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    Arsenal vs Man Utd meetings could become great again but Amorim has lessons to learn from Arteta’s rise at the Emirates

    A YOUNG, hungry, tactically-astute boss arrives at a fallen English giant looking to recreate the glory years enjoyed under a legendary long-serving manager.For Ruben Amorim, read Mikel Arteta five years ago.Ruben Amorim faces his first big test with Man Utd against Arsenal on WednesdayCredit: PAMikel Arteta has built his own team and transformed Arsenal into title challengersCredit: GettyAmorim faces his first A-list encounter as Manchester United’s new boss at the Emirates on Wednesday – and the man in the home dugout can provide an excellent template for the Portuguese.United against Arsenal was the greatest rivalry of the Premier League era in the days of Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira, spats in the tunnel before kick-off, scraps on the field and pizza-flinging in the aftermath.From Wenger’s arrival in 1997 until his Invincibles campaign seven years later, theirs was a duopoly which defined the Premier League as it expanded into a great global force.But that was all more than two decades ago. Since the long decline of Wenger and the exit of Ferguson, both clubs have endured wilderness years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo under Arteta and Amorim, could Arsenal-United finally become great again?Arteta was fearless in sweeping away the past – boldly bombing out the deadweight egos of Wenger’s latter years, such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.The Spaniard endured some seriously tough times before he rebuilt Arsenal in his own image, propelling them back into serious title contention two seasons ago.Amorim will have to do some hard yards too. And at some point he is likely to need from Sir Jim Ratcliffe & Co the sort of patience, bordering on blind faith, which the Kroenke regime afforded to Arteta during his early years in charge.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal vs Man Utd was the greatest Premier League rivalry during the Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson eraCredit: Getty – ContributorUnited won’t be rebuilt overnight. But there are lessons to be learned from Arteta’s rise at the Emirates – brutal decisions over the futures of senior players, along with the bravery to build a team around young talent and, above all, the creation of a genuine sense of unity.United have been united in name only for many years now.Ruben Amorim introduces rarely-seen pre-match training tactic ahead of 4-0 thrashing of Everton Amorim’s devotion to a 3-4-3 system is a side-issue. The ability to develop a winning mentality and a genuine chemistry within a squad is far more important, as Arteta has proved.In essence, Arteta ripped it up and started again. Bukayo Saka is the only member of his first 18-man matchday squad who is currently at the club.Reiss Nelson, on loan at Fulham, is the only other player still on Arsenal’s books to have featured in that 1-1 draw at Bournemouth in December 2019.Surveying United’s current squad – the lack of specialist wing-backs, the absence of midfield dynamism or a convincing elite centre-forward – and it is easy to envisage Amorim overseeing similar wholesale changes.Amad Diallo, the stand-out player from Amorim’s first three matches, might end up being his Saka.Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and new signing Leny Yoro – who could make his United debut on Wednesday – are all young enough and good enough to last the course.But if, five years from now, Amorim is presiding over a successful United side, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and many others may all well be long gone.There are plenty of similarities between tonight’s rival bosses but many differences too.Arteta vs AmorimMikel Arteta:Games managed – 251Wins – 152Draws – 39Losses – 60Trophies:1x FA Cup2x Community ShieldRuben Amorim:Games managed – 251 Wins – 180Draws – 35Losses – 36Trophies: 2x Liga Portugal3x Portuguese League Cup1x Portuguese Super CupWhile Arteta took over Arsenal aged 37, he possessed a deep knowledge of a club he had previously captained and a wealth of Premier League as a player and a coach, yet he had never previously managed a club.At 39, Amorim has five trophies in as many seasons as a manager in his homeland with Braga and Sporting but no previous experience of playing or managing in any of Europe’s big five leagues.What Arteta and Amorim share, though, is the force of personality required to take on such major jobs.After a gentle introduction to his new job against Ipswich, Bodo-Glimt and Everton, tomorrow will give Amorim the first genuine benchmark for the over-priced, under-achieving squad he has inherited from Erik ten Hag.Sunday’s 4-0 win over Everton was his first truly encouraging result but the scoreline masked a bang-average overall performance.Arsenal, meanwhile, with Martin Odegaard back as the conductor, have scored 13 goals in three straight victories, including in five-goal nap hands in consecutive away matches.To some extent, Arteta’s Arsenal are what Amorim’s United hope to be.READ MORE SUN STORIESYet still the Gunners haven’t won a major trophy in four full seasons.Which further underlines the size of the task facing Amorim. 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    Leicester vs West Ham LIVE SCORE: Van Nistelrooy takes charge of first Foxes game against Hammers – latest updates

