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      I grabbed director of football by the throat and picked him off the floor in front of my team-mates, reveals Troy Deeney

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      TROY DEENEY has revealed the moment he grabbed a director of football by the throat before lifting him off the floor in front of team-mates.Deeney, 36, laid bare the crazy tale from his time at Watford after 11 years at the club.Troy Deeney has revealed the moment he lifted a sporting director by the neck in front of team-matesCredit: Under The CoshThe incident happened during his final days at WatfordCredit: GettyThe striker scored 140 goals in 419 games for the Hornets between 2010 and 2021.He helped win promotion to the Premier League on two separate occasions.And Deeney remains a fan favourite at Vicarage Road to this day.However, the SunSport columnist claims he had a run-in towards the end of his Watford days with former sporting director Cristiano Giaretta.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDeeney claims the Italian would constantly monitor training sessions from the sideline.And one time he informed then-manager Xisco Munoz not to start Deeney in an upcoming game.Deeney then went off to do his own training session.But the forward was left irate when he felt Giaretta was laughing at him, sending Deeney into a fit of rage.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDeeney told Under The Cosh: “I don’t know if he was laughing at me or in general.“I went from being mad at 30 per cent to 300. The old me said to myself ‘are you really going to let him laugh in your face?’Troy Deeney reveals he spent £250k promotion bonus in three days in Las Vegas partying with 15 Victoria’s Secret models Cristiano Giaretta was on the receiving end of Deeney’s rageCredit: Getty“I went straight back out and went to him, ’Is there a f*****g problem? Who the f**k are you laughing at?’“‘You’re going to get me paid up or tomorrow morning you’re going hanging out of your office by your f*****g tie.’“He nervously laughed and I thought again it was at me so I grabbed him by the neck and said, ‘Laugh at me again, I dare you. I’ll f*****g put you in the ground’.“I’ve realised I’ve grabbed him and picked him up off the floor. I’ve got the whole team (watching) going, ‘Oh s**’t what’s happened’.”That season proved to be Deeney’s last at Watford, with the forward joining Birmingham a year later.After two seasons in the Midlands he moved to League Two outfit Forest Green Rovers, where he became player-manager before being sacked in January. More

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      Ex-Man Utd star, 22, left out of international squad after ‘skipping team dinner and refusing to answer calls’

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      FORMER Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga has been left out of Sweden’s squad after skipping a team dinner and failing to answer the manager’s phone calls, according to reports.The Nottingham Forest winger, 22, spent last month’s international games against Slovakia and Estonia warming the bench as an unused substitute.Anthony Elanga has been left out of Sweden’s squadCredit: PAJon Dahl Tomasson spoke on the matter at his latest press conferenceCredit: RexIt is then understood he did himself no favours with his actions after the final game.According to Football Channel, he was the only player in the squad who failed to show up for the team dinner following their 3-0 win over Estonia.Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson was asked during a press conference whether Elanga missing the meal was a sign of him being angry.To which ex-AC Milan and Blackburn striker Tomasson told Sportbladet: “I don’t know. You can ask Anthony yourself if he was angry or not. I don’t know.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDPressed on why Elanga was not at the dinner, the Sweden manager added: “I don’t think I’m the right person to ask that. It’s better to ask him.”Another press conference on Monday saw Tomasson quizzed about the matter again.When asked about if he had spoken to Elanga, he said: “No, he hasn’t called me. Not yet.”I tried to call him but we haven’t been able to connect. But I’m sure we’ll get in touch before the next game.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”There is a long time to go until then.”Tomasson went on to describe Elanga’s behaviour as “strange” but admits there is “nothing we can change”.Fans say ‘I’m getting leg cramps just watching’ as ex-Man Utd ace Anthony Elanga shows off insane workout workoutElanga has assisted two goals in 11 Premier League appearances for Forest so far this season, but is yet to get on the scoresheet.Nuno Espirito Santo’s men are flying high in fifth despite a 3-1 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday.At international level, Elanga already has 19 caps for Sweden and has scored three goals.Sweden sit top of Group C1 after four of six Nations League matches and will secure promotion to League B with a win at home to Slovakia on Saturday. More

