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      Thomas Tuchel has FIFTY-FIVE players on the list for his first England squad ahead of World Cup qualifiers

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is working off a massive 55-man list ahead of naming his first England squad.The new Three Lions manager will name his first squad tomorrow week for the home World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Thomas Tuchel has a pool of 55 players he will pick his squad fromCredit: PAAnd Tuchel is keeping an open mind over who to select by looking at such a vast number of stars at home and abroad.The German has spoken to the vast majority of the players with Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham impressed with the former Chelsea manager who officially started on January 1.Tuchel, who is based in London, has been working at St George’s Park this week while he also went to Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich in the FA Cup on Monday.The 51-year-old succeeds Gareth Southgate and has signed an 18-month contract which will end after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBullingham said: “I think Gareth was very, very connected and very smart culturally, as well.“I think Thomas is the same and he realised early on that you don’t build those connections with players in the 60 days you get together [over the course of the year], so he’s put a lot of effort into that.“I think he’s got 55 on this long list and makes sure that he’s got a strong connection with them, that they know that he’s seen them. “It’s not only the players in England, it’s players playing abroad as well, and I think that that will only stand [him] in a good stead in the long run.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“He’s made a really strong impact and has hit the ground running. I think you’ve seen him in a number of games. “He’s also integrated a small number of his sports team he brought with him into SGP. Thomas Tuchel sends 27-word Christmas message to England fans with new job to start in days”He’s been up there a lot and spent a lot of time with people.“We’ve already started looking at some of the challenges ahead in terms of America and the different dynamics that that presents in terms of climate, distance, altitude, and that type of thing.“But yes, we all want to get the first game, don’t we? And we are looking forward to that.”Incredibly, Tuchel’s first game against Albania on March 21 is already a Wembley sell-out. The game against Latvia three days later is expected to attract a crowd of at least 70,000.Bullingham also hinted that Tuchel could stay beyond his current deal.He added: “I think Thomas always said ‘I might be here for 10 years, but I’ll only ever sign up in two-year cycles’ effectively. “And the reason for that is he just wants his sole focus to be on the next tournament and be really single-minded with the players on that, but it’s very early to judge, but I can say that he’s made a brilliant impact already, so we’re very happy with them.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We had a brilliant team before, so he had a hard act to follow, but it is just the way he’s integrated into SGP and the impact he’s made on the team up there has been really positive.“He’s an incredibly charismatic and energetic individual, so I expected that positive impact and have just been pleased with it.” More

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      ‘Won’t be able to look him in the eye’ – Christine Lampard and MOTD’s Kelly Cates in hysterics over ‘Frank’s hot sauce’

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      KELLY CATES and Christine Lampard were left in hysterics over a gag about Frank’s hot sauce.The pair were speechless as they laughed with Hayley McQueen on their podcast, Not Just Football.Hayley McQueen made a comment about Frank’s hot sauce that left her co-hosts in stitchesChristine Lampard found the reference to her husband Frank hilariousKelly Cates was left in hystericsMcQueen was referencing Frank’s RedHot sauceCredit: Getty – ContributorMcQueen joked she would not be able to look Frank Lampard in the eyeCredit: PAThey had been discussing places to watch women’s sports while chomping down on chicken wings.That led McQueen to bring up wing sauces, and her faux pas derailed the whole episode after a mention of Lampard’s famous footy husband Frank.She said: “Frank’s hot sauce mmm, not your Frank, the actual…”That sparked laughter from her colleagues with Cates replying: “That means something else to Christine.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe trio were in hysterics after that as McQueen covered her face and attempted to retain composure.She said: “I meant from that fast food chain, the famous sauce.”Lampard responded: “Alright Hayley…Frank’s fiery hot sauce I mean it’s something else.”After a moment Cates said: “That’s one of those things that later on tonight I’m just going to be sitting and that’s going to make me laugh.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd just when it looked like the moment had passed, all three were left laughing again after McQueen said: “Don’t tell Frank.”I’ll never be able to look at him in the eye properly again.”Wayne Bridge recalls ‘unbelievable’ fight between two Chelsea teammates which left one KO’d All three hosts were left wiping tears from their eyes as Cates called for calm and attempted to steer the episode back on course. More

