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      Who is Godwill Kukonki? Meet Man Utd’s towering 16-year-old defender who is set to be in Ruben Amorim’s first squad

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      TEEN sensation Godwill Kukonki looks destined for a future in Manchester United’s first-team after Ruben Amorim included him in his first matchday squad.The Portuguese gaffer’s first match in charge of the club sees his troops take on Ipswich Town at Portman Road this afternoon.Ruben Amorim takes charge of his first Manchester United game this afternoonCredit: GETTYThe Portuguese gaffer took charge of his first training session earlier this weekCredit: GETTYAnd he included 16-year-old defender Godwill Kukonki in his match-day squad for today’s clash with IpswichCredit: GETTYKukonki was called up to train with the first team this weekCredit: MANCHESTER UNITEDUnited fans around the world have been wondering what Amorim’s first starting XI will look like.And some have been left gobsmacked by the match day inclusion of teenager Kukonki, despite his recent training with the first team.But who is the teenager that is currently the talk of the Old Trafford faithful?SunSport is on hand to shed some light on the starlet, whom many believe has a bright future at the club.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHow long has Kukonki been at Manchester United?The 16-year-old defender, who was born in Stoke On Trent, joined United at the tender age of five after being discovered by their scouts.He’s been an ever-present in the club’s youth teams over the years and has stood out as of late due to his incredible stature.Kukonki stands at a whopping 6ft 5in and has shown no signs of slowing down when it comes to his growth.His incredible build has served him well over the years, but it hasn’t been the sole reason for his success.Most read in FootballGodwill Kukonki stands at a whopping 6ft 5in at the tender age of 16Credit: GETTYThe defender has been heralded for his ability on the ballCredit: GETTYHow Kukonki fared so far?The left-sided centre-back has shown defensive prowess well beyond his years during his time at the club.Gary Neville admits ‘I got it wrong’ and apologises over Rashford criticism as Amorim demands Man Utd ‘change standards’ And they have played a major factor in his recent graduation to the club’s Under-18s squad.Kukonki has well and truly risen to the challenge this season, showcasing great ability on and off the ball in addition to his physical qualities.His ability to play out from the back, in particular, has been repeatedly heralded.Kukonki has nine appearances for United’s Under-18s to his name so far this season, in which he’s scored one goal and bagged one assist.And his impressive displays must have been relayed to Amorim, who has made the bold decision to include him in today’s matchday squad.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.What’s Kukonki said?Kukonki, unsurprisingly, has yet to conduct any interviews.He has, however, reflected on his brief United career on his Instagram account – which only includes four posts.Late last month, he shared a series of snaps from his Uefa Youth League debut against Lithuanian ZK Zalgiris.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlong with a praying hands emoji, he wrote #UYL debut.”He’ll no doubt post a similar photo if and when he makes his first-team debut.Godwill Kukonki has been tipped by many to have a bright future at Old TraffordCredit: GETTY More

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      Erling Haaland’s shocking record since telling Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to ‘stay humble’ is revealed