    RUUD VAN NISTERLOOY takes charge of Leicester for the first time in a tough test against West Ham.The Manchester United legend will be determined to right a few wrongs after witnessing his new side get lose comfortably to Brentford last weekend from the stands.However, the Foxes come up against a Hammers side who are eager to bounce back from their recent 5-2 Arsenal battering.Kick-off time: 8:15pm GMTLive stream/TV: Amazon Prime VideoFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the King Power with our live blog below… More

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    Champions League club forced to change name and adopt new badge by Fifa as announcement made

    A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE club has been forced to change their name and adopt a new badge by Fifa.The world’s governing football body today announced details for next summer’s first 32-team Club World Cup.A Champions League club has changed their name and adopted a new badgeThe historic tournament sees English duo Chelsea and Manchester City join a host of other top names in Thursday’s draw.Taking place in Miami, Chelsea could be drawn against giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain.While City risk landing tricky sides including Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.But Pep Guardiola’s defending champs could end up playing a side boasting a brand new name and badge.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAustrian giants RB Salzburg are now officially being called FC Salzburg by Fifa.The decision mirrors one taken by Uefa earlier this season, allowing them to compete in the Champions League.FC Salzburg are owned by energy drink giants Red Bull, as are German side RB Leipzig.But with both sides competing in the same competition, Salzburg were forced to undergo an official name change to avoid a conflict of interest.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Fifa have continued in Uefa’s footsteps by also making Salzburg drop their RB tag.Indeed, the Austrian team’s badge has also changed.Fifa confirm 12 stadiums for new-look Club World Cup including TWO £1.2BILLION NFL grounds and 88,500-seat Olympic venueRed Bull Salzburg are now known as FC SalzburgTheir club badge has been tweaked to show just one bullCredit: GettyBefore it used to show two bulls competing under the words ‘Red Bull’.But the wording has now been modified to just ‘FC’, while one of the bulls has been removed completely.All eyes will now be on Thursday’s draw, which takes place in Miami.Next summer’s tournament will be played in the USA and runs between June 15 and July 13.Club World Cup draw potsPOT 1Real MadridBayern MunichRiver PlateFluminensePOT 2Borussia DortmundInter MilanAtletico MadridFC SalzburgPOT 3CF MonterreyBoca JuniorsPOT 4Urawa Red DiamondsEsperance Sportive de TunisieMamelodi SundownsCF PachucaSeattle SoundersAuckland CityInter Miami More

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    Chelsea fans say ‘how is this allowed?’ as referee for huge Tottenham clash is decided

    CHELSEA fans were left furious after finding out Anthony Taylor will referee their derby against Tottenham, just two years after officiating a highly controversial clash.The Blues and Spurs will lock horns in the Premier League on Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Chelsea fans are furious after finding out Anthony Taylor will be the referee against TottenhamCredit: RexTaylor oversaw a controversial 2-2 draw between Chelsea and Tottenham in 2022Credit: GettyChelsea were angry with Taylor’s officiating against Tottenham two years agoCredit: GettyAnd Taylor, 46, will be in charge after overseeing a dramatic 2-2 draw in August 2022 at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea were left incensed at full-time as they claimed both of the North Londoners’ goals should have been disallowed.Tottenham ace Rodrigo Bentancur appeared to have fouled Kai Havertz in the build-up to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s goal.And Cristian Romero then appeared to pull Marc Cucurella by the hair as they contested a corner-kick moments before Harry Kane scored as a result of that set-piece.Read More on ChelseaThe West Londoners’ manager at the time Thomas Tuchel even suggested Taylor should NEVER officiate another Chelsea game.Nevertheless, the Mancunian ref will referee the London clash once more despite a negative reaction from a section of Blues fans.One fan tweeted: “I sound like a broken record but how is he still allowed to referee our games? Especially what happened couple years ago.”Another commented: “Why does he get all of our big games? It’s every season.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “It was fun while it lasted…”This fan gushed: “FFS!”Cole Palmer scowls at reporter’s question as fans hail Chelsea star’s interviews as ‘one of a kind’ And that one said: “Drama loading.”Taylor is among the Premier League’s most experienced and respected refs having been officiating in the Premier League since 2010. More