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      Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 27: target European home legs for plentiful points

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      DREAM TEAM managers have until 11am on Saturday morning to confirm their transfers for Gameweek 27.All six Premier League clubs still active in Europe will play the second legs of their respective round of 16 ties at home this coming Gameweek and so it’s all eyes on Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea.With this in mind, some transfer recommendations to mull over…Proving to be a smart loan recruitCredit: Dream TeamMarco Asensio (£3.5m)Dream Team bosses who took a punt on the Spain international in Gameweek 26 were handsomely rewarded with 26 points.Asensio bagged a brace against Cardiff in the FA Cup before coming off the bench to convert a late penalty at Club Brugge in the Champions League.Chasing lost points is a futile endeavour but the former Real Madrid midfielder has to be considered a decent option for Gameweek 27 too – the Villians will face Brentford on Saturday before welcoming the Belgian outfit to Villa Park in midweek.Asensio averages a goal every 67.6 minutes since his loan switch from PSG in January.That being said, this suggestion comes with the caveat that Unai Emery’s side will BLANK in Gameweek 28.This means if you bring Asensio into your XI this week, you will have to replace him next week or accept a goose egg.The same goes for Ollie Watkins (£5.2m), Morgan Rogers (£3.9m), Marcus Rashford (£3.5m), etc.Most read in FootballDeja vu?Credit: RexDominik Szoboszlai (£4.6m)We listed Liverpool’s No8 in last week’s transfer recommendations and while a two-point return in Gameweek 26 hardly suggests he’s worthy of a repeat mention, we feel he should be underlined.The reason for this is that the Reds are due to face relegation-bound Southampton at Anfield this weekend.There’s an outside chance Arne Slot will rest some key players against the hapless Saints, prioritising the second leg against PSG, who were very impressive despite defeat in the French capital on Wednesday night.However, Dream Team bosses will have to take that minor risk as the potential of plentiful points is too great to ignore.Mohamed Salah (£8.3m), Luis Diaz (£3.5m), Virgil van Dijk (£4.7m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) are all among the most popular players in the game but Szoboszlai features in just 8.5% of teams at the time of writing.The Hungary captain could be a point of difference in Gameweek 27.Alisson (£4.3m) also deserves a mention after his superhuman performance in Paris.Keep the faithCredit: GettyCole Palmer (£5.8m)Chelsea’s talisman would usually fall under the umbrella of: too obvious to mention.But we’ve decided to include him this week as he was the third-most transferred-out player for Gameweek 26.Palmer hasn’t been at his best recently but only Salah averages more points-per-game in 2024/25.The Blues’ double header of Leicester and Copenhagen (both at Stamford Bridge) is hugely inviting on paper.How Enzo Maresca uses his star player in Denmark later today may give gaffers an indication of what they can expect from Palmer minutes-wise in Gameweek 27.PSV again? Bring it onCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard (£4.8m)Having failed to score against West Ham and Nottingham Forest, Arsenal made a big statement against PSV in midweek with an emphatic 7-1 victory to all but seal their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.That one-sided result makes the Dutch side’s upcoming trip to the Emirates an enticing proposition.Injuries mean Mikel Arteta doesn’t really have the option to rotate his attack-minded assets and so there’s a strong chance Odegaard will be given the opportunity to strut his stuff again – the Norwegian midfielder banked 21 points in Eindhoven via two goals and an assist.READ MORE SUN STORIESBefore the Gunners complete their Champions League rout, they have the small matter of an away day to Old Trafford to fulfil – which is almost a favourable fixture itself these days.Ethan Nwaneri (£2.2m) and emergency striker Mikel Merino (£3.6m) are also viable options.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Real Sociedad vs Man Utd LIVE SCORE: Europa League updates as Amorim’s men travel to Spain for first leg of last 16 tie

