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      Man Utd’s Ruben Amorim is latest Portuguese manager in Premier League – will he conquer like Mourinho or flop like AVB?

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      RUBEN AMORIM is gearing up to lead Man Utd for the first time this season.The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss takes his Red Devils side to Portman Road to face off against Ipswich Town.Ruben Amorim will manage Man Utd for the first time this weekendCredit: GettyAmorim’s idol Jose Mourinho is the most successful Portuguese manager on our shoresCredit: GettyMourinho won the Europa League with Man Utd during his spell at Old TraffordIt promises to be an electric atmosphere for Amorim, who will have to quickly come to terms with the cut and thrust of the Premier League.The 39-year-old tactician is the seventh Portuguese boss to manage on our shores.But will he be a success like Jose Mourinho or a turkey like Andre Villas-Boas.Here’s how the coaches from Portugal compare.Read more football newsJose MourinhoA pioneer for Portuguese coaches, the iconic Mourinho was the first from his homeland to coach on our shores.He conquered Europe with Porto, then took over as Chelsea boss – winning two Premier League titles in a row from 2004 to 2006.He added cups to his resume with the Blues, including an FA Cup in 2016 and two League Cups in 2005 and 2007.After successful spells at Inter Milan and Real Madrid, he returned to Stamford Bridge and one ANOTHER Premier League title in 2015, as well as a League Cup in the same year.Most read in FootballDuring his spell at Man Utd from 2016 to 2018, he won the Europa League.Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd fans to expect ‘really hard moments’ as he admits it’s ‘a different world’ to anything before However, he was trophyless at Tottenham during a 17 month spell – getting sacked days before a League Cup final against Man City in 2021.André Villas-BoasIncredibly, Villas-Boas managed at the same clubs Mourinho did – Chelsea and Spurs.However, there are contrasting differences.Villas-Boas was a disaster at Chelsea from the offset, upsetting club captain John Terry by trying to get him to sit in economy on a plane to a preseason tour, while the youth side sat in first class.He was sacked after just eight months in charge, with Chelsea slipping out of the top four on his watch.Villas-Boas would then resurface in London – taking over at Tottenham from Harry Redknapp.That went pear-shaped 17 months in, when a 6-0 defeat to Man City and a 5-0 home thrashing against Liverpool saw him leave the club by mutual consent.Andre Villas-Boas infuriated players like John Terry during his tenure at ChelseaCredit: GettyVillas-Boas also flopped during his time at TottenhamCredit: EPA/PETER POWELLMarco SilvaSilva is currently having his most successful spell as a coach in England, guiding Fulham quietly above expectations.Before he won over the fans at Craven Cottage, he lost a few at Everton.His first season at Goodison Park saw the Toffees finish in eighth spot in the Prem.However, he couldn’t repeat those heroics in his second season, and following a 5-2 defeat to rivals Liverpool he was fired with the club languishing in 18th place.Prior to that, there was a sticky time at Watford who Everton were forced to pay compensation to following a public courting of Silva.That spell started well, until that possible distraction saw Watford flirt dangerously with relegation.Silva’s first appointment in the Prem came ALL the way back in 2017, when he was hired to save the club from relegation.Despite winning his last four home matches, it wasn’t enough to save the Yorkshire club who were rock-bottom when he took over.At Everton things didn’t go to plan for Marco SilvaCredit: REUTERS/David KleinHowever, Silva has proven to be a success at rejuvenated FulhamCredit: Javier Garcia/REX/ShutterstockNuno Espírito SantoLike Silva, Espírito Santo is a seasoned pro on our shores.After taking over Wolves in 2017, he lead the team to the Premier League when they won the Championship in his first season.Two consecutive seventh-placed finishes, as well as a good Europa League run to the quarter-finals in 2020 secured his legacy.He left the club by mutual consent at the end of the 2020-2021 season, joining Tottenham that summer.However, he was dismissed after just four months in charge – following a 3-0 home defeat to Man Utd, which was their fifth defeat in seven matches and left them ninth in the league.Currently, Espírito Santo is doing a first class job at Nottingham Forest, who he joined in 2023.After saving them from relegation last campaign, they’re now flying high in the top seven.Nuno Espirito Santo was a cult figure at Wolves and secured European footballCredit: PA:Empics SPORTSince saving Nottingham Forest from relegation, Espirito Santo has continued to do a good job thereCredit: GettyBruno LageLage came to the Prem with a Portuguese title winner’s medal in his pocket in 2021.But it counted for nothing during his 16 month tenure at Wolves.He ripped up what had been so successful under Espírito Santo by changing the team’s formation.They finished in tenth place in his first season, after a disappointing end to the campaign which saw then winless in seven games, as Lage insisted on imprinting his own style on his side.The following summer he was backed to the tune of over £100million, breaking the club’s transfer record with the signing of Matheus Nunes for £38million.After a defeat to West Ham just three months into the 2022-2023 season, Lage and his team were sacked.He said after that his team, “never lost a match with a striker in the initial line-up, [and] will surely improve as strikers become available.”Bruno Lage spent over £100m as Wolves boss to put his own stamp on the teamCredit: GettyLage was sacked, scratching his head, after a dismal run of resultsCredit: PACarlos CarvalhalCarvalhal proved his chops at Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship, until he left the club by mutual consent in 2017.Four days later, he was named as the new Swansea City manager – following the sacking of Paul Clement – three days after Christmas.He was nominated Premier League Manager of the Month for the month of January, after masterminding consecutive home victories over Liverpool and Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, despite those heroic performances, he couldn’t save the Welsh club from relegation.He left the Liberty Stadium, returned to Portugal, and took up a job at Rio Ave.Carlos Carvalhal was brought into Swansea to save them from relegationCredit: GettyDespite beating Liverpool and Arsenal at home, Swansea were relegatedCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      ‘My family are a big inspiration – we love to talk about the game’, says Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor