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      David Coote booted off Uefa match list and facing sack after vid of him calling Jurgen Klopp a ‘German c***’ leaked

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      DAVID COOTE has been booted off UEFA’S match list as the fallout grows from his astonishing video rant at Jürgen Klopp.The Premier League ref faces the sack after being captured on film calling the former Liverpool boss a “German c***” among other things.He admitted the viral video of him slamming Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool is of himCredit: XDavid Coote has been booted off of Uefa’s match list following the leaking of his Jurgen Klopp rant videoCredit: ReutersDavid Coote takes on the fourth official role at the San Siro for a Champions League gameCredit: AlamyHe was immediately suspended by his bosses at the PGMOL and now Europe’s governing body are taking similarly strong action.Coote is a VAR specialist for Uefa and was involved in Champions League action only last week when Dutch side PSV Eindhoven beat Girona 4-0 on November 4.Coote was down to work at one of Uefa’s Nations League games taking place during this current international round of fixtures.  But he has now been removed.RAD MORE IN FOOTBALLEurope’s refereeing chiefs have followed their English counterparts and Coote will not be appointed to any UEFA matches for the foreseeable future.The PGMOL have launched an investigation into the sensational footage which emerged online on Monday afternoon.Coote is seen sitting with a male friend also labelling Klopp an “arrogant c***”.Coote has not denied the authenticity of the footage but says he “cannot recall” recording the footage which is several years old.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe goes on to dismiss Liverpool as ‘s***’ and says he had  ‘no interest in speaking to somebody as f****** arrogant’. I do my best not to speak to him. My God… German c***. F*** me.”Coote has history with ex Liverpool boss Klopp.They clashed after Burnley drew at Anfield in July 2020 when the football season was extended due to COVID.Coote was criticised as being too lenient. Premier League referee David Coote SUSPENDED as video appears to show him calling Klopp a ‘c***’ in anti-Liverpool rantKlopp said at the time: “The referee let lots of challenges go.”Nottinghamshire official Coote’s career as an official faces ruin as his comments about Liverpool and Klopp will be viewed as evidence that he had an axe to grind with the Anfield club.Coote, a Prem ref since 2018, has been involved in a number of controversies involving Liverpool and their title rivals as both a referee and VAR over recent seasons.That includes a Marcus Rashford goal way back in 2019 which saw Divock Origi seemingly fouled in the build-up – but VAR Coote did not intervene.He was also at Stockley Park when Jordan Pickford crunched Virgil van Dijk, rupturing the Liverpool defender’s ACL – but again Coote did not step in as the Reds did not even get a penalty.And he was once again the VAR when he denied Klopp’s side a penalty last season despite a clear handball from Martin Odegaard at Anfield.READ MORE SUN STORIESA PGMOL statement on Monday said: “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation.”PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”Coote insists he does not remember making the comments about KloppCredit: ReutersShocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.” More

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      Arsenal boost as Martin Odegaard sent home from international duty barely 24 hours after arriving

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      ARSENAL midfielder Martin Odegaard has been sent home from international duty – despite returning from injury last week.The 25-year-old made his first start in three months against Chelsea on Sunday after recovering from a damaged ankle.Martin Odegaard has been sent home from international dutyCredit: ReutersHe will continue his rehabilitation with Arsenal in LondonCredit: GettyHe then joined up with the Norwegian national team ahead of upcoming Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Kazakhstan.But after being assessed by Norway’s medical staff, he returned to London.Odegaard said: “After discussions with the medical staff at the national team, we have unfortunately concluded that the situation is not good enough to play these matches.”I’ve been through a long training period and when you haven’t practised football in the last nine weeks, it’s natural not to be 100 per cent yet.Read More in Football”I need to listen to my body, complete this rehab process and get my foot back in good shape.”The hope has always been to be able to play the national matches, and if I hadn’t played on Sunday, it would have been out of the question to participate anyway.”It’s a very bad feeling to lose these games, I love playing for Norway and with this team.”Norway manager Stale Solbakken went on to say that he was not willing to risk the midfielder’s health.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe explained: “We knew that there was a risk that Martin would not be ready.”He has had a strong desire to take part in the matches, but we cannot risk his health.”Ecstatic Arsenal fans say ‘my captain is BACK’ as Martin Odegaard shares workout video in huge boost following injuryOdegaard will now continue his rehabilitation with Arsenal in London.Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice withdrew from the England squad on Monday due to injury.Saka was forced off with a knock during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.Meanwhile, Rice suffered a broken toe prior to the Premier League clash, but was fit enough to play 71 minutes.Arsenal ratings v ChelseaHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:David Raya – 7Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.Ben White – 5Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.William Saliba – 6Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.Jurrien Timber – 6Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.Thomas Partey – 6Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.Declan Rice – 6Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.Martin Odegaard – 7Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.Bukayo Saka – 5Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.Kai Havertz – 6Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head. More

