t going to happen.”But former United captain Roy Keane blasted Garnacho for his refusal to celebrate on the Stick to Football podcast this week.The 53-year-old fumed: “If a younger player can’t enjoy scoring a goal for Man Utd, then get a job somewhere else.”When you score a goal, there should be nothing else on your mind. You’ve got fans who have travelled, paid fortunes to get there, and he’s on about people having a go at him.”Amad Diallo and Joshua Zirkzee urged Garnacho to celebrate his goal against LeicesterGarnacho was involved in an altercation with a fan before United’s 2-0 win over PAOK in the Europa League last week.The fan could be heard saying: “Garnacho, you’ve got to pass better today, yeah please?”Pass better today, score a goal, and work on your first touch as well.”Garnacho responded by saying: “Why are you not playing?”But it wasn’t all doom and gloom a few days later against Leicester.In a heartwarming moment caught on camera, a young fan chanted Garnacho’s name as he was about to be subbed on and the star took notice by blowing a kiss. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Argentine didn’t forget the gesture after the match as he gave the boy his match worn shirt and a long hug. The adoring fan was overcome with emotion as he cried and held Garnacho’s shirt tight to his chest, with his mum later posting him wearing it in their living room.Garnacho had a heartwarming interaction with a young fan after scoring against Leicester on Sunday More

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      Italy vs France: Get £60 in football free bets and bonuses with William Hill

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      THE Nations League has thrown up a beauty of a fixture on Monday night when Italy host France.And brand new William Hill customers who register an account and stake a tenner will be rewarded with a colossal £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..William Hill £60 bonusVisit the William Hill website on your mobile device HERE*Register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60Place a bet of at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greaterAfter settlement – win or lose – William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonusesWilliam Hill: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Not got a William Hill account? No problem!It’s really easy to register an account and you can get your hands on that generous £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the footy!Simply register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60After that, stake at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greater.After settlement — win or lose — William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football and in the casino!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*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

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      Rugby ace Joe Marler left stunned as ex-footballer and Soccer AM star Jimmy Bullard reveals his biggest wage of career

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      RUGBY star Joe Marler was left gobsmacked when he found out how much Jimmy Bullard was earning in his heyday as a Premier League footballer.Two of the UK’s most popular sports, rugby and football, have got drastically differing wages.Jimmy Bullard has revealed the biggest contract of his football careerCredit: TIKTOK/ thingspeoplepodRugby star Joe Marler was left shocked by the huge numberCredit: TIKTOK/ thingspeoplepodMarler, who retired from international rugby this month, has played for one of rugby union’s top teams, Harlequins, for his entire career.But despite always being at the top of his sport, he was shocked to learn how much mid-table journeyman Jimmy Bullard was pocketing as a Premier League footballer.Bullard, 46, spent his career playing for the likes of Hull City, Fulham and Wigan Athletic.But when asked by Marler how much he was earning in his heyday, Bullard revealed a stunning number.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on Marler’s Things People Do podcast, he said: “My biggest contract was £50k-a-week”.Marler was in disbelief at the hefty salary, that would have meant Bullard was earning £2.6MILLION per year.Bullard was asked to give an estimate on what kind of money a “top Premier League footballer” would be earning these days, with the former midfielder retiring in 2012.He said: “I’d have to say a few of the Man City boys must be on £350k a week”. Most read in FootballJimmy Bullard’s careerA brief look at Jimmy Bullard’s playing career…1998 – 1999: Ebbsfleet1999 – 2001: West Ham2001 – 2003: Peterborough2003 – 2006: Wigan Athletic2006 – 2009: Fulham2009 – 2011: Hull City2011 – 2012: Ipswich Town2012: MK DonsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFootball salary site Capology claims that Man City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland are the Prem’s two top earners.It’s said that De Bruyne is pocketing a whopping £400,000-per-week, while Haaland makes £375,000 every week himself.Top 10 highest paid footballersBy comparison, previous England captain Owen Farrell is the current highest-paid rugby union player in the world.Farrell is understood to be earning £1.2MILLION-per-year at Racing 92, the equivalent of £23,077-a-week.That means Kevin De Bruyne earns Farrell’s annual salary every 21 DAYS.Owen Farrell is rugby union’s top earnerCredit: GettyKevin De Bruyne is the Premier League’s top earner, and makes over 17 times more than FarrellCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd star Tyrell Malacia opens up on injury hell that sparked wild conspiracy theories