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      THE support of her retired football referee father has been an inspiration for Sonia Bompastor during her rise to the top of the game. The Chelsea chief’s dad was watching from the Stamford Bridge stands, as she guided her side to wins against Manchester City and Celtic.Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide Chelsea to their 12th win in 12 games played in the WSL and Champions LeagueCredit: AlamyA Blues win against Man United at Kingsmeadow would extend the team’s lead to five points at the top of the WSL before the international breakCredit: GettyAhead of their clash with Man United Bompastor’s players booked their place in the Champions League quarter finals by beating Celtic 3-0Credit: GettyBoth matches, played last Sunday and on Wednesday, led the Blues to extend their winning streak to 11 games under their boss.Results that pushed them to the WSL’s summit before a 12 midday clash with Manchester United today, and secured their place in the Champions League knockout stage.Bompastor, 44, said: “I know even when he’s back at home he’s watching the games and I really appreciate talking with him about football.”My family is a big inspiration and they have always been supporting me. We love to talk about the gameRead More Football Stories”My Dad was so happy to come (over here) to watch the Manchester City game, the Celtic game and he sometimes talks about tactics.”He pretends he knows a lot! And I’m like, ‘yes I’m listening’.Bompastor’s father Joaquim, who was born in Portugal, officiated amateur level games in France for more than 30 years before hanging up his whistle.Playing football from the age of six with him and her brother put Bompastor on a path that would later lead her to multiple trophy wins as a player and women’s team head coach at her old club Lyon. Most read in FootballThe former defender, who began her Chelsea managerial role in July, says her father had a knack for honing in on the small details of a game.And a referees’ performance is one aspect he keeps a close eye on.Bompastor, who steered Lyon to seven major trophies including a 2022 Champions League title, added  “We are all passionate (about football).”It’s the common thing we have in our family. That’s what brings us together.”When he comes to a game the first thing he does is watch the referee’s performance.”Today Chelsea play their third home match in eight days when they host Marc Skinner’s Man United at Kingsmeadow.Both sides are the only two teams currently unbeaten in the WSL this term after seven games played with both winning in their last league outings.We’re at the top of the table which is the main goal, but if you think that’s enough at the moment, you will drop some points Sonia Bompastor However three draws from their last four top-flight games has seen United drop six points off the leaders with Skinner coming under pressure from some Red Devils fans.While United will be without Ella Toone and possibly Elisabeth Terland, due to injury, Bompastor is mindful of the other attacking threats Players includes Rachel Williams and ex-Lyon forward Melvine Malard.The Blues chief said: “They have some other good players like Melvine.”I know Melvine and since she joined Manchester United (from Lyon) she’s been on fire (for them).”They also have Rachel Williams who might be starting. “She’s a player we know really well here at Chelsea so we are prepared for that.”She’s good with the ball technically, strong in the air and a really athletic player.”While their opponents are six points off them, Bompastor believes the Red Devils are still a threat in the race for the title.And she has no intention of underestimating her rivals.She adds: “We still have a lot of games to play. Everyone is still in the (title) race.”We’re at the top of the table which is the main goal, but if you think that’s enough at the moment, you will drop some points and won’t be focused.”We need to keep the right mentality, work hard and make sure that in every game we take things game by game.”We want to put all the ingredients together to get a good performance.”Having worked as an academy director for eight years at Lyon from 2013 after retiring as a player, Bompastor is keen to bring more promising young talents rise through the Blues ranks. Chelsea’s win against Celtic included the head coach handing a debut to Lola Brown who came on as a 86th-minute substitute. The 17-year-old, who plays in midfield, is among two teenagers who have featured for Chelsea in the Champions League this season. Wieke Kaptein, 19, who joined the Blues last summer before being loaned back to her old club FC Twente for one season, has made nine appearances in Europe and the WSL this term. Bompastor said: “I know my main job is to make sure we perform, get great results and we win titles. Bompastor is wary of Man United’s attacking threats who include ex-Lyon forward Melvine MalardCredit: PA”But I’m also really focused on developing the players, especially the young ones. READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s something really important to have in Chelsea’s squad – young players being developed by the coaches and by me. “It’s enjoyable to work with young players when they have the talent.” More