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      England’s international break is a mess before a ball’s been kicked – this wouldn’t have happened under Gareth Southgate

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      WHAT a mess England’s latest international break is before a ball has even been kicked.Less than four months after contesting the Euro 2024 final, the Three Lions are struggling to put a decent team out for the important – yes, they are, actually – Nations League games against Greece and Ireland.Lee Carsley will have to make do with a depleted squad ahead of his final games as interim England bossCredit: GettyGareth Southgate made England respected again on the pitchCredit: GettyOf course, it is ridiculous that this is the third opportunity for a club versus country row already season.Naturally, over-mighty clubs, mostly the same ones who were prepared to betray English football to set up a European Super League, are taking advantage.But poor old Lee Carsley, his staff and the hordes of fans travelling to Athens for Thursday’s game really have been hung out to dry by the Football Association.By appointing Thomas Tuchel last month but pandering to his desire not to actually start work until January, the Wembley bosses have made what would already have been a difficult situation much, much worse.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPutting the F and the A in farce since…well, for most of the last few decades.But that is the point. Under Gareth Southgate, England stopped being a laughing stock on and off the pitch.Pulling on the shirt became something players wanted to do again, a pleasure instead of the chore it had become across years of underachievement and bad feeling.Fans and media reconnected with the national team. Everyone was in it together.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat culture, years in the making, has been eroded in just a few short weeks.Being manager of England no longer feels like the biggest honour our game can bestow on a coach – the sentiments that Carsley was expressing only a matter of days ago.Lee Carsley reveals classy message to Thomas Tuchel and says new England manager has no influence on his squad If Tuchel can opt in and out and decide which games matter, then why not the players and the clubs who ultimately call the shots?Among the eight withdrawals, there will be genuine injuries which would make it unlikely or unwise for the individual to take part in either match.Yet you can bet if Tuchel was even just going to show his face at St George’s Park this week, or attend Thursday’s game in Athens or Sunday’s at Wembley, some of them would have turned up.You could argue that having Tuchel around if he wasn’t going to mastermind the actual matches, would have undermined Carsley.What, any more than making the interim boss pretend he did not know that he was not going to get the job full-time and his successor had been chosen?Skipper Harry Kane is available for the two upcoming matchesCredit: GettySouthgate 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, 2024The point is, if Tuchel is serious about England and the FA are serious about Tuchel, he should be in charge right now.If he and the FA find themselves having to contest Nations League play-off matches in March instead of World Cup qualifiers and/or top-level friendlies, they will only have themselves to blame.And if the Tuchel/England experiment does not succeed overall – which, by the standards they have publicly laid down, means winning the 2026 World Cup – then they can expect pelters from the fans.Supporters are paying large sums of money to go to Athens to watch what will be an under-strength team. Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.The next major tournament, being staged across four time zones and three countries, will be a major undertaking.And most of the flags you will see in Mexico, Canada and the USA won’t bear the names of Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester City, the sides who have had players pull out of Carsley’s squad.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe majority of the fans who cross the Atlantic will be proudly representing clubs like Luton, Colchester, Stoke and Chesterfield, as well as their country.What a shame others don’t have the same commitment. More

