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    Cole Palmer’s funniest moments, from Chelsea star’s love of ‘chippy chips’ to deadpan interviews live on TV

    HE is Chelsea’s talisman and is clearly loving life at the moment.On the pitch, Cole Palmer has fired the Blues into title contention with goals and assists.Cole Palmer has his own personal celebration, for being so chilled on the pitchCredit: GettyOff the pitch, several funny moments have established Palmer as comedy goldCredit: Instagram @colepalmer10Palmer hilariously halted an interview with Sky Sport to ask Marc Cucurella what he’d done with his bootsCredit: Sky SportsOff it, he has become a cultural phenomenon – with clips on social media drawing millions of views.Some of those videos involve Palmer being rinsed for not being smart, although that couldn’t be further from the truth – with the forward certainly in on the game.Brilliantly, the search word ‘Palmercore’ has been invented for fans to view a number of these amazing moments.Palmer most recently caused hilarity when he stopped a TV interview halfway through to quiz Marc Cucurella about his boots, following two costly slips that allowed Tottenham to score.Read more football newsMoments later, he was educated by Belgian TV on how the Panenka penalty earned its name.Needless to say, Palmer never knew who Antonin Panenka was – the scorer of the first chipped spot-kick in the Euro 1976 final for the Czechs against West Germany.It’s not the first time the England star has provided the laughs, as SunSport can reveal.Monkeying aroundAt the turn of the year, Palmer and his teammates were in Dubai for some warm-weather training.Most read in FootballEnjoying a bit of downtime, the former Man City man took a trip to the famous Dubai Safari Park.It was there he encountered a chimpanzee , which he was seen holding in a clip.Amusingly, the baby chimp wouldn’t sit still – and when it slapped it’s own hand it. made Palmer squeal.Chelsea Cole Palmer reveals his favourite post-match meal which includes ‘chippy chips’ Instantly, he handed the animal over to its handlers and ran off camera.Meal timeIn an interview with the BBC Sport, Palmer was asked what his favourite post-match meal is.Instantaneously and understandably, he chose a filling Chinese meal. Listing his order, he said: “Salt and pepper chicken, rice, not salt and pepper chips. Too much that.”Then he asked the interviewer, “You know chippy chips?””They have to be them chips, or you don’t get them. Curry sauce, noodles…”Happy with his answer, Palmer then nods towards the interviewer.He later posted a photo of his Panenka penalty against Spurs with the caption: “Chippy chips”.Cole Palmer reveals his love of ‘chippy chips’ on BBC SportCredit: YouTube/BBC SportBy ‘chippy chips’ he means thick-cut chips with curry sauceCredit: InstagramFishing for complimentsSometimes the best humour can be found in just doing nothing.Which is precisely what Cole did in his Burberry ad campaign.Now picture this; he’s starring in a series of ads alongside the likes of Olivia Colman, Barry Keoghan, Little Simz and Cara Delevigne.But it’s the footballer whose video on the fashion house’s YouTube channel that draws the most views.And what is the nine-minute video of? Just Cole, on his own, sat down, in peace, fishing.Occasionally, he’ll get up check his rod, fix his coat, but for most – he’s stood motionless.Behind the scenes, in the same shoot, Palmer also wowed fans with how he makes a cup of tea.Palmer mastered the art of silent comedy in a 9-minute clip for BurberryCredit: YouTube/BurberryBehind the scenes, Palmer showed the art of making the perfect cuppaCredit: TikTok @Burberryread more sport featuresLeave The Cold To ColeFresh off his success with Burberry, Chelsea did right to include Palmer in a Christmas campaign to support the homeless.It was called Leave The Cold To Cole, and was aimed at providing clothing for those sleeping rough.British rapper Central Cee was involved, as was Blues super fan Suggs from Madness.In the video, a young boy is seen walking through a snowy Stamford Bridge wearing a Chelsea shirt with Palmer’s name and number on the back.Palmer then appears by his side to put a coat over him and shelter the lad from the cold.Behind the scenes, Palmer was spotted on camera sharing a joke with Central Cee.”That kid nicked my jacket,” he’s heard saying as the Sprinter singer begins to laugh.In a Chelsea ad campaign supporting the homeless Palmer was front and centreCredit: X @vsrsusBehind the scenes, Palmer got a laugh out of rapper and Chelsea fan Central CeeBeauty expertOne of Palmer’s favourite words to use when he’s confused is, “What?”His sister Hallie drew it out of him when he appeared on her TikTok to answer her ‘girly questions’.She asked, “what’s the difference between bronzer and contour?”Some of Palmer’s replies were hilarious, as he answered the above: “How the f**k am I meant to know that?”But as the questions about make-up and clothes continued, Palmer started getting the answers right — much to his sister’s surprise.The two were left in fits of giggles.And after Palmer correctly guessed what a “kitten heel” was, he turned to the camera and said: “To everyone that says I’m dumb, I’m not dumb!”Hallie Palmer and Cole Palmer discussed beauty products on her TikTokCredit: TikTok @halliejenniferpalmerMore fun with CucarellaMany comedians have a sidekick.For funnyman Palmer, Spanish star Marc Cucurella is his – as was proven in an amazing clip.It appeared on Chelsea’s social and they were asked the meanings of BRB, AM, and PM.But Palmer didn’t know what PM stood for, causing him to issue a gawping: “What?”Cucurella giggled, before helping his mate out and saying the Latin phrase: “Post meridiem.”READ MORE SUN STORIES”Post what?” Palmer then said as everyone in the studio laughed.Whatever you do, Cole. Don’t change.Palmer was confused for what AM and PM stood forTeammate and comedy sidekick Marc Cucurella had to bail Palmer out More