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      Amorim will BLOCK Man Utd stars from flying on holiday in international break after Neville’s Rashford and Casemiro rant

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      RUBEN AMORIM says he will block Manchester United stars from using international breaks for extra holidays.Red Devils legend Gary Neville laid into Marcus Rashford and Casemiro for jetting off to the US instead of staying behind to meet their new manager.Marcus Rashford copped flak from Gary Neville for travelling to the USA during the international breakCredit: GETTYCasemiro was also criticised by the Red Devils legendCredit: GETTYNew manager Ruben Amorim has vowed to stop players travelling so far during international breaksCredit: GETTYNew United boss Amorim refused to criticise the pair, who were not needed by respective nations England and Brazil.But Erik ten Hag’s Old Trafford replacement made it clear he was unlikely to sanction similar trips in the future.He said: “Would I set a different structure? Yes, for sure. But we cannot put this on the players.“They told them they have five days off so they can fly anywhere. Because nobody in the club says you cannot fly.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“So we cannot, this time, put that on Rash or Case.”Striker Rashford was pictured watching Friday’s NBA clash between the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden.And midfielder Casemiro flew to Florida to enjoy a family holiday at Disney World and an Orlando Magic game.In a Sky Sports interview, Neville apologised to Amorim for initially claiming the pair had travelled even further, to the west coast of America.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut he insisted: “I did get it wrong. “But there’s still a 5-6 hour time difference, they’re on planes, Casemiro’s 30 years of age.”How Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position changeAmorim did not disagree. “He said: “Us as a club have to set the standards and have to manage that.“It’s my decision if they can have five days, or three days, or three days to rest and you cannot fly. “This is something that us as a club have to decide.“So this must be started in the club, with us and me being responsible in that area.” More

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      Skin doctor sues Ronaldo over ace’s £40k ‘unpaid’ bill

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      FOOTIE superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is being sued by a cosmetic doctor over an alleged unpaid £40,000 bill.Dr Roshan Ravindran — known as Dr Rosh — claims the former Man United star, 39, owes him for treatments provided when he was at Old Trafford in 2021 and 2022.Dr Roshan Ravindran claims Ronaldo owes him for treatments provided when he was at Old Trafford in 2021 and 2022Credit: GettyThe former cardiologist’s specialisms include botox and fillers, skin care and eyebrow lifting.He names Ronaldo — famous for his “siuuu” goal celebration — in a formal court form. He does not mention the player’s partner Georgina Rodríguez, 30, but the claim says he did work for Ronaldo “and members of his family and entourage” at his Cheshire clinic.When approached for comment, Dr Rosh, who also runs KLNIK branches in Manchester and London, said: “There is an ongoing legal matter and, as a professional, I do not discuss my patients.”Read More on SportA source said: “Dr Rosh is highly respected and is the silent expert behind figures including top politicians, royalty, sports stars and Hollywood icons.“When it comes to procedures like botox and fillers, Dr Rosh is undeniably the number one choice.“His clientele value absolute discretion as well as world-class treatments.”Ace Ronaldo — now playing in Saudi Arabia on £173million a year — was approached for comment.Most read in FootballCristiano Ronaldo is being sued by a cosmetic doctor over an alleged unpaid £40,000 billCredit: EPACristiano Ronaldo breaks young fan’s phone with wayward penalty and sends him collapsing to floor More