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      Former Real Madrid star’s house left a charred wreck after horrific fire as partner says ‘we are still in shock’

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      FORMER Real Madrid striker Borja Mayoral has suffered a devastating fire at his home that has left his family in “shock”.The Spanish forward, 27, who now plays for Getafe, saw the top floor of his Madrid chalet go up in flames.Borja Mayoral has revealed a fire ripped through his Madrid homeCredit: GettyMayoral’s wife Favia Natalini shared a picture of the devastating impact of the blazeCredit: Instagram @flavianataliniFlavia also thanked the firefighters for putting it outCredit: Instagram @flavianataliniMayoral and Flavia thanked those who sent them well wishesCredit: RexTwo fire engines arrived at the scene to put out the fire.According to Marca, the first two floors were damaged along with the chalet.And Mayoral took to Instagram to provide an update for his 926,000 followers.He said: “As you may have read in various media outlets, I had a problem at home today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Luckily, my family and I are fine and everything has just been a scare.”Thank you very much for your messages of concern.”Mayoral’s partner, Flavia Natalini, posted a picture of the destroyed house showing the rubble that has been left behind.And she said: “You’re asking us a lot about what happened to us… We’re still in shock but we’re all fine and that’s the important thing. Thank you all very much.”Most read in FootballMayoral spent seven years at Real Madrid between 2015 and 2022Credit: AP:Associated PressAlongside another image of the firefighters who put out the blaze, she added: “You are heroes. Thank you.”Mayoral spent seven years at Real Madrid but played just 33 games for the club, scoring seven goals.He won the Champions League and Club World Cup during his time with the Spanish giants, before he eventually departed permanently in 2022 for Getafe.Since penning a long-term deal at the club, Mayoral has scored 26 goals in 69 matches for Getafe.Last season, he racked up his best goal return with 17 in 31 appearances. More

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      Frank Lampard one of ‘EIGHTY’ applicants for vacant EFL job as owner confirms Chelsea legend has applied

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      FRANK LAMPARD could be set for a return to management with Coventry City – but there’s no shortage of competition. The 46-year-old has been out of work since a spell as interim boss of Chelsea last year. Frank Lampard has been tipped for a return to managementCredit: RexThe former England midfielder endured a miserable tenure with EvertonCredit: GettyLampard has managed the Blues, Derby County, and Everton since hanging up his boots in 2016. The three-time Premier League champion is now in the running for the vacant managerial position at Coventry.Sky Blues owner Doug King has confirmed Lampard is being considered for the role. The club parted ways with Mark Robins last week after a poor start to the Championship season. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKing told Sky Sports: “We’ve received a huge amount of CVs from high-quality people of which Frank is one. “We’ve done nothing on that process. But clearly we’re in the international break, and we’ll be assessing everything.”We’ll work out who’s going to make the shortlist and we’ll go from there.”King also confirmed as many as 80 applications have been received by the second-tier club. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRobins’ departure was a shock among Coventry fans, who watched the former Man Utd star drag them from League Two to the cusp of the top-flight. Coventry reached the Championship playoff final in 2022/23, losing on penalties to Luton Town. Frank Lampard hints at next job after Chelsea sacking he’d be ‘crazy’ to turn downRobins guided them to a ninth-placed finish and an FA Cup semi-final last year, but despite serious investment the club currently sit 17th. Following the surprise sacking last week, Coventry legend Steve Ogrizovic spoke of his “shock” at the decision. Ogrizovic told BBC CWR: “Very few things in football shock me but this is a poor decision.”Mark Robins had more to give, look at the club since the day he came in and it’s been year-on-year success and progression.”The sun has been shining on Coventry and they got back into the Championship and along the way there were some great memories for people.”The stadium is full now and it wasn’t when Mark Robins first came to the club.”Mark Robins was sacked by Coventry City last weekCredit: PALampard has not had a managerial position since an interim role with Chelsea in 2023Credit: GettyLampard is a free agent after being sacked by Everton last year.He left the club 19th place in the Premier League, earning just 12 wins from 44 games in charge. Earlier this month, Lampard was tipped to take over from under-fire West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui.READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Sky pundit Jeff Stelling told talkSPORT: “Is it time, if Lopetegui goes, for West Ham to bring Frank Lampard home? Just a thought. “He is available. He’s been mentioned in connection with the Roma job, but West Ham would be ideal for him.” More