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      ERLING HAALAND has produced a shocking record since telling Mikel Arteta to “stay humble”.Manchester City have lost their last five games in all competitions – their worst run of results since 2006 under Stuart Pearce.Erling Haaland’s form has dropped over the last seven Premier League gamesCredit: GettyHe has only scored two league goals since telling Mikel Arteta to ‘stay humble’Credit: X @SkySportsPLAs the Citizens’ results have dropped, so has the form of Haaland.Since the 2-2 draw against Arsenal in September, the striker has only found the net five times in 11 games in all competitions.Only two of those goals have come in the Premier League, which is a stark contrast to the ten he had scored beforehand.Haaland, 24, started the season with two hat-tricks in his first four games and his 10th came against the Gunners.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter John Stones’ dramatic equaliser at the Emirates, the Norweigan was seen saying “stay humble” to Arteta.He was also involved in a heated confrontation with Arsenal and former City striker Gabriel Jesus.The “stay humble” jibe is now being used against him by fans due to his drop in standards.Since the clash in North London, Haaland’s two goals have come against Southampton and Brighton and Hove Albion.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDuring the seven Premier League games, he has had 36 shots and an Xg of 6.1.Against Tottenham Hotspur, Haaland’s struggles were laid bare for all to see as his side shipped four goals in a crushing defeat.Glum Pep Guardiola says Man City ‘cannot deny reality’ after slipping to FIFTH defeat in a rowThe usually clinical striker mustered seven shots in the match but missed the target with four of them.Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario denied Haaland twice while his other effort struck the woodwork.Despite playing the full 90 minutes, Haaland only touched the ball 24 times.He lost five of his duels and misplaced two of his ten passes.Four of his accurate eight passes went backwards, with only one actually going towards the Spurs penalty box.Despite Man City’s horror form, the club remains second in the Premier League table.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, Chelsea and Arsenal have closed the gap to just one point with their respective wins over Leicester City and Nottingham Forest.The reigning champions next game in the league comes against league leaders Liverpool on December 1.Man City’s horror stats after Spurs defeatHere is a look at the shocking stats Man City have set with their defeat to Tottenham…Worst losing streak since 2006.First time City has lost three successive home games under Pep Guardiola.First time Guardiola has lost a home league game by four goals.Joint biggest defeat for Guardiola as a manager.Man City’s heaviest defeat at the Etihad Stadium.First time top-flight champions have lost five in a row in all competitions since Chelsea in 1956.Guardiola has now lost nine times to Tottenham – more than any other opponent. More

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      Leicester lining up shock transfer for Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson but could offload star to get him on loan

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      LEICESTER want to buy Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson from Brighton in a bid to beat the drop.The Foxes think the target man, 20, would be ideal for their side as they battle for Prem survival.Evan Ferguson is attracting interest from LeicesterCredit: RexAlbion may send Ferguson out on loan but Leicester cannot do that as they already have Facundo Buonanotte on a temporary spell from them.City do not have a spot for a second Prem loanee unless they move out Odsonne Edouard, who has struggled since arriving from Crystal Palace.So Steve Cooper’s side will have to chase Ferguson on a full-time basis and that makes it doubly hard for them to succeed.Ferguson fancies a Prem loan but it may be hard for him to find.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Burnley are interested if he lowers his sights to the Championship.Ferguson made his Premier League debut for the Seagulls in February 2022.He ended his half season with the team scoring six goals, before adding six more last season before an ankle injury ended his campaign.His impressive early form saw him linked with sensational £100million transfers to the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut this season he has one goal from seven league appearances.He played four minutes off the bench in their 2-1 win against Bournemouth.Coronation Street legend who plays Roy Cropper spotted singing X-rated chant at Premier League match More

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      Man Utd fans face travel chaos as Storm Bert threatens to ruin chance of seeing Amorim’s first game in charge vs Ipswich

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are facing a travel nightmare as the country continues to feel the full force of Storm Bert.New manager Ruben Amorim takes charge of his first game this afternoon against Ipswich.Ruben Amorim takes charge of his first game as United bossCredit: GettyFans are facing travel chaos getting to IpswichCredit: PABut some away supporters are having difficulty getting to Portman Road for the 4:30pm kick-off.Train lines between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent have been flooded, causing cancellations and huge delays.There are also several road closures and lengthy detours in place in the North West.For United fans living in the capital, there is disruption on trains from London to Ipswich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Met Office have issued a yellow weather warning as torrential rain, heavy snow and strong winds continue to batter the UK.These conditions are set to continue into the evening, giving United fans potential difficulty getting home from Ipswich too.Liverpool supporters are facing similar challenges as they travel down to face Southampton this afternoon.The police are advising against non-essential travel due to the dangerous weather in some areas.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSStorm Bert has already caused chaos in the EFL after several matches were postponed yesterday. In the Championship, Blackburn vs Portsmouth was called off due to flooding and League Two games Bradford vs Accrington Stanley and Fleetwood vs MK Dons also got axed.’Thunder and hail’ on route amid flooding & second overnight Storm Bert warningAll Premier League games are set to go ahead this weekend, including tomorrow’s clash between Newcastle and West Ham.The North East has been hit with 70mph winds and the storm could wreak havoc for the Hammers’ travel plans. More