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      TYRELL MALACIA has responded to wild conspiracy theories that emerged online during his lengthy injury lay-off.The Manchester United left-back, 25, has not featured for the Red Devils since the final Premier League game of the 2022/23 season in May last year.Tyrell Malacia’s last Manchester United game came in May 2023Credit: RexHe has been plagued by a recurring knee problem, but returned to the pitch earlier this week in an U21s game against Huddersfield in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.Dutchman Malacia posted very little on social media during his 17-month absence, leading fans to speculate about his whereabouts.Outlandish theories were dreamt up by conspiracy theorists on social media, including that he’d entered witness protection.But Malacia has now quashed any of those suggestions.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking to The Athletic, he said: “No, nothing was true. No, no. I’ve just been doing my rehab.”Especially when I was in Holland, I was close to my family — so just training, family, sleeping; training, family, sleeping. The only thing I’ve done.”He continued: “First of all, I’m not really a guy who’s on social media a lot.”If it wasn’t my cousin or my mum sending me this, I wouldn’t even know. Most of the time, a week after I’d find out they were saying this or that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”As long as my family and I know I’m good, it’s enough. The most important thing is that I know I’m good.”During his time on the sideline, Malacia’s dad fell ill and his grandmother – who he describes as “my second mum” – passed away.Forgotten Man Utd star slapped on the head by team-mates as he returns ‘like a new signing’ after 15 MONTHS outAmid this difficult time, he kept a low profile and remained very private.On his dad, he said: “It’s a bit difficult, because I’m not like a guy who talks about these types of things, but my dad got sick.”He wasn’t able to walk anymore. For my family, it was a big, big impact. It’s still difficult sometimes.”But social media discussions about where he was still got back to him through friends when he was in Holland.He said: “People were saying ‘are you not worried or don’t want to say anything’, especially friends around me, because other people were asking them because they couldn’t get through to me.”They were asking me, ‘Don’t you want to say something publicly about it?'”I was like, ‘No, because I’m not on the internet a lot, I don’t get all this information. If you guys didn’t tell me, I wouldn’t even know. I’m fine’.”Malacia’s imminent return is an early boost to new manager Ruben Amorim as he looks towards his first game in charge away at Ipswich on November 24.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe played 39 games during his first season but did not feature at all in the 2023/24 campaign.He has revealed Casemiro gave him his FA Cup winner’s medal after they triumphed at Wembley last season. More

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      Ruben Amorim’s replacement ‘not recognised as Sporting manager’ and must ‘pretend not to be the boss’