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    Ipswich vs Crystal Palace LIVE SCORE: Premier League latest as McKenna’s side face Eagles at Portman Road – updates

    PREMIER LEAGUE football is back tonight as Ipswich face Crystal Palace in a must-win clash for both sides at Portman Road.The Tractor Boys will be determined to bounce back from their tight 1-0 loss at the hands of Nottingham Forest.While Palace are hoping to end a four-game winless run with their last victory coming against Tottenham at the tail end of October.Kick-off time: 7:30pm GMTLive stream/TV: Amazon Prime VideoFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from Portman Road with our live blog below… More

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    Graham Potter lands new job in TV after Sky Sports role as former Chelsea manager awaits next club

    GRAHAM POTTER has landed a new TV job as he prepares for a return to management.The former Chelsea boss hasn’t been in the dugout since April 2023 after an ill-fated stint at Stamford Bridge.Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter has landed a new gig on TVCredit: AlamyPotter won just 12 of his 31 matches after replacing fan favourite Thomas Tuchel.And he is now hoping for a return to management after being linked with several jobs including Manchester United and England.Potter has since been on TV screens working as a guest pundit for Sky Sports.But he has now landed a new job on the box.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd clubs considering a change are sure to be keeping a close eye on him.Potter will appear on Amazon Prime Video this week as the streaming service prepares to host 10 Premier League clashes.He isn’t the only superstar name appearing on the show though.Former top-flight players including Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink, Theo Walcott and Dimitar Berbatov will all feature throughout the week.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRoberto Martinez, Gary Cahill and Emile Heskey are among the other star names set to take to the screen.While former Sky Sports hero Jeff Stelling will be a presenter along with aces like Gabby Logan and Kelly Somers. ‘It doesn’t come for free’ – Graham Potter reveals shock reason for 18 months of unemployment since Chelsea axeBut Potter could be the pundit to watch as he lines up a return to management.Speaking in September, he revealed several interesting ways he had passed the time following his Chelsea exit over 20 months ago.Potter said: “The most important thing was to be with my family and friends, just connect with them. “I spent some time with Steve Borthwick at England rugby. I went to the US and saw some sports over there, some organisations. “I went to the Falklands and did a leadership talk, and, much to the horror of my 14-year-old boy, I went to see Taylor Swift in concert. He’s not as much of a fan as me.” More

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    World Cup final stadium set to be abandoned by footy giants with plans to build 78,000-seater ‘Marvellous City’ arena