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      Ex-Chelsea keeper comically scores ‘best own goal you’ll see’ after ‘slapping it top bins’ leaving commentators stunned

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      A FORMER Chelsea goalkeeper has scored one of the “best own goals” -leaving commentators stunned.Walton & Hersham played out a thrilling 4-4 draw against Gloucester City in the Non League Premier on Saturday.Gloucester City’s goalkeeper scored a hilarious own goal against Walton & HershamCredit: xJared Thompson was unfortunate enough to fire the ball into the top cornerCredit: xThe two clubs are battling it out towards the top of the league, but it was a gaffe by Gloucester’s goalkeeper that caught the attention.Just four minutes into the match, former Chelsea academy star Jared Thompson tried to play the ball to the right-back.However, he got his pass all wrong as he fired the ball in off the post of his own goal from an almost impossible angle.The commentators were left stunned as they could be heard screaming, “Oh my word.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootage of the goal has gone viral on social media as many fans were amazed by the error.One posted: “That’s the best own goal you will ever see.”A second wrote: “Bro slapped it top bins.”A third commented: “Zero angle perfect precision.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA fourth said: “Unbelievable! That’s pure comedy gold.”A fifth joked: “I blame Pep [Guardiola]. Wouldn’t have happened 10/15 years ago.”‘Non-league at its best’, joke fans after goalkeeper gets stuck in his own NET..Another added: “Bloody hell. He really didn’t need to go top corner. Suarez would be proud.”The own-goal set up Walton & Hersham to spring themselves into a 4-0 lead before half-time.However, Gloucester were able to get level after pulling off a brilliant comeback.Jayden Crosbie scored the equaliser in the 92nd minute to keep themselves six points ahead of their opponents.During his time at the Blues, Thompson played 12 times for the under 18s side, keeping five clean sheets.He also won the English Youth League with the club.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Crystal Palace lining up bargain transfer for Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki despite dispute with co-owner John Textor

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are keen to sign Lyon midfield magician Rayan Cherki — and hope John Textor can help with the deal.Palace see Cherki, 21, as their missing link after the loss of Michael Olise to Bayern Munich in the last window.Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner hopes to bring in reinforcements in JanuaryCredit: REXThe Austrian is eyeing a move for Lyon ace Rayan CherkiCredit: APGlasner is understood to view the France Under-21 international as a replacement for Michael OliseCredit: REXCherki was watched by Palace last night and could be sold for around £20million as Lyon are under orders to raise cash or be relegated next season.Lyon owner Textor is currently in dispute with Palace after trying to buy Everton. But he could be key in sorting a fee between the clubs.However, the final decision will lie with Cherki, who turned down interest from Fulham in the past.Palace are currently in the relegation zone having lost six of their 12 Premier League matches so far this season.READ MORE ON PALACEAnd manager Oliver Glasner is desperate to bring in attacking and defensive reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window.The Austrian said: “It’s not so difficult to analyse our squad.”We have a lot of midfielders – Adam Wharton, Will Hughes, Jefferson Lerma and Cheick Doucoure.“It wouldn’t make sense to add a new central midfielder.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWho is Oliver Glasner?FORMER defender Oliver Glasner is a Europa League-winning manager.The Austrian, 49, spent his entire playing career in his homeland, and was a one-club man, playing 516 times over 19 years for SV Reid.But he was forced to retire in terrifying circumstances when he developed a brain haemorrhage after heading a ball in training.Emergency surgery saved his life but it spelled the end of him playing career, aged 37.Thankfully, Glasner recovered and embarked upon what has become a very successful coaching career.He reached out to Ralf Rangnick for a job and became sports coordinator and assistant manager at Red Bull Salzburg. Glasner was handed his first managerial role at former club SV Ried in 2014, guiding the club to a sixth-place finish in the Austrian Bundesliga.He then moved on to LASK, where he served as both manager and director of football between 2015 and 2019.During that time, LASK won promotion back to the top-flight and returned to Europe before a second-place finish in Glasner’s final season in charge.Following his success at LASK, Glasner moved to Germany with Wolfsburg in 2019.After securing Champions League football in 2021, the Austrian moved to Frankfurt.His maiden season with the club would end with European glory, as Frankfurt beat Rangers on penalties in the Europa League final.The triumph earned the club their third European trophy and first since 1980.Glasner left the Eagles last summer after a seventh-place finish and a run to the Champions League last 16.”It’s the same at the back with Chadi Riad and Chris Richards now coming back.”We have Trevoh Chalobah, Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guehi. We have Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Ward who can play in this position – we have enough.Marc Guehi shows off his skills in training with Crystal Palace “In our attack, especially with Matheus Franca, which is the most disappointing for himself, because he really worked hard on his rehab and was a very important player in our planning.“But he hasn’t been available and that means we don’t have as many numbers.”We have missed him for the whole start of the season, so it’s clear we want to add an attacking player.”He added: “When we look at the left wing-back position, maybe we don’t have many left-footed wing-backs.”Palace will be back in action next Saturday, welcoming Newcastle United to Selhurst Park. More

