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      Lee Carsley reveals incoming England boss Thomas Tuchel hasn’t said a word to him and knew NOTHING about appointment

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      LEE CARSLEY is yet to speak to new England manager Thomas Tuchel.Interim boss Carsley named his squad for next week’s Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.England interim boss Lee Carsley claims he hasn’t had a proper talk with new manager Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyTuchel will take over as England manager on January 1Yet bizarrely, Tuchel — who was named as Three Lions boss last month and will take over on January 1 — has NOT had a conversation with the man he will replace.Carsley said: “I sent a text  to him which was ‘congratulations’ and he said ‘good luck for the window and look forward to meeting up’.“He is fully respectful that I am in charge at  the moment.“That is the priority. I do not feel hard done by or shunned.Read More on Football“If anything I look forward to hopefully creating a situation where we can hand over a healthy squad of players to the new coach.”Carsley stressed Tuchel’s impressive CV, having won the Champions League with Chelsea and league titles with Paris Saint-Germain, is a huge benefit.He said: “A track record of winning was definitely in the job description.“The fact we have got that person really helps because there is going to be a stage during the next 18 months where that experience is going to be crucial, in those big moments in the big games.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I am not saying we did not have that in the past but having that in the locker, that he has done that, definitely helps.”England travel to Greece on Thursday and the Three Lions are at home to the Republic of Ireland three days later.Lee Carsley announces November England squad selection Carsley has handed first call-ups to Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Newcastle full-back Lewis Hall.He will be hoping the team repairs the damage from last month’s shock 2-1 home defeat by the Greeks when England started without a recognised striker. Asked whether he picked this squad with Tuchel in mind, Carsley answered: “No. I am quite selfish in that respect. I picked the squad which I think can beat Greece and the Republic of Ireland. I definitely want to attack.“It was a really tough night after Greece. I am not sure what I would have changed. I know you are saying ‘just play a centre-forward’ but I wanted to try something different.“I have tried to pick players I think have a future in terms of longevity as the World Cup is 18 months away and the more players we have to pick from, who have been in the camp and played in a pressurised game, is a big thing.”Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024 More

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      Watch Europa League side’s ‘worst kick-off in history’ as they concede SEVEN SECONDS after restart

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      FANS are dubbing it the “worst kick-off in history” after a Europa League side conceded just seven seconds after kick-off in the second half.The bizarre incident happened in the group stage clash between FC Midtjylland and FC Steaua Bucharest on Thursday.FCSB scored just seven seconds into the second half after Daniel Birligea forced a defensive errorThe striker simply tapped the ball into an empty netCredit: APBucharest midfielder Florin Tanase put the hosts ahead within the opening 20 minutes in Romania.But it was striker Daniel Birligea’s goal, which sealed the win, that will live long in the memory after he capitalised on a terrible kick-off error from Midtjylland.The ball was passed back to goalkeeper Elias Rafn Olafsson from the centre-circle at the restart.Olafsson’s attempted clearance was blocked by Birligea who ran straight through on goal.Read More in FootballThe striker simply tapped the ball straight into an empty net from a few yards out.The goal went in on 45mins 07secs.Fans were left in disbelief, with one person taking to social media to write: “This might be the WORST kick-off in history…”Another commented: “What coach actually gives the ok to starting the game like this? Madness.”Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third said: “Back to the goalie from kick off deserves this happening.”While a fourth simply wrote: “What on earth.”Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersFCSB went on to win the match 2-0, leaving them eighth in the Europa League group stage table.Meanwhile, Midtjylland are down in 13th. More

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      Heartwarming moment PAOK star asks Paul Scholes to sign his shirt live on TV after defeat to Man Utd

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes was asked for an autograph from a PAOK ace after Thursday’s Europa League game at Old Trafford.United finally won their first European fixture in over a year when they beat the reigning Greek champions 2-0 thanks to a brace by Amad Diallo.Manchester United legend Paul Scholes took part in a heartwarming moment after the PAOK gamePAOK ace Magomed Ozdoev asked Man Utd great Scholes for an autograph on his shirtScholes, 49, seemed pleased with the result and his night got even better at full-time when he took part in a heartwarming moment with one of the opposition players.PAOK ace Magomed Ozdoev approached the legendary midfielder at pitchside as he prepared to go live on air for his post-match analysis of the game.And Ozdoev, 32, asked the former England international to sign his shirt for his father who is a big fan.Of course the United great happily obliged, and even shared a cheeky joke on camera as he looked back at that beautiful moment of sportsmanship.Read More on Man UtdScholes told TNT Sports: “He [Ozdoev] did [ask for an autograph].”I wasn’t sure he’d remember me, it was such a long time ago. “But he asked one for his dad, so I obliged. I think I spelled it right as well.”United hadn’t won a game in Europe since last year on October 24 in the Champions League when they beat Copenhagen 1-0 at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballSince then, the Red Devils had amassed a miserable record of two losses and four draws in six matches.The Manchester giants are now 15th in the League Phase table with three points separating them from the top eight and automatic qualification for the Last 16 of the Europa League.’That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fanThis was Ruud van Nistelrooy’s final European match in charge of Man Utd as interim boss as new manager Ruben Amorim will be taking over on Monday when he leaves Sporting Lisbon. More