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      RUBEN AMORIM has just one avenue for success remaining in his search for a trophy in his first season at Manchester United.The Red Devils, who are seemingly closer to the Championship than the Champions League this term, crashed out of the FA Cup against Fulham on Sunday.Amorim has failed to steady a sinking ship at Old Trafford and faces Spanish side Real Sociedad in the last-16 of the Europa League, which is the last completion he can claim silverware from this season.Sociedad, managed by Imanol Alguacil, are currently 9th in La Liga, and finished 13th in the Europa League group stage.Kick-off time: 5.45pm GMTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: discovery+Real Sociedad team: team to follow…Man United team: team to follow…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Welcome to SunSport’s coverage of Real Sociedad vs Man United in the UEFA Europa League!Manchester United take on Real Sociedad in the Europa League round of 16.United have endured a poor season, and Ruben Amorim has been unable to steady a sinking ship at Old Trafford.However, the side were more than comfortable in the Europa League, qualifying in the top eight and qualifying for the round of 16 automatically.As such, the first leg tonight will take place in Spain, and in a week the second leg will take place at Old Trafford.Fellow English side Tottenham Hotspur are also in action at 5:45pm GMT tonight, taking on AZ Alkmaar.Ange Postecoglou’s side are level on points with Manchester United, with both looking for a boost in somewhat poor seasons.With United and Spurs drawn on opposite sides of the draw, they could meet each other in the final.Stay tuned to SunSport for LIVE updates of BOTH clashes.Copy linkCopied More

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      Copenhagen vs Chelsea LIVE SCORE: Conference League updates as Blues travel to Denmark for last-16 first leg – latest

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      CHELSEA travel to Denmark to take on Danish Superliga leaders Copenhagen in the first leg of their Conference League last 16 tie.Enzo Maresca’s Blues have endured a tough spell as of late, but still look comfortable favourites to pick up victory in Denmark.They put a disappointing spell behind them as they swept aside Southampton 4-0 in their last fixture.Copenhagen reached the round of 16 after finishing 18th in the Conference League table and beating FC Heidenheim in the knockout eliminator.Kick-off time: 5:45pm GMTTV channel: TNT Sports 4Live stream: discovery+Copenhagen team: team to follow…Chelsea team: team to follow…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Welcome to SunSport’s coverage of Copenhagen vs Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League!Chelsea take on Copenhagen in the Conference League round of 16.The first leg will take place in Denmark, and the second leg this time in a week will take place at Stamford Bridge.Enzo Maresca’s side have had the privilege of rotating for much of the group stage, but still looked more than comfortable as they topped the league table.Copenhagen had to go through the elimination knockout round to get here, and were run close by Heidenheim.The Danish side edged past the Germans, scoring in the 113th minute of the second leg to go through 4-3 on aggregate.Maresca’s Blues have struggled as of late, but were comfortable 4-0 victors over Southampton last time out, so will be hoping to build on that victory tonight.Stay tuned for LIVE updates of Chelsea’s trip to Denmark, courtesy of SunSport.Copy linkCopied More

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      FA Cup TV fixtures confirmed with Nottingham Forest and Man City fans facing nightmare trips

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      THE FA Cup quarter-final schedule has been confirmed – and some fans are not happy.Fixtures will take place on the 29th and 30th March, with Fulham vs Crystal Palace opening the weekend.Fulham host Crystal Palace in the first match of the weekendCredit: GettyBrighton host Nottingham ForestCredit: GettyMan City face a tough trip to BournemouthCredit: GettyThe all-London fixture is set for 12:15pm on the Saturday and it will be shown live on ITV1 and ITVX.That will be followed by Brighton vs Nottingham Forest at 5:15pm.However, some travelling fans could face travel chaos after the match.As things stand, the final train from London to Nottingham is 10:32pm which could give fans a tight turnaround getting from Brighton to the capital at full-time.Read More in FootballThere are also maintenance works currently planned between Brighton and London, which could double the time it usually takes to travel between the two cities.Should the match go to extra-time, it could leave fans at risk of missing the return train to Nottingham entirely.Some fans have already raised travel concerns, with one person taking to social media to write: “Train back on Saturday night looks a major problem!”Another commented: “At least it’s the Saturday for #NFFC, but planning a trip home will be fun considering potential extra time, penalties and the joys of Falmer station…”Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile a third said: “Brilliant, except for the rail replacement bus service on the Brighton line.”The quarter-final clash between Brighton and Forest is set to be shown live on BBC One and BBC IPlayer.Fans can’t believe state of Premier League away dressing room that is ‘worse than Sunday League’Aston Villa then travel to Preston North End for the first game on Sunday, which is penned in for 1:30pm live on BBC One.And to end the weekend, Bournemouth host Manchester City at 4:30pm live on ITV1 and ITVX.Like Nottingham Forest supporters, City fans also face a long journey back to Manchester on Sunday evening after the game.The winners of each match will progress to the semi-finals which will be played at Wembley.FA Cup quarter-finalsFulham vs Crystal Palace (29/3, ITV1 & ITVX, 12:15pm)Brighton vs Nottingham Forest (29/3, BBC One & IPlayer, 5:15pm)Preston vs Aston Villa (30/3, BBC One & IPlayer, 1:30pm)Bournemouth vs Man City (30/3, ITV1 & ITVX, 4:30pm) More