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      RUBEN AMORIM’S replacement Joao Pereira has been caught up in red tape after NOT being “recognised” as the new Sporting manager.Pereira must reportedly therefore PRETEND not to be boss for now and cannot give instructions during matches.The ANTF have declined to recognise Joao Pereira as a Liga Portugal head coachIt comes after Sporting announced Pereria as Ruben Amorim’s permanent successorThe 40-year-old signed a three year deal on MondayPereira doesn’t hold the necessary Uefa Pro licence to manager in the top-flight, according to the Portuguese Football Coaches Association (ANTF).ANTF president pointed to a complaint made about his lack of “necessary qualifications” for the mandated role.The 40-year-old has completed his Level III coaching course and is awaiting certification.However, he still lacks the Uefa Pro licence, which would enable him to manage top-flight teams.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile Pereira cannot be sacked from his new role, he will be listed as an assistant coach, as he was with Sporting’s B team competing in Liga 3.His staff member Tiago Teixeira, who has a Pro licence, will be formally recognised as the first team head coach for now, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola.Pereira was recently denied official recognition as a coach by the ANTF and must “pretend” not to be manager in front of TV cameras.According to the Association’s statement: “The formal certification process for Liga Portugal coaches has specific requirements which, in this instance, were not fully met by Mr Pereira.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”There is a legal discrepancy; he is not qualified as he lacks the required certification for the role. As has been customary in such cases, we will report this situation to the relevant authorities.”New Manchester United boss Amorim, 39, was caught up in the same predicament several years ago.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourHe was given a suspended one-year ban from management in the early days of his coaching career at Portuguese third-tier side Casa Pia in 2018.Amorim was punished for giving instructions during a match without the required coaching qualifications and the club were threatened with a points’ deduction.The now-Red Devils man was forced to hand in his notice before the end of the campaign as they faced further punishment for his mishap.The strict coaching criteria and prolonged process has been criticised by many in Portuguese football. The ANTF even blocked Amorim from joining Sporting in 2020.Portuguese journalist Vitor Pinto told Record: “If club chief Antonio Salvador had let himself be intimidated by the ANTF, Amorim wouldn’t have be able to bring success back to Sporting.”Amorim would not have had that path and wouldn’t be at Manchester United now.”This is one of the most serious situations, most incomprehensible and most stupid in Portuguese football. “The ANTF originally tried to block Amorim from becoming Sporting coachPereira could only step into coaching once he retired from playing in 2021 while Amorim was his manager.Players are not permitted to enter coaching courses while still playing professional football in Portugal.Rival club Arouca’s captain David Simao considered the complaint a “sad” moment as he stepped in to defend Pereira.The Liga Portugal midfielder wrote on Instagram: “How long will they say that players should prepare for their post-career careers and then not give them access to that same preparation?”It is impossible these days for a player in Portugal to be ready to be a coach straight after finishing his career. “It is time to stop with the nice words and move on to good deeds, let the players take the courses, don’t make it difficult and HELP THEM.”Pereira was announced as Amorim’s permanent successor on Monday, after maintaining a 100 per cent record with Sporting’s B team this term.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite no formal recognition as boss, Pereria has been spotting working with players at the club’s Academia Cristiano Ronaldo training base. The move has ignited debate within Portuguese football circles, with many arguing for clearer, more accessible certification processes.Former Sporting star Pereira only retired from playing in 2021Ruben Amorim leaves Sporting on a highBy Charlie WyettRUBEN AMORIM would have preferred to leave Lisbon in a blaze of glory after winning a third Primeira Liga title.Yet football does not work like that. And in what was surely his final game before taking charge of Manchester United, Amorim prepared to say his goodbyes at a half-empty Estadio Jose Alvalade in a League Cup quarter-final against Nacional.Sporting won 3-1 thanks to  second-half goals by captain  Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled back for Madeira-based Nacional.The stadium  will be a good deal more lively on Tuesday when Manchester City are here for  a Champions League match — although Amorim should by then have his feet firmly under his desk at Old Trafford.Liverpool and Aston Villa were both interested in Europe’s most sought-after coach. Even City could have been a possible destination post-Pep Guardiola.Yet the United job is one Amorim, 39,  could not turn  down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting last night.There is clearly a huge split in the Portuguese club’s fan base over their coach leaving at this stage of the season with many believing he should have seen the job through.Yet Amorim, along with the three-man coaching team who are expected to follow him, leaves a club in a much better state than when he arrived here in 2020.Inside the stadium, there was applause — albeit muted — when his name was read out before the game along with the line-ups.And there did not appear to be any jeers when Amorim shuffled out from the tunnel awkwardly towards the dugout.So, while his departure is hard to take for some, none of the fans will forget his legacy.This is a club which is back as the dominant force in Portugal. Even this term, Sporting have won their first nine league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two.They are also eighth in the Champions League table, which is one hell of an effort.In contrast, Lisbon was not exactly hit by League Cup fever last night.Amorim made lots of changes, which saw Sporting’s star man Gyokeres, the former Coventry striker, start on the bench.There was, however, a first appearance in six weeks for former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards. He is certainly one player who has been transformed by Amorim since arriving at the club from Vitoria in 2022 and will be sorry to see the coach leave.While he changed his team, Amorim stuck with his tried and trusted formation of a back three.It will certainly be something Manchester United’s fans will have to get used to over the  coming months.But looking at the Premier League table, none of them will be complaining about the change. More