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    Promising footballer, 17, dies on pitch during match as his Sheffield United star cousin pays touching tribute

    A PROMISING teen footballer has died on the pitch during a match – with his Sheffield United star cousin paying tribute.Kaylen Dennis, 17, died during a Walthamstow Football Club match yesterday.Kaylen Dennis, 17, died during a Walthamstow Football Club match yesterdayLast night Kaylen’s cousin Rhian Brewster pointed his right finger up to the sky in a moving gesture mid-gameCredit: AlamyThe semi-pro club said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing away of one of our U23 players, Kaylen Dennis during a game.”We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates and everyone that knew him.”Last night Kaylen’s cousin and Sheffield United player Rhian Brewster pointed his right finger up to the sky in a moving gesture mid-game.He made the gesture after netting the first goal against Millwall at The Den during a Championship match.Read More SportRhian told BBC Radio Sheffield: “I want to dedicate that goal to my younger cousin. “He passed away earlier today before the game, so that’s one for him and the family.”It’s a very tough time for the family, but I played for him today, and I was very happy to come away with a goal, and that’s for him.”Coach Scott Chickelday said: “‘Heartbreaking to hear yesterday that a 17-year-old boy I had the pleasure of knowing with an unbelievable talent passed away on the football pitch yesterday.Most read in Football”Kaylen Dennis was not just a talented footballer but was a great character and person! God bless Kaylen fly high champ.”Kaylen’s youth team Ryan FC said: “We are so upset and devastated at Ryan FC.”Kaylen started playing for us at 13 and we watched him progress into senior football playing for our partner club Walthamstow FC.”His parents have been so supportive and all our thoughts are with them and their family.”Walthamstow Reserves DC said: “Words cannot describe how we feel about this news today.”A kid with the brightest future, beyond being a talented young footballer, he was a blessed young man.”Our football family will gather around his family during this difficult time. Rest in perfect peace Kaylen Dennis.” More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo adds stunning £164,000 luxury BMW to £19MILLION car collection as he’s gifted motor by Al-Nassr