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      I sold Lamine Yamal trading card for a life-changing amount – my wife doesn’t think it’s a silly hobby now

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      SPORTS trading cards may seem like a silly hobby to some, but for those who know what they are looking for it is becoming a life-changing industry.And that was exactly what happened to Aaron Morgan after he packed a rare Lamine Yamal 2023/24 Topps Chrome UCC SuperFractor.Aaron Morgan found an incredibly rare Lamine Yamal cardCredit: Aaron MorganHe then sold it for £80,000Credit: Aaron MorganAaron, from Melbourne, Australia, had booked himself a £147 ($300 Australian dollars) spot for a Topps Chrome box break with Trident Collectables.But the 35-year-old electrician, who has always been a keen card collector after starting out with Pokemon cards, ended up pulling out a huge Yamal Topps card.The card was graded as a gem mint 10 by the Professional Sports Authenticator before it went to sale with Godlin auctions.Aaron actually missed the opening of the card because he was sleeping due to the time difference, but said he was flooded with messages when he woke up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking exclusively to SunSport, he said: “And I didn’t actually watch it live, I was asleep in bed.”Yeah, well, my first thought when I woke up with all the messages, I was like, I don’t know, they didn’t actually tell me what the card was.”So I had to go back and watch it. “And then I saw the card and I was like, OK, that’s a pretty expensive card, but I had no idea what it would be worth.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAaron admitted he was expecting the card to sell for just under £10,000 ($20,000 AUD).He then revealed he turned down offers of £12,000 ($25,000) and £32,000 ($65,000) before committing the card to auction.I went to the UK’s biggest football trading card show – watch how to spot value in your collectionsAnd that leap of faith was rewarded as the card bidding was up to nearly £50,000 ($100,000 AUD) after only a few days.The winning bid saw the card sell for a staggering £80,000 ($103,000 USD – $163,000 AUD).Aaron’s wife had actually taken more of an interest in the cards despite originally not thinking much of the hobby.On her reaction, Aaron said: “Well, she doesn’t think it’s a silly little hobby now. So that’s pretty good.”She was wrapped, she was like you’re kidding? And then she was watching the auction and she’d come in to tell me there’s been another bid and I wasn’t even watching it.”Aaron revealed his previous record for selling sports trading cards was a relatively humble £5,000 ($10,000 AUD) on a triple order of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.On his plans for the money, Aaron said: “No I haven’t spent any of the money yet, (I will) probably on buying more cards.”But no, me and my partner are currently looking for a house. So it’s going to go a long way and we can probably get an extra bedroom on the house.”It should be nice because property is pretty expensive in Australia at the moment.”The sports trading card industry is in the middle of a massive surge in growth.In 2023 it was estimated the industry was worth around £34billion and would grow to around £78bn by 2027.Aaron added: “Well I’m glad I started collecting now, it’s great for the hobby. You can see the excitement and it’s not just one age, one gender, one anything, anyone can collect these cards.Aaron’s impressive card collection includes more Yamal rookie cardsCredit: Aaron MorganHe is also collecting baseball cards and banking on the players’ future successCredit: Aaron MorganAaron said he is glad he is collecting now with the sports trading card industry set to grow to £78billion in 2027Credit: Aaron Morgan”In the US they are like $30. So you can just go into a shop that sells cards, buy a box for $30 and then you can change your life, and it’s just fun as well.”As well as football and Pokemon cards, Aaron is also a keen collector of cards from baseball, basketball and Formula 1, revealing he reckons he has more than 5,000 cards in his collection at home.On cards he is keeping an eye on, he said: “So I’ve collected a lot of baseball rookies. “A lot of Wembys (Victor Wembanyama). So I’m banking on them having a great career…”I’ve been buying a lot of Jason Dominguez at the moment.”He was a rookie last year, so I’m hoping when the baseball season starts up he’s going to have a good year because I think he’s a pretty good player.”Also I’m still collecting Lamine Yamal rookies. “They’re not as crazy as the one I sold, but I’ve got a nice image variation from Topps Merlin product that is numbered to 25 and I sent it to PSA and it got a gem mint 10.”Asides from cards, Aaron and his wife also like to collect F1 memorabilia, with his wife being a huge fan of George Russell – even buying a signed photo and VIP helmet with a written message from the Mercedes driver given out at Silverstone. While Aaron and his wife are keeping the Yamal money to one side for their future home, they will be attending the season opening F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne.Aaron also revealed he will be in attendance at CollectFest, a festival for all collectables, taking place in the summer which is expecting as many as 10,000 fans to turn up.London has its own version of CollectFest, the London Card Show, which takes place at Sandown Racecourse in Surrey.READ MORE SUN STORIESCards from various series, including Yu-Gi-Oh! and Magic: The Gathering can also be sold for incredible sums.A rare Jackie Robinson rookie card is in line to be sold for more than £310,000 next week after hitting auction.The collection includes F1 cars models, helmets and cardsCredit: Aaron MorganAaron has around 5,000 cards in his collectionCredit: Aaron MorganHe and his wife also have a number of other collectablesCredit: Aaron MorganAaron started collecting when he was very youngCredit: Aaron Morgan More