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      Top footie clubs, players and agents cough up £800million after HMRC blitz

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      TOP footie clubs, players and agents have coughed up £800million since HMRC began a tax avoidance probe.The huge tally of unpaid taxes since 2005 includes £75million in the last year.And latest HMRC figures reveal 396 investigations are ongoing — including potential abuses at 33 professional clubs.Newcastle United recently settled a £10million tax dispute that dated back to Mike Ashley’s ownership of the club.Chelsea are being probed having reported themselves to the Premier League after spotting issues as Todd Boehly’s consortium took over ownership from Roman Abramovich.Manchester United are under investigation too, while legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson faces scrutiny over his ACF Sports Promotion firm.Read more on unpaid taxEarlier this year, ex-Man City defender Benjamin Mendy was forced to sell his £5million Cheshire mansion to repay an £800,000 tax debt.Meanwhile, the number of tax investigations in football is likely to rise as a result of inquiries into “dual representation” transfer deals. The deals would see agents claim to work for both a club and a player and split their fee between them.HMRC believes agents work mostly for players and therefore should pay more tax.Most read in FootballOfficials warn they will no longer accept a 50/50 split as the “standard approach”.Ex-England ace Emile Heskey facing bankruptcy in latest battle with taxmanEx-Man City defender Benjamin Mendy was forced to sell his £5million Cheshire mansion to repay an £800,000 tax debt More

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      Shaken Pep Guardiola admits title race could be over NEXT WEEK as ‘fragile’ Man City suffer fifth defeat in a row

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      SHAKEN Pep Guardiola admitted “fragile” Manchester City are in crisis after suffering a FIFTH successive defeat.The four-in-a-row champions’ title defence is in tatters after Guardiola’s heaviest home loss as City boss — days after signing a new two-year deal.Man City will be eight points adrift of Liverpool if Arne Slot’s men beat Southampton… and play the Reds nextBrennan Johnson slide in to score Spurs’ fourth in stoppage time at City where thumped 4-0Credit: ReutersPep Guardiola was far from happy after losing a fifth game in a rowCredit: ISNTVGuardiola said: “Of course everything is not fine. In eight years we have never lived this kind of situation. In this moment we are fragile.“There are no fairytales in life and sport. Sometimes you have to live through these situations.“You have to accept it. You can’t blame each other, you have to stay together.“It would be a mistake to change. Run away? Absolutely not, we have to stand up more than ever. What will define us is when we fail, we stand up and face it.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSGuardiola, who suffered a FIFTH successive defeat for the first time in his managerial career, added: “We are concerned when we don’t win. It’s normal.“There would be a problem if my players were not worried or that I wasn’t worried.“I don’t know what will happen this season, but not for one second will I not believe in the players.“There is no team in the world that can sustain success for eight, nine, ten years in a row.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“We will analyse it, go to the next game and see what happens.”A double from birthday boy James Maddison, plus goals from Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson sealed Spurs’ Etihad rout.Moment Pep Guardiola launches furious F-word rant at ‘unacceptable’ Phil Foden captured in Man City documentaryThe defeat leaves City five points behind Prem leaders Liverpool, who play at rock-bottom Southampton today.It was the first time since Chelsea in 1956 that the top-flight champions have lost FIVE games in a row.Spurs’ stunning victory also ended City’s 35-match unbeaten home Prem run.A defeat to Liverpool at Anfield next Sunday could see them 11 POINTS adrift and, asked if that gap would be too big to overcome, Guardiola said: “Yep, because Liverpool keep winning.”Delighted Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said: “I’m proud of the lads. To come to City is a daunting prospect. It challenges every part of you.“We had to be disciplined and work hard — and play decent football — and we did that.”And he heaped praise on two-goal Maddison.Postecoglou said: “He was outstanding. Madders was great.”Maddison, 28, added: “That’s a birthday I’ll look back on quite fondly.“To come here to the champions and perform like that and get the result. You have to cherish these ones, they don’t come around often.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We were brilliant. It was everything we wanted to show of a top Spurs team.“We were clinical, we pressed at times. We weathered the storm, had determination and scored four brilliant goals.” More

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      ‘We’ll send the MRI’ – Arteta hits back at Saka injury doubters as Arsenal star scores after missing England duty