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has added a new £164,000 luxury BMW to his incredible car collection.The 39-year-old and his Al-Nassr team-mates were each gifted a new BMW as part of the club’s new sponsorship deal.Cristiano Ronaldo has been gifted a new BMW worth £164,000Credit: instagram @alnassrIt is a new new BMW XM Red LabelCredit: instagram @alnassrThey were pictured receiving the luxury vehicles outside the Saudi Pro League side’s training centre this week.Each player was handed a new company car for the season, courtesy of the German manufacturer.Al-Nassr shared the images on social media with a caption that read: “Luxury meets football stars.”Al Nassr players behind the wheel of their BMWs – where excellence is a way of life.”READ MORE ON RONALDORonaldo posed for a photo with his new BMW XM Red Label at Al-Nassr’s training base.The car is worth around £164,000.The Red Label is the most powerful of the BMX XM range, with a system output of 550 kW.It also has a high-performance twin power turbo V8 petrol engine and is capable of going from 0 to 100kmph in 3.8 seconds.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCristiano Ronaldo has amassed an impressive car collection over the yearsCredit: SplashThe Portugal star has a Lamborghini among his collectionCredit: ReutersHe proudly posed with this beast of a motorCredit: Refer to CaptionCR7 loves a FerrariCredit: Instagram @cristianoRonaldo and his team-mates – including former Liverpool star Sadio Mane – all received their own car, along with head coach Stefano Pioli.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “Really nice, very comfortable.I watched Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al-Nassr, the atmosphere and standard had me shocked… but he didn’t seem bothered”I like it, a good colour, the design [is] really nice.”BMW Saudi Arabia has reached an agreement with Al-Nassr to become the club’s official car partner.The deal will run until 2027.David McGoldrick, general manager of BMW Group Saudi Arabia, said: “This partnership represents a new step in our commitment to supporting Saudi sports in general, and football in particular, especially since football brings people together and inspires generations.”We also look forward to this partnership contributing to enhancing the values ​​of innovation and excellence that unite BMW and Al Nassr Club.”We are confident that this partnership will contribute to achieving new and great achievements for Al Nassr Club and our company alike.”Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar.Ronaldo has a huge car collection that is understood to be worth around £19million.A significant chunk of the value comes from his three Bugattis – the Centodieci, Chiron and Veyron.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis collection also includes a McLaren Senna, two Rolls Royces – a Phantom and a Cullinan – three Ferraris – the 599 GTO, 599 GTB Fiorano and F430 – and two Bentleys – the Continental GT and Flying Spur.In addition, he has a Lamborghini Aventador, an Aston Martin DB9, a Maserati GranCabrio, a Mercedes G-Class and a Porsche Cayenne Turbo.Ronaldo also has two Rolls RoycesCredit: Refer to CaptionAnd he has three BugattisCredit: Instagram @cristianoHe looked particularly delighted when he got this white FerrariCredit: Instagram @cristianoAnother in his collection is this MercedesCredit: Instagram @cristiano More

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    Moment part of Sunderland’s ceiling COLLAPSES bringing press conference to abrupt halt

    SUNDERLAND reporters were given a fright when part of the ceiling collapsed during Regis Le Bris’ post-match press conference on Tuesday night.The Black Cats had just drawn 1-1 with Bristol City at the Stadium of Light.A ceiling panel caved in during Regis Le Bris’ press conferenceCredit: XThe presser was momentarily interruptedCredit: XAfter the game, members of the press gathered to speak to Le Bris.They were given a mighty fright, however, when a ceiling panel gave in.According to Sunderland beat writer James Copley, the incident was caused by a leak upstairs.A clip of the ceiling falling in subsequently did the rounds on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Is that the roof falling in on their promotion push?” one fan joked.While a second quipped: “Just like their league form.”Sunderland had fallen behind on 62 minutes via Luke McNally’s opener.Patrick Roberts rescued a point with a 93rd minute equaliser.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPatrick Roberts rescued a point for the Black CatsCredit: PAThe Black Cats are fourth in the Championship table having acquired 37 points from their opening 20 games.Their form has stuttered in recent weeks, however, with Le Bris’ men having won just one of their last eight matches.Rising star Chris Rigg talks about his rise through the ranks at Sunderland After the game, Le Bris praised his side’s resilience and claimed they were good value for their point.He said: “Absolutely, I believe we deserved it.”We started the match on the front foot with an excellent tempo.”We executed our game plan with swift ball movement and tactical triangles, creating several opportunities.”However, we lacked the necessary numbers in the box to capitalise on our crosses.”Sunderland will return to action this Saturday with a trip to Swansea.Le Bris’ side have stuttered in recent weeksCredit: Rex More