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      Man Utd files: Ruben Amorim’s wife glum in gloomy Manchester as boss targets shock Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have endured yet another difficult week.Last weekend, Ruben Amorim’s beleaguered side bowed out of the FA Cup to Fulham at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim’s side bowed out of the FA Cup last weekendCredit: GettyThe Red Devils lost to Fulham on penaltiesCredit: PAAs usual on a Thursday, SunSport’s team of experts take you through the latest goings on behind the scenes at the Theatre of Dreams.CHECK MATEMANCHESTER United are monitoring Jean-Phillippe Mateta and could make a shock summer swoop for the Crystal Palace striker.In-form French frontman Mateta has emerged as a major target for the goal-shy Red Devils.Ruben Amorim admitted following their FA Cup penalty defeat to Fulham that his side is suffering from a goalscoring problem.It means securing a striker in the summer has now become a priority for Old Trafford chiefs.Top of the list is Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres, Amorim’s former striker at Sporting Lisbon.But despite Gyokeres being keen on the idea of a reunion with Amorim, he’s pushing for a move to a Champions League club, which would make a switch to United a total non-starter.This has led to United casting their net wider, and they’ve watched Mateta’s last three Premier League matches.United’s scouts were also watching on as Mateta was pole-axed by the kung fu assault by Millwall keeper Liam Roberts in Saturday’s FA Cup fifth round tie, which saw the Eagles ace ferried to hospital before receiving 25 stitches in a head wound.Mateta has been in a rich vein of form since the turn of the year, scoring eight in as many Prem games including a double in Palace’s 2-0 win at Old Trafford.The striker, 27, has scored 34 goals in 106 Prem appearances – with 40 of those off the bench – since converting his initial loan move from Mainz into a permanent £11m deal in January 2022.His mobility and willingness to toil as the arrowhead means Amorim’s scouts believe he would be a prime fit for the manager’s favoured 3-4-3 formation.The chance to switch from Selhurst to Old Trafford would appeal to a player who believes he is ready to play on one of the game’s grander stages if the opportunity arrives.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall starHOME IS WHERE THE HEART ISUnited bosses have re-assured parents and players that the academy remains “at the heart” of the club’s strategy – despite 450 job cuts and cost-cutting measures at the club.Academy Director Nick Cox acknowledged it has been an “unsettling” season given poor results on the pitch for the first team and the “difficult decisions being taken to improve the financial position of the club”.But he added that the “development of young players is at the heart of our strategy for returning the club to the top of English and European football” and that the club remains committed to providing the academy with the money and the staff it needs to be successful.He sent out the message to parents and players in the wake of the announcement earlier this week that up to 200 more staff faced redundancy as part of cost-cutting measures introduced by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Several academy staff were made redundant last summer, with some being told the news as shocked children and parents were being welcomed back to Carrington for the start of the season.A source said: “There’s been an awful lot of negative news coming out of Old Trafford so Nick wanted to try and reassure everyone that United is still the best place for their boys.