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      Newcastle star Joelinton’s home broken into AGAIN as midfielder begs for ‘safe space for his family’

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      NEWCASTLE star Joelinton’s home has been broken into again – with the midfielder begging for a ‘safe space for my family’.The Brazilian footballer said thieves have targeted his home for a second time after an earlier raid in January.Joelinton has asked burglars to leave his family in peaceCredit: InstagramJoelinton with his partner Thays Gondim and their daughterThe star in action for NewcastleCredit: GettyJoelinton revealed the latest burglary in a Twitter postHis post came just a day after he shared several snaps of his family on holiday in Dubai.Posting on Twitter, Joelinton asked the burglars to leave his family in peace.He said: “Our home was broken into again. To anyone considering doing this – please know that there is nothing valuable left here!”What we care about most is our family’s safety and our kids growing up without fear. Read More Sport”We hope for a community where our children, and everyone’s children, feel safe. “We ask that our home be respected as a safe space for our family. We simply want to live in peace.”Joelinton’s home was first targeted by thieves in January – while he was watching Newcastle take on Manchester City.The star called cops from St James’s Park after getting a security alert about the thieves mid-game.Most read in FootballBy the time officers arrived at the multi-million pound home the attackers had fled.No one is understood to have been inside the property when the home invaders struck.Footie ace theftsJoelinton’s home was first targeted by thieves in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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      Alan Shearer ‘signs new BBC deal’ days after Gary Lineker’s MOTD exit and it may rule out potential replacement

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      ALAN SHEARER has reportedly signed a new deal with the BBC following Gary Lineker’s bombshell announcement.The Match of the Day presenter will be stepping down after two decades in the role.Alan Shearer has reportedly signed a new deal with the BBCCredit: PAGary Lineker is leaving Match of the DayCredit: PALineker, 63, will leave the flagship show at the end of the season but will present coverage of the FA Cup in 2025/26 and the World Cup in 2026.However, it appears that Shearer will be staying on the show for the foreseeable future.The Daily Mail have claimed that Shearer has put pen to paper to continue on MOTD.It is suggested that the deal will keep the Newcastle legend on the panel as one of the “key on-screen experts”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBBC figures released in the summer revealed that Shearer pocketed £380,000 last year.However, this figure was down from the £445,000 the prior year.The report claims that the 54-year-old took a reduced paycheck as the BBC cut their costs.The all-time Premier League goalscorer started working on the show back in 2006.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt is also suggested that the broadcaster and Shearer have been in negotiations for some time.It says that the two parties were talking before Lineker decided to leave after 26 years.Video emerges of Roy Keane throwing ball at Alan Shearer’s head amid Erling Haaland debateThe pair will continue to work together on The Rest Is Football podcast.Shearer has made a public statement over his future on MOTD.He joked that he would also not be signing a new contract if pundit Micah Richards was named as the host.He joked: “That is a f***ing massive concern by the way.”I’m not signing my new contract if you’re a presenter by the way.”Paul Gascoigne claimed that Shearer would make a good host for the show simply because he “loves a bit of money”.READ MORE SUN STORIESMark Chapman is one of the favourites to be named the new host of the show.However, it is believed that he has refused the chance to share the job with Kelly Somers.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More