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    When is the World Cup 2030 and where is it being held? Plus info on the 2034 edition

    EVERY football player dreams of lifting the World Cup – and the details for the 2030 edition have been confirmed earlier than expected!For the first time, three countries from two different continents are set to be the main hosts of the iconic competition.This will be the 100th FIFA World Cup anniversaryCredit: EPAAnd there will be a special celebration to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup which will be held on a DIFFERENT part of the planet.Qualifying for the 2030 World Cup doesn’t get underway until after the conclusion of the upcoming 2026 edition.But SunSport can reveal all the details on the history-making event SIX years in advance.When is the World Cup 2030?The opening match of the World Cup 2030 will take place on Thursday, June 13.Read more on World CupAnd the final showdown of the iconic competition is penciled in for Sunday, July 21.There will be 48 teams from six confederations battling it out to lift the prestigious trophy.And 20 different venues across 20 different cities is where matches will be played.Where is the World Cup 2030 being held?The World Cup 2030 will be held across three countries – Spain, Portugal and Morocco.Most read in FootballThis means it will be the first-ever World Cup to be held in North Africa with Morocco being one of the hosting countries.However, to commemorate the 100th anniversary, the first match of the competition is scheduled to be played at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay – where the first World Cup was held.In addition to that, fans will witness a special centenary celebration to mark the occasion.Argentina has been selected to host the second match while Paraguay will host the third and then the rest of the games are set to be played in Spain, Morocco and Portugal. What has been said?The World Cup 2030 has already been met with backlash from fans, football officials and environmental groups.There are concerns about a huge increase in carbon footprint due to fans having to travel large distances between South America and Europe.Furthermore, players part of teams that get drawn with Argentina, Paraguay or Uruguay will have a significantly shorter amount of rest once having to travel back to the main hosts in Iberia and Morocco.Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter warned that the number of hosts that the World Cup 2030 is preparing to have would cause the tournament to ‘lose its identity’.Where is the World Cup 2034 being held?SunSport’s Martin Lipton has confirmed that FIFA memberships agreed – in a joint decision approved “by acclamation” that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESPresident Gianni Infantino cut a deal with South American chiefs to open the way for the Saudis.Since then, FIFA has gone through a formal “evaluation” process of the two bids – which both passed with flying colours. More

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    Mbappe rape probe is SHUT DOWN over lack of evidence weeks after Real Madrid star embroiled in ‘hotel attack’ claims