    FLAMENGO are to leave the legendary Maracana Stadium for a new state-of-the-art stadium in Rio de Janeiro.According to Coliseum, the new ground’s designers Arena Events+Venues have presented their plans to the club’s board of directors and members.Flamengo are leaving the legendary Maracana Stadium to build their new home – imagined in this artist’s impressionCredit: https://www.coliseum-online.com/The new stadium is expected to have a capacity of 78,000Credit: www.coliseum-online.comThe ground will combine innovative design, state-of-the-art technology and a multifunctional visionCredit: https://www.coliseum-online.com/Flamengo’s new home in Rio will host football matches as well as a variety of eventsCredit: www.coliseum-online.comThis comes after the Brazilian giants submitted a winning bid to secure land at the Gasometro site in Rio for their new stadium, which is expected to have a capacity of 78,000.The ground will combine innovative design, state-of-the-art technology and a multifunctional vision.Flamengo’s new home in Rio will host football matches as well as a variety of events.It will offer unique experiences for fans and tourists, including the Flamengo Museum, a Megastore and a unique rooftop walkway with breathtaking views of the “Marvellous City”.Read More on FootballThe stadium is expected to be completed by November 15, 2029, coinciding with the club’s anniversary. Flamengo, though, are not ruling out the possibility of opening the stadium earlier. Arena Events+Venues CEO Carlos de la Corte said: “This project represents the fusion of tradition and innovation, uniting the passion for sports with a design that reflects the greatness of Flamengo and its fans, as well as the culture of Rio de Janeiro.“Our goal is to create a space that transcends sports, offering a lasting legacy for the country.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Maracana, though, will not be abandoned after Flamengo’s exit.The ground is still being used by Fluminense and Brazil’s national team.Bolivia move to stadium 2,000 FEET higher in bizarre bid to qualify for World Cup 2026 The esteemed Maracana has hosted two World Cup finals in 1950 and 2014.The stadium is expected to be completed by November 15, 2029Credit: https://www.coliseum-online.com/The decision means abandoning the Maracana, which has hosted two World Cup finalsCredit: ReutersGermany lifted the World Cup at the stadium in 2014Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    EFL could have managers’ ‘challenge’ system introduced in low-cost alternative to VAR

    LOWER division clubs could see a “challenge” system in operation to overturn refereeing bloopers.Lawmakers on the International FA Board have agreed to extend the trials of their new “Football Video Support” system on a global basis.Lower league matches could get an alternative to VAR with a new ‘challenge’ systemCredit: PAIn a variation of VAR, the VS system is designed for competitions with only a handful of cameras.Coaches are allowed to call a challenge, with the referee then reviewing the incident on a pitch-side monitor, with the footage supplied by a video technician.As in cricket and tennis, successful challenges are retained with each team allowed two unsuccessful challenges per match.The system was trialled at the recent under-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, where England finished fourth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEngland coach Natalie Henderson successfully challenged a goal awarded to Mexico in their second group match, with the referee agreeing the ball had not crossed the line after a video review.And now Ifab bosses want to roll out what they view as a “low cost alternative to VAR” to both smaller countries and lower tier competitions in wealthier nations.Ifab technical director and former Premier League ref David Elleray said: “It is mainly designed for competitions where you’ve only got one, two, three or maximum four cameras.“So Leagues One and Two could be in that, or the National League, or whatever.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“And what it does emphasise – and away from VAR – is the clear and obvious concept.“Because when you’ve only got one camera it’s got to be pretty clear and obvious for the decision to be changed.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seems“So it’ll either be at the top end of smaller countries or lower down in bigger countries.“FIFA have tested it, it’s working very well and therefore we will now explore where else it could be trialled, probably for next season.”EFL clubs have so far been resistant to bringing in VAR, with cost one issue.Many fans, though, have compared the EFL match-day experience favourably to the situation in the Prem when supporters frequently complained of feeling “in the dark” over VAR reviews.But Patrick Nelson, chief executive of the Irish FA who will host Ifab’s formal AGM in March that will confirm the policy, said: “We need to emphasise that it’s not VAR.“It’s different from VAR but it’s an alternative to it. And it relies upon the challenge system being promoted by the coaches.“In countries who have got VAR, three or four levels down the pyramid you might again have leagues with only one or two cameras.“We’re talking about two challenges per coach per game and it’s up to the coaches to determine when they want the referee to come over to the side and to take a look at something.“So we’re extending the trials on it and we’re trying to learn more about it. And as the price will come down, it will get democratised and hopefully it will get rolled out further.”But Ifab pushed back at the idea that the introduction of the system could eventually see a “hybrid” version of VAR, with video refs determining offside and line calls and subjective decisions open to challengeElleray added: “There’s no reason to have challenges with VAR because the video match officials check every single incident.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So there’s no need for the coach to say ‘please will you check if that was a penalty?’ because that happens automatically.“But with Video Support, because there’s no VAR checking, then  nothing is looked at until somebody asks you to look at it – so it’s completely different.” More