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      Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes helps rescue stricken passenger while heading to Portugal international duty

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has been hailed as a “hero” after helping a passenger on a plane while heading to Portugal.Following his Man of the Match performance in Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Leicester on Sunday, Fernandes had began the journey to link up with Portugal over the international break.Bruno Fernandes remarkably helped an unwell passenger on an easyJet flightCredit: ReutersThe incident happened on an easyJet flight from Manchester to LisbonCredit: GettyThe Red Devils’ captain was taking an easyJet flight from Manchester to Lisbon with team-mate Diogo Dalot.However, the 30-year-old was quick to act when he noticed a man appearing to pass out at the back of the plane.As fellow passenger Susanna Lawson told Business Cloud, Fernandes was heard shouting: “Excuse me! We need help! Excuse me! We need help!”Lawson was heading to Web Summit – where Man Utd CEO Omar Berrada, runner Sir Mo Farah, Manchester City star Ruben Dias and Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy will be among those speaking – when the drama unfolded. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe said: “Bruno went to the loo at the back of the plane during the flight.”(We) suddenly heard a shout for assistance which those within hearing distance looked back, including us as we were toward the back.”Bruno was holding a gentleman who looked like he was passing out. “I don’t know if he lost consciousness or not.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Members of the crew rushed to the back to help. “There was a spare seat at the back which Bruno helped the gentleman to sit down on.What does Bruno Fernandes’ celebration mean ?”He stayed at the back with them and made sure he was OK. “It might have been about 5-10 minutes and then he made his way back to his seat but again very unassuming. “He wasn’t looking for any attention on himself.“He was very unassuming. “Unless you knew who he was you would never have known he was anyone special if you know what I mean.“We were not sure whether to ask him for a selfie because of that. “He didn’t mention Man Utd at all.”At the end of the flight, Lawson managed to grab a photo with Fernandes.Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want?She added: “When I asked him politely for a selfie as we were leaving the plane he was absolutely lovely and actually took the selfie himself.”I praised him for looking after the ill passenger. “Honestly if you didn’t know who he was you would have just thought he was any other passenger.”Fernandes’ match-winning exploits at Old Trafford on Sunday marked his 250th appearance for the club.These 250 games have seen him score 83 goals and add 73 assists.When he returns to Carrington after international matches against Poland and Croatia in the Uefa Nations League, Fernandes will be greeted by a new head coach.Ruben Amorim has arrived in England to take over the Man Utd job after leaving his own role at Sporting Lisbon.The club’s last four games had been managed by Ruud van Nistelrooy on an interim basis, with three of those four games since Erik ten Hag’s sacking ending in victory and the other being a draw.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.However, the Dutchman has now left the club with Amorim bringing his own backroom staff in to oversee his new squad.A statement from the club on Van Nistelrooy’s departure said: “Manchester United can confirm that Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club. “Ruud rejoined in the summer and has taken charge of the team for the past four matches as interim head coach. Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend.”We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford.”Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel have also left the club.Before Amorim was announced as the new Man Utd coach, Fernandes tipped the 39-year-old to be a future Premier League manager. He said: “He is a coach who has shown that he is prepared. Being Sporting’s coach and winning championships is not easy. “Sporting went 20 years without winning a championship, and then Mr. Rúben came and won two. That in itself shows that his work is being done well.”Now, whether he can do the same in England or Spain or anywhere else, we will never know until we get there. But I am sure that Mr . Rúben Amorim’s qualities are there for all to see.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Since coach Rúben Amorim arrived at Sporting, I think they have been one of the teams playing the best football, they have been very consistent, the signings have been very successful. “They are in a very good moment. They have just become champions last year and this year they are already starting in the lead. They are a team that is very well prepared.”Ruben 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