    THE rape probe into Kylian Mbappe has been shut down by Swedish cops. A woman claimed the football superstar had raped her in his Stockholm hotel room during a night out and lodged a formal complaint in October.Swedish police launched the probe against Kylian Mbappe after a visit to Stockholm in OctoberCredit: RexThe rape probe has now been shut down after cops didn’t find enough evidence to continueCredit: GettyMbappe walking into a car while on a night out in StockholmCredit: RexBut a prosecutor said on Thursday the investigation had now closed after there was insufficient evidence to continue.Prosecutor Marina Chirakova said Mbappe had not even been “notified of suspicion of a crime.”The striker and left wing has strongly denied the claim and labelled it as “fake news”.Mbappe told French TV station Canal+ on Monday that he had never heard anything from Swedish police. Read more on footballBut, the 25-year-old said he would travel to the country if cops wanted him to.He said: “I was surprised and I still am surprised, by the way. These are things that come into your life like that, you can’t see them coming.”It’s just incomprehension. I don’t think it weighed on me in the sense that I have never considered myself involved.”Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported in October the French forward was being investigated by cops after a visit to Stockholm.Most read in FootballIn a post on X soon after the report, Mbappe said: “FAKE NEWS !!!! It’s becoming so predictable, just before the hearing as if by chance.”The Real Madrid player seemingly referred to a hearing in his post he was set to face over unpaid wages as he was leaving club PSG to his new team at Real Madrid.Kylian Mbappe unveiled as Real Madrid player after historic transfer as he signs contract and poses with new shirt The probe came after a secretive whirlwind trip by the star to Sweden that lasted just two days.Daily Swedish paper Expressen claims he visited the restaurant Chez Jolie and the nightclub V, hosting “exclusive private parties” there.Revellers were forced to put their phones into boxes so they couldn’t record anyone inside the clubs.Mbappe flew out of the country on a private jet, before the complaint had been made.Mbappe stayed at the Bank Hotel while in StockholmCredit: AFPMbappe hinted the probe was motivated against him by an unpaid wage claim he was pursuingCredit: RexBut the alleged victim had reportedly sought medical help at a Swedish hospital ward for rape victims and then lodged the formal complaint.Cops launched a probe into the claims with Mbappe always denying what emerged in the media. His lawyer Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard said: “The only thing I can say is that he has nothing to be ashamed of. The second is that we don’t know anything.”Bernard added: “He cannot even imagine for a second that a complaint has been filed and is directed against him.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He has nothing to accuse himself of and doesn’t even understand what it’s about.”A source close to Paris Saint-Germain told AFP it would “ignore” Mbappe’s claim that there was a link between the report in Sweden and his wage dispute with the club.Mbappe said he was never contacted by Swedish copsCredit: Rex More

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    Roy Keane tells his side of story on furious Ipswich fan confrontation and reveals he DID wait for supporter in car park

    ROY KEANE has broken his silence on the major bust-up he had with an Ipswich fan last month.The Manchester United legend was involved in a heated argument with a fan during an advert break while working for Sky Sports as his old club drew 1-1 with Ipswich at Portman Road.Roy Keane has revealed his side of the story from his argument with a fan at IpswichCredit: TwitterKeane was heard telling a fan he would see them in the car parkCredit: TwitterKeane insists he was ‘calm’ during the heated conversationCredit: Youtube / The OverlapAnd he revealed he did wait for the fan in the car parkCredit: Youtube / The OverlapIn a video of the incident, the 53-year-old was heard telling a fan he would wait for them in the car park after