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      MIKEL ARTETA says he will send a scan of Bukayo Saka’s injury to anyone claiming the winger was fit for England duty.Three Lions skipper Harry Kane questioned the commitment of some players after Saka and eight others withdrew from the latest squad.Mikel Arteta has hit back at critics of Bukayo Saka after he withdrew from England duty with injuryCredit: GettySaka scored in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on SaturdayCredit: GettySaka scored for Arsenal on Saturday after recovering from his thigh injury.Boss Arteta said: “We can send them the MRI scan, it’s very simple.”Saka scored one and made one in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.Arteta added: “The communication was very clear between the medical staff of Arsenal and the national team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He needed time to heal. He has done one training session.”Saka and club-mate Declan Rice were named in Lee Carsley’s original 26-man squad for the Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.Both had come off in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea.Arsenal sent Saka for a scan and the results were shared with England’s medical team who said the player should remain with the Gunners for treatment.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRice pulled out as he was playing with a broken toe.Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill also withdrew, as did Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, plus Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite — those five all played for their clubs yesterday.Moment Jude Bellingham gives Arsenal transfer hope after fan asks him to join GunnersSouthampton’s Aaron Ramsdale (finger) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh) of Liverpool also called off Three Lions duty.Kane, who was himself carrying a knock, did not hide his disappointment.He had said: “England comes before anything. It comes before club.”Palmer, 22, played 90 minutes before and after the international break.But his Blues boss Enzo Maresca denies Chelsea are pressuring him to put club before country.He snapped: “Absolutely not. I’m not thinking about Harry Kane, or what he’s saying.” More

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      Nicky Butt attends Man Utd charity gala with mystery blonde as he’s seen with date for first time since split from wife

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      NICKY BUTT attended a Manchester United charity gala with a mystery blonde as he was seen out with a date for the first time since splitting from his wife.Club legend Butt, 49, was accompanied by the glamorous new woman as he returned to Old Trafford for the event on Saturday evening.Man Utd icon Nicky Butt has been spotted with a mystery womanCredit: mancpicss66The glamorous blonde arrived with Butt at Old Trafford for a charity eventCredit: mancpicss66She wore a white dress despite the blustery conditionsCredit: mancpicss66Butt’s mystery woman protected herself from the rain with an umbrellaCredit: mancpicss66His companion looks glamorous in a short white dress and sparkly high heels despite the blustery conditions.She protected herself from the rain with an umbrella as United favourite Butt, who was dressed in a suit, bravely faced the wet breeze uncovered.Six-time Premier League winner Butt was previously married to Shelley Barlow.They got hitched in 2008 and had two children together.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the couple split in 2019 when Butt was arrested for alleged domestic assault – before later seeing charges dropped.Police were called to a property in Hale, Greater Manchester and said they found a woman at the address who had suffered a small cut to her hand which did not require hospital treatment.Butt denied attacking Barlow and also pleaded not guilty to causing £800 of criminal damage to her Apple iPhone 7.And in February 2020 the assault charge was dropped after the Crown Prosecution Service declared there wasn’t enough evidence.Most read in FootballA CPS spokesperson said at the time: “We have a duty to keep all cases under review and following the receipt of new material have decided to discontinue this prosecution.“Mr Butt has agreed to accept a caution for criminal damage.”Sir Alex Ferguson booked me a flight home from my holiday and hauled me back to Man Utd – I hadn’t done anything wrongButt and his mystery date braved the Manchester rainCredit: mancpicss66Butt returned to his old club for the eventCredit: mancpicss66Butt’s date looked glamorous despite the weather conditionsCredit: mancpicss66In June this year, Butt was banned from driving for 12 months after admitting causing serious injury by careless driving.The former United star smashed into victim Andrew Fielding while driving carelessly in his Land Rover Defender through Burnley.Fielding suffered a broken left leg, which needed metal rods inserted following an operation, and severe bruising.Butt admitted causing serious injury by careless driving and was banned from getting behind the wheel for 12 months — while also being ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.Butt separated from wife Shelley Barlow in 2019Credit: PA:Press AssociationButt played 387 times for United during 12 seasons under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning six titles, three FA Cups and one Champions League.Butt also played for Newcastle and Birmingham before ending his career in 2011 with Hong Kong side South China.He also won 39 caps for England between 1997 and 2004.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd until 2021 Butt coached youth sides at former club United.He is also a part-owner of Salford with Class of 92 pals Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, serving as CEO until quitting last month. More