“They have spent several years getting the academy back up to speed after losing out to Man City for a while, so don’t want all that hard work go to waste.”Academy graduate Toby Collyer made his first team debut this season while Chido Obi-Martin – who arrived from Arsenal in October – was one of the few bright spots in the FA Cup defeat by Fulham.Highly-rated Elyh Harrison, Harry Amass, Tyler Fredricson, Jack Fletcher, Sekou Kone and Jack Moorhouse were all on the bench for last month’s defeat at Spurs.United’s Under-18s beat Arsenal 3-2 in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup last week.Chido Obi was in action for Man Utd last weekCredit: GettyThe Red Devils named an inexperienced bench against TottenhamCredit: GettyWINTER OF DISCONTENTManchester United’s winter of misery has put Ruben Amorim in the spotlight.But the city’s miserable winter has taken its toll as well.Training ground talk is that Amorim’s wife Maria has struggled to come to terms with the wind, rain and dark nights over the first few months of his Old Trafford reign.After a preference for the delights of home played a part in Pep Guardiola’s marriage split, there might be some concern if Amorim’s family are not settled in the north west.Ruben Amorim’s wife Maria has not immediately taken to the Manchester weatherCredit: Steve Allen – Commissioned by The SunTRAVEL EXPENSESAny United players unhappy at the prospect of being whisked half way around the world at the end of the season are set to be told there is a financial imperative for the trip.United are due to fly out to the Far East straight after their final Prem game of the campaign against Aston Villa on May 25.Ruben Amorim’s men will meet the Asean All Stars in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur on May 28, with a further stop in Hong Kong.But dressing room moaners will be told the estimated £8m the club will earn from the trip is vital as they juggle their finances ahead of an expected season without any European football and after a campaign likely to bring a substantial cut in Prem prize money.The Red Devils went on a lucrative tour last summerCredit: GettyDORG IN THE FIGHTItalian club Lecce saw United coming in January – which is why they had to pay £25m for left-back Patrick Dorgu.Danish youngster Dorgu joined the Serie A side from Nordsjaelland in his homeland on a youth contract in 2022, becoming a fixture in their first team last term.The deal represented pure profit for Lecce, currently just three points above the Serie A drop zone.And the middle man who put the deal together, long-serving agent Frank Trimboli, pointed to the nous of Lecce sporting director Pantaleo Corvino in ensuring United paid top dollar for a key target.Trimboli explained: “Corvino who has a long tradition of buying players cheap, developing them and then selling on for substantial profits.“In his mind he’d done the research and seen what was out there, understood that January is one of those windows where if you have an asset and have to sell, there’s a premium attached – because it is the worst time to sell.”Another factor was the 2023 sale of Dorgu’s fellow Dane, highly-rated defensive midfielder Morten Hjulmund, to Sporting Lisbon for £18m.Hjulmand had arrived in Italy from Austria’s Admira Wacker for just £170,000 barely 18 months previously.Trimboli added: “They knew what previous players have been sold for and started with that number.“Then it came down to market forces, supply and demand.“United knew what they wanted to pay. Lecce knew what they wanted to receive.“There was a bit of brinkmanship that came into play but eventually they got there.”Patrick Dorgu has had an encouraging start to life at Old TraffordCredit: AlamyDIAL IT DOWNFan favourite Amad Diallo was back at Old Trafford on Sunday – but there seems little chance of supporters seeing him on the pitch before last season.Ivorian Amad, who scored the late Manchester derby winner over City and then netted a hat-trick to pull off the comeback victory over Southampton, was spotted at Sunday’s FA Cup defeat by Fulham.Amad, 22, underwent ankle surgery last month and was wearing a protective boot and using a crutch as he made his way into the stadium.While United have publicly stopped short of ruling him out for the season, he did not look like a player expected to be back on the grass any time soon.Amad Diallo is not expected back this seasonCredit: Getty More