the fan had yelled, “F*** you Keane”.The confrontation prompted an investigation by Sky chiefs to ascertain what happened, but Keane was back on TV the following Sunday for Liverpool’s game against Manchester City.But Keane has now lifted the lid of what happened from his point of view. Speaking on a live showing of the Stick To Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Keane said: “I wasn’t angry at the Ipswich Town game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”What happens when we’re doing matches and the analysis is happening at the end of the match when fans can be up or down, whatever emotions they are feeling – and people think they can abuse you, and it seems to be a, ‘We’re supposed to accept that’.”I went over to him twice – I said, ‘No problem, if you want to abuse me or if you want a discussion with me, well I’m working’. “I went over to him twice at different stages and he was swearing in front of kids.”I said, ‘If you want to see me afterwards’ – and people thought I was asking him for a [fight] – I said, ‘I’ll see you in the car park’. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Where else was I going to see him? He wasn’t there! I couldn’t say see you in the lounge. They were obviously asked to leave the ground.”The comment prompted laughter from co-stars on the live panel, including Ian Wright, Jill Scott, Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Derek Chisora.Roy Keane tells fan ‘I’ll wait in the car park’ after furious pitchside confrontation following Ipswich vs Man UtdWright admitted he was “quite angry” at the incident before Keane spoke about it.The Ipswich fan appears to have been taking their anger out on Keane following his difficult 21-month spell in charge of the club which ended almost 14 years ago.Ipswich was Keane’s last job in management.Having worked with Sky since 2011, Keane has cast doubt over his long-term future with the broadcaster after saying he would “absolutely not” be working in punditry in 10 years time.He also declared he is looking to move abroad in the next couple of years, earmarking “beautiful” Switzerland as a possible destination. Arsenal icon Wright explained what the typical implications of asking someone to meet in a car park would be offering someone out.But Keane hit back saying: “No I’m not offering someone out, I’m 53 years of age with five kids and two grandkids.”Keane said he then waited in the car and said the fan “wasn’t there”.He added: “I was calm. That’s not me getting angry. Did I wait in car park? There were other idiots in the car park, other people hanging around. “But I don’t get it and obviously the anger people have is that I’m asking someone out for a fight.”Keane also spoke about the incident at Arsenal last year where he was left “shaken” after he was headbutted by a fan.The ex-midfielder added: “Bizarrely I had that last year as well at Arsenal. Thank god the judge could see through the nonsense and realise I was assaulted. “But honestly, I wasn’t angry last weekend. I just said, ‘I’ll see you later’. I was calm.”With the panel reduced to silence listening to Keane, he quipped: “You don’t believe me do you?” Laughter came from the panel before Wright admitted he would have likely “escalated” the situation if he was there.He recalled the hilarious story of how he would chase down drivers who had not said thank you to him when he had let them go.Wright said: “I would have escalated that if I was there.”What do I do when I’m angry? I don’t get as angry now, but like when I’m driving and I let people through and they don’t say thank you and I’m fine.”Normally that is at least a five-minute chase of real anxiousness to try and get by the side.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I remember there were times where I’d done that and gone (gestured with arms out) and they’d go, ‘Hey thanks’, and then you go, ‘It’s okay’ and then you drive off.”I don’t really get angry like that anymore. That used to really bother me. But now I’m like, ‘Just relax’.”Roy Keane’s angriest momentsWhat really ticks off Roy Keane?The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…Here are the things that really make Roy Keane angry. More