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      Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney ready to raid Liverpool in loan transfer for striker to boost Plymouth survival bid

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      WAYNE ROONEY is ready to raid Liverpool to bolster his attacking options at Plymouth.The Manchester United legend has had a mixed start to his time at Argyle since being appointed manager in the summer.Wayne Rooney is looking at a loan move to sign Jayden DannsCredit: RexThe Liverpool striker scored twice in the FA Cup last seasonCredit: GettyRooney, 39, has led the Championship side to 19th in the league with four wins, five draws and seven losses.However, Plymouth have only found the net 17 times in their opening 16 games.This has seen Rooney look to the loan market in order to add reinforcements in January.They are interested in Liverpool teenage striker Jayden Danns.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 18-year-old is back in training after recovering from injury and is aiming to appear in games before the new year.Reds boss Arne Slot could opt to loan out Danns should he decide it is best for his development.A temporary switch to Home Park Stadium could be beneficial, as Danns could learn from Rooney’s wealth of experience.Danns has already made five first-team appearances for Liverpool in his career.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe scored twice for the club in their 3-0 FA Cup victory over Southampton back in February.He also made an appearance for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea.Wayne Rooney doesn’t hesitate in naming England’s best player as Man Utd legend snubs Jude Bellingham Meanwhile, Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports could buy a club in France at the second attempt.The Americans pulled out of a move for struggling Bordeaux but have kept their contacts working on an alternative.Several French clubs have changed ownership recently, and many are open to doing business at the right price.Rooney’s most recent game in charge of Plymouth ended in a 2-2 draw against Watford.The Hornets took the lead however their fans produced a bizarre delayed reaction.Argyle struck late to earn a point as Andre Gray fired in a curling effort in the 96th minute.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Alan Shearer makes cheeky pitch to be new Match of the Day host in first show since Gary Lineker exit confirmed

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      ALAN SHEARER made a cheeky pitch to become the new host of Match of the Day.Last night’s edition of the Premier League highlights show was the first since the BBC confirmed Gary Lineker would leave at the end of the season.Alan Shearer made a hilarious pitch to take over as Motd’s new hostCredit: X @BBCMOTDGary Lineker is stepping down at the end of the seasonCredit: X @BBCMOTDThe 63-year-old was in the hotseat yesterday, with Shearer and Ashley Williams the pundits.But Lineker did not introduce the show as usual – instead giving the honours to the Newcastle legend as the pair performed a hilarious joke.Looking down the lens of the camera like a presenter, Shearer quipped: “All good things must come to an end.”Lineker then replied: “Yes, Alan. Lee Carsley’s England reign is over.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s back to business in the Premier League. Seven games on the way. Alan Shearer and Ashley Williams join us.”Lineker then whispered under his breath: “Al ain’t getting the job, is he?”Shearer has been a pundit on Match of the Day since 2006 but is not thought to be in the running to take his pal’s job after his 26 years at the helm.Though he would be a popular choice as a study by Ipsos revealed 22 per cent of viewers want him as the new host.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut experienced presenter Mark Chapman is currently the favourite.Alex Scott, Kelly Cates and Kelly Somers are also in the running.Gary Lineker’s best Match of the Day momentsLineker will cover FA Cup and World Cup games with the Beeb until 2026 and he will then officially leave.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More