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      Man Utd matchwinner Amad Diallo to be handed triple-your-money new deal with contract set to expire

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      AMAD DIALLO will be offered a new five-year contract before the end of the year to keep him at Old Trafford.The 22-year-old’s current deal runs out at the end of the season and the club are yet to trigger the option of a year’s extension.Amad Diallo is set to be offered a bumper new deal by Manchester UnitedCredit: ReutersBut United do not want to do that as they want the exciting winger on a completely new deal.After scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over PAOK on Thursday night in the Europa League, he made it clear he wants to put pen to paper on that new contract.Amad said: “I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to play for this club, and yeah, I want to stay here for a long, long, long time to make history with this club.”The deal could see the young star’s current £29,000-a-week wages triple to around £90,000.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe joined United in January 2021 from Atalanta in a £19million deal potentially rising to £37.2m and has had loan spells both at Rangers and Sunderland.Amad was a huge success with the Black Cats in 20022-23 and was named the club’s young player of the year.He returned to Old Trafford but has struggled to hold down a first team place.While he was United’s player of the month for August, his start against PAOK was his first in seven games but what a game it was.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 5ft 8in winger opened the scoring with a rare header in the 50th minute against the Greek Champions.It was his second that stood out as he wrestled back possession in the 77th minute before curling a shot in.’That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fanHe said: “We worked on it training. We have to be aggressive. I pressed the defender, and I took the ball and then shot. So I was happy to score.”Amad has not kicked up a fuss because of his lack of first team chances but his application in training demanded a start on Thursday.He came in for Marcus Rashford and ahead of £86m man Antony.Amad said: “I always try to do my best, even when I am not starting I am focused.“I know I was Player of the Month in August, but I have moved on. I am focused for now, for the future and to give my best for the shirt and get this team back on top again.”He got a knock on his ankle on Thursday night forcing him off before the end of the game and it will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s home game against Leicester.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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      Former England wonderkid and Premier League title winner, 31, drops down to seventh tier of English football

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      FORMER England wonderkid and Leicester title winner Liam Moore has dropped down to the seventh tier of English football with Spalding United.The defender, 31, had been with League One outfit Northampton Town last season.Former Reading stalwart Liam Moore has joined seven-tier Spalding UnitedCredit: PAThe former England wonderkid used to play for LeicesterCredit: Getty – ContributorHe made eight appearances for the club following seven years in the Championship with Reading.But Moore will now be playing in the Southern League Premier Division Central — English football’s seventh league — after penning a deal with Spalding.They lie 18th in the table after just five wins in 14 matches.And Moore has gone straight into the squad for this weekend’s trip to Stratford Town.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe signing of the nine-time Jamaica international is a major coup for Spalding.Moore was once tipped as a future England star after featuring 10 times for the U21s.The centre-back has played for a variety of top sides including Brentford, Bristol City and Stoke.And he even has a title win with Leicester after leading them to glory in the Championship a decade ago.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMoore, who played 67 times for the Foxes was also part of the squad which won the Premier League title under Claudio Ranieri in 2016.However, he spent the first half of that campaign on loan at Bristol.And Moore did not make a single league appearance upon his return, leaving him ineligible to receive a winners’ medal.He previously admitted he was forever haunted by the league’s decision to not officially recognise his contribution as a squad player.Moore said: “It would have taken just five appearances to get a winners’ medal, and that medal I would have cherished for ever. I remember crying, trying to hide my tears, but saying I would be back stronger for this. “It was so difficult, but it was such an eye-opener. It will go down as an amazing day, but a tough day in my career. My family were coming and everyone was adamant I had played a part in how we had got to that point. “Everything was great during the game (a 3-1 win over Everton), but it hit me when I wasn’t on the podium — I hadn’t played any minutes in the league (for Leicester) that season. “The moment they said, ‘And this season’s Premier League champions are… Leicester City’, and Wes lifted the trophy, it was one of the best and worst feelings in my life. “I had just seen my boyhood club, the club that means so much to me, become champions, but I then realised that some of the decisions I had made in the past year had cost me the chance of being involved.” More