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    Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd stars they are ALL on trial ahead of January transfer window with no player safe from axe

    RUBEN AMORIM told Manchester United’s stars they are ALL on trial before the January transfer window.Erik ten Hag and sporting director Dan Ashworth have already been axed this season — and new boss Amorim admits more exits will follow if results do not improve.Ruben Amorim is willing to play the pantomime villain by axing some the failing Man Utd castCredit: GettyHe has warned that every player is on trial and could leave as soon as January if results do not improveCredit: ReutersAhead of taking on Viktoria Plzen this evening in the Europa League, he said: “We have good players, we need time to teach them our ideas and then we’ll see because this is a massive club.“If we don’t win, the coach goes, the player goes — so you have to know that.”Hit-or-miss opening results for the Old Trafford faithful have also left Amorim with no qualms about playing the pantomime villain as he considers changing the cast.The problem is that, after a £660million splurge under Ten Hag in just over two years, there are just beans rather than gold coins left to work with.READ MORE IN MAN UTDAmorim is ready to search in the land of the giants to start with, believing that the squad is just too short to deal with set-pieces at both ends of the pitch.United have conceded three goals from corners in the last two games, as well as a looping header from Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood.And if United’s players rest for a minute in Amorim’s set-up, it is worth reminding them: “He’s behind you!”Amorim said: “I’m really focused to see my players and to understand my players.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“We have to focus on what we have. We have to focus on the academy and to have a clear profile of the players. So it’s a lot of details you have to manage.“You can see at set-pieces, sometimes you look at our team, we are a small team compared to others.Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-up“Every detail counts and we have to be very clear in the profiles, arrange all the process and go to that phase of buying and selling players.“We have to improve as a team, we have to arrange a lot of things in our club before thinking just about buying or selling players.”If anyone thought Amorim was a modern-day footballing Merlin who could immediately magic better performances out of this team, two successive defeats have suggested otherwise.The limitations seen under Ten Hag were evident away to Arsenal and at home to Forest.Amorim said that against title-chasing Arsenal in particular, you could see how far behind a team of that calibre United were. It got no better against Forest — and Amorim has no time on the training pitch to try to change things with games coming thick and fast.The Red Devils travelled to the Czech Republic yesterday ahead of tonight’s Europa League game against Viktoria Plzen. And on Sunday it is the Manchester derby at the Etihad.Amorim said: “I know it’s a big job. It’s really tough to win in our league. We have to improve. There’s a lot at stake in this moment — we have a lot to do, a lot of games. We don’t have time to train.Inside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into jobBy Neil CustisThe blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed in November that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.Defeat Nottingham Forest in December, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.READ MORE ON MAN UTD’S CHAOS “Sometimes I have one idea in the first week, second week I have a different idea and then we have to see what happens as everything is so close, all the games before what is happening in the window in January.”United currently stand 13th in the Premier League but Amorim already has his sights set on the ultimate goal of winning the title during his time in charge.He said: “We want to take this club to win the Premier League and be an elite club, like this club should be.”For now he understands that this season, reaching the Champions League has to be a realistic target.To do that, it could be easier to do so by winning the Europa League, as Jose Mourinho accepted back in 2017 and achieved that by beating Ajax in the final in Stockholm.Amorim said: “You can do the maths and understand what is needed for the Champions League and look at the table and see that the Europa League is easier.”United are currently 12th in the Europa League standings on the same points as tonight opponents Viktoria Plzen in the Doosan Arena.The top eight qualify automatically for the knockout stage and Amorim says it is vital they do that to avoid a two-legged play-off in February.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “It’s really important to go to the next stage. We need to win this game because of all of that.“If you pass to the next stage without the play-off, we take off two games.”Man Utd ratings vs Nottingham ForestMANCHESTER UNTED slipped to another defeat under Ruben Amorim after being shocked 3-2 at Old Trafford by Nottingham Forest.Here’s how Neil Custis rated the players…ANDRE ONANA – 3Had an absolute shocker. For the second Forest goal Morgan Gibbs-White shot is straight down the middle along the floor.It maybe swerves a foot at most and he somehow couldn’t stop it. For the third he just let it loop over his head. He cannot command his area.LENY YORO – 6The 19-year-old was making his first start for United and immediately looked unphased. Ruben Amorim has high hopes for someone he calls ‘a special talent’.He is easing him into the team after his summer injury and subbed him just past the hour.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5Amorim has tasked him with bringing the ball out from the back to set United moves going.Looked good in the first balf but what was he doing for Forest’s third as he let Chris Wood’s header go thinking it was going wide.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 4It was said his lack of height would not be a problem but it was after 80 seconds here as Nikola Milenkovic headed home on 80 seconds.Then for Forest’s third he didn’t known what to do as the ball went over him at the far post.AMAD DIALLO – 7Looking more and more like a United star with his positive forward runs from his new wing-back role.Had a couple of good chances himself but shots were weak, then made a great run and cut back before setting up Fernandes for United’s second.MANUEL UGARTE – 7Looked constantly concerned with his defensive duties and understandably.Is a solid presence on the pitch though and a decent buy compared to plenty of others.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Ugarte was having a good game in front of the back three allowing Mainoo to get further forward in the second-half when he became more of a threat.DIOGO DALOT – 6Compared to Amad on the opposite flank did not have much of an influence. Got forward a lot more in the second-half.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was always involved. But does the captain really have to contest every single decision the referee makes against his team.Made up for his loose pass that gave away possession for Forest’s second by scoring a fine goal himself.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6That’s three goals in three games after his pair against Bodo Glimt but there is still not enough movement from the front man.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5Not his best game and looked far from happy when he was hauled off early in the second-half for Marcus Rashford.SUBSTITUTIONS…MARCUS RASHFORD (for Garnacho, 58) – 6These are the games he should be starting and starring in but that’s just not the case.MAZRAOUI (for Yoro 66) – 6One of those the recruitment team did at least get right.HARRY MAGUIRE (for De Ligt 65) – 6When Amorim decides on his best starting eleven Maguire should be in it.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (for Ugarte 76) – 5Not surprisingly failed to have an impact.MASON MOUNT (for Fernandes 76) – 6Amorim has high hopes for him but he is still to convince the United faithful. Needs a long injury free run. More