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      Ruud van Nistelrooy still hasn’t been told if he’s staying at Man Utd just four days before Ruben Amorim takes over

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      RUUD van Nistelrooy is still waiting to hear if he will be part of the plans at Manchester United going forward.The Red Devils’ interim boss has taken charge of three games for the club but will be replaced by new manager Ruben Amorim on Monday.Ruud van Nistelrooy still doesn’t know if he is staying on at Old TraffordCredit: PAThe Dutchman could be surplus to requirements after Erik ten Hag’s sackingCredit: AlamyVan Nistelrooy was appointed as Erik ten Hag’s assistant manager this summer, but could now be surplus to requirements with the Dutchman sacked last week.And despite valiantly stepping up to guide United through their post-Ten Hag fixtures, he’s still none the wiser on where his future lies just FOUR DAYS before Amorim arrives.No official decision has been made public on the future of the former Man Utd star yet and even he appears to be in the dark about what’s happening – despite constantly checking his phone for updates.Speaking to TNT Sport after he led United a 2-0 win over PAOK, he said: “I did [check my phone] when I left your [TNT] desk. I checked my WiFi an it was all on.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”But nothing yet. Patience, patience.”It looks like he will have to be patient as he waits for the execs at Old Trafford to decide his fate.But first he has to prepare for his last game in charge of the club he represented 219 times as a player.Van Nistelrooy will be in the technical area as boss for the final time before Amorim’s imminent arrival for United’s clash with Leicester this weekend.Most read in FootballRuben Amorim is set to take up his role as Man Utd boss on MondayCredit: PAUnited chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is yet to inform Ruud van Nistelrooy of his future at Man UtdCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd ratings vs PAOKSUNSPORT’S Phil Thomas reveals which Man Utd players would have impressed incoming boss Ruben Amorim against PAOK.ANDRE ONANA – 6One great tipover to keep out a Camara half-volley.But any other stops were pretty routine.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Another solid, if unspectacular, display.An increasingly dependable presence by the week.VICTOR LINDELOF – 6Flat-footed once in the first half, but rarely flustered thereafter.Started a few attacks as well.JONNY EVANS – 6Wise old head at the back.But lucky to get away with going AWOL for one second half chance.DIOGO DALOT – 4Usually reliable, but shoddy with so much of what he did, and his delivery wasn’t great either.Surprising he wasn’t hooked earlier.CASEMIRO – 6Starting point for most of what United did going forward.Although that wasn’t a great deal to be honest.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Still far from the midfield general United hoped.Distribution disappointing too. No shock when subbed off.AMAD – 8 (STAR MAN)Livewire runs, impressive closing down, the crucial opening goal…and a stunning second.United’s best player by some distance.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Knocked some marvellous passes, always looking to create.At least someone was!ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Close with one header and a couple of decent runs, but all in all a quiet night.Hooked.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5One early header aside, little to work with apart from chasing hopeful balls.No clear sights of goal, either.SUBSRashford (for Garnacho 64) 6Eriksen (for Ugarte 64) 6Martinez (for Dalot 64) 6Mount (for Amad 81) 6Zirkzee (for Hojlund 90) N/ASunSport exclusively revealed last week that the Man Utd first team are desperate to for Van Nistelrooy to stay, with an insider saying players have “made their feelings clear internally”.While the former Real Madrid star has said himself that he wants to stay and honour his assistant contract which is set to run until the end of next season.’That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fanHis time in charge has seen him guide the team to a 2-0 win over PAOK, a 5-2 trashing of Leicester in the Cup and a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the league.Speaking last month, Van Nistelrooy said: “I decided to come back here for a very important reason.“I came as an assistant to help the club move forward.“It’s going to be a short job as an interim – that was communicated very clear.“I was happy with that. I will then go back to my assistant contract that I have here for this season and next.“When a new manager signs and conversations take place we have to see how things develop.”Ruud van Nistelrooy guided United to a 2-0 win over PAOK on ThursdayCredit: Getty More

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      David Moyes slams Man Utd flops for hiding behind Ten Hag and reveals why Amorim in ‘completely different situation’

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      DAVID MOYES accused Manchester United’s flops of hiding behind sacked boss Erik ten Hag.The former Red Devils manager also slammed the players for refusing to accept responsibility for their poor form.David Moyes has claimed that Man Utd players were hiding behind Erik ten HagCredit: GettyTen Hag was sacked by United last weekCredit: PASporting Lisbon chief Ruben Amorim takes over on Monday following the end of Ten Hag’s two-and-a-half-year reign last week.David Moyes was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet when he claimed the players were willing to let Ten Hag “take the hit.He said: “I think the players are quite happy to hide behind managers at the moment — let the managers take the hit.“I could do with some of them coming out and saying, ‘By the way, I know I’m not quite at it at the moment. I’m not playing well enough just now’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We’re not getting much of that and I actually think Manchester United have got really, really talented players.”The Scot, who has not managed since leaving West Ham at the end of last season, feels Amorim is coming into a totally different club from when Moyes himself arrived at Old Trafford to succeed 13-time Prem title-winner Sir Alex Ferguson.United are currently 13th in the Premier League ahead of hosting Leicester on Sunday.And Moyes told the Stick to Football podcast: “He’s in a completely different situation.Most read in FootballRuben Amorim is starting his role as Man Utd manager on MondayCredit: PAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I was really fortunate to take over the champions of England at the time — and probably coming into a dressing room which had great respect for Alex and what he’d done.“At the moment, players might be looking now and saying, ‘Hey, by the way, if we don’t step up…’’David Moyes felt under appreciated by West Ham fans’ but Julen Lopetegui can win cup | Karren Brady“The manager might be coming from a stronger position because these players are going to have to actually step up.”Moyes, 61, also felt United lost touch with the way they used to treat managers when he arrived.He added: “They didn’t sack managers. When Alex wasn’t doing so well, they didn’t do it. They stood for something which was really admirable. “A bit of class and actually that dropped away, probably, at that time.”What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Tyrique George has a debut he’ll never forget but team-mate Renato Veiga fails to impress

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      CHELSEA hammered Noah to make it four straight wins in Europa Conference League football. The West Londoners have picked up maximum points after SIX scorers got in on the action. Chelsea celebrate their drubbing of NoahCredit: ReutersTosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Axel Disasi, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku scored.Here is how Dan King rated Chelsea’s performers from Stamford Bridge.FILIP JORGENSEN – 7Kept out shot before floodgates opened at other end. Made other sharp saves, including late brave one. Looks a solid No 2.AXEL DISASI – 7Out of position for early Noah chance but in right place to head in third. Good link-up with George on the right.READ MORE IN football TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 7Recovered from shaky start defensively to open scoring and his own Chelsea account. Steadier after the break.Tosin Adarabioyo got in on the goalsCredit: GettyBENOIT BADIASHILE – 6Like Tosin, not entirely convincing as Noah created a few first-half openings, although made one good block. Also better in second half.RENATO VEIGA – 5Couple of early mistakes, one of which could have been costly, set tone. Not as impressive as in previous ECL games.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 8On his own in midfield in the first half yet was able to provide three assists, two from corners, and look very comfortable.Most read in FootballEnzo Fernandez put in an improved performanceCredit: RexTYRIQUE GEORGE – 8 Teenage winger made most of first senior start, beating opponents at will and sending in dangerous crosses. Worked back, too.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 7Looked less hungry to tuck in to goal buffet. But went up front for 2nd half and scored twice after missing two good chances.JOAO FELIX – 8At it from the start, missed an early chance but then scored twice in a swaggering first half. Disappointed not to complete hat-trick.Joao Felix got two in quick successionCredit: GettyMYKHAILO MUDRYK – 7Much quieter than George until he cut inside and smashed home with confidence that had seemed lacking. Decent workrate.MARC GUIU – 7The 18-year-old striker worked hard as ever and got his reward, bagging his first Chelsea goal and stealing ball ahead of Felix’s first.SUBSKIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (for Guiu, HT) – 6Some neat touches and won penalty for eighth Blues goal.CESARE CASADEI (for Fernandez, HT) – 6Found life as easy as Enzo, yet unable to make the same creative impact.CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA (for George, 68) – 5Took a while to get going and missed decent chance to make it nine.READ MORE SUN STORIESSAMUEL RAK-SAKYI (for Nkunku, 80) – 6Teenager mostly composed on first-team debut but shot over bar with goal gaping.Samuel Rak-Sakyi replaced NkunkuCredit: Getty More