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      Viktor Gyokeres set to spark massive summer transfer battle with Man Utd to be joined by Chelsea and Arsenal in race

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      CHELSEA and Arsenal are set to join Manchester United in the battle to sign Europe’s most in-demand player Viktor Gyokeres.The Sporting Lisbon sensation is now widely expected to leave the Portuguese giants at the end of the season.Viktor Gyokeres is being eyed by Chelsea, Arsenal and Man UtdThe No9 has been linked with a move to follow new United boss Ruben AmorimHe could follow his current boss Ruben Amorim to Old Trafford – with United chiefs willing to pay the £63m it would take to sign him.But Sun Online has learned the Swedish superstar’s advisors are pushing for a move to a club in the Champions League.And that’s put Arsenal and Chelsea, who are bidding to qualify for Europe’s top competition next season, on red-alert. The Gunners might have a head start though.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMikel Areta’s side have been scouting Gyokeres over the past 12 months in their search for more firepower up top.But Chelsea are also on the lookout for a prolific number nine and the young Swede would fit the bill.Both clubs are also in a far better position to be able to offer the player the Champions League football he so dearly craves, with United languishing in 13th in the Prem.Sporting reportedly have a gentleman’s agreement with Gyokeres to let him go for less than his release clause which is set at around £84m.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 26-year-old’s current contract expires in 2028.He has has gone from Championship striker to one of the world’s best in a whirlwind year.Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City The Swedish forward enhanced his reputation with a hat-trick in a shock 4-1 win over Manchester City on Tuesday night.Sporting would look for around £67m but could accept as little as £63m.And that is likely to interest a host of Prem giants.Amorim ruled out taking him with him to United in January – but said he does expect the forward to look for a new challenge in the summer.He said: “I’ve just made peace with the Sporting fans so I’m not even going to make a joke about it.”Gyokeres is a Sporting player and it’s is a great club, he did a lot for the club. He just has to stay and finish the season at the club.”His 66 goals in 67 appearances has already drawn interest from Saudi Arabia.With Gyokeres likely to stay in Portugal for the rest of the season, United are also being tipped to go for another Sporting star.READ MORE SUN STORIESReports say they are tracking 17-year-old winger Geovany Quenda, who has impressed this season.Amorim is preparing to leave Sporting for Old Trafford next week and could bring a couple of players along with him.The striker could swap sunny Portugal for rainy Manchester More

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      Sean Longstaff hints at shock Newcastle transfer exit as academy graduate, 27, admits ‘I want to be valued’

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      SEAN LONGSTAFF has warned Newcastle United that he could move elsewhere unless he feels “appreciated” and “valued” with a new contract.The midfielder, 27, was one of the best performers as the Magpies beat Arsenal last weekend. Sean Longstaff was one of Newcastle’s top performers against ArsenalCredit: RexHe is looking for an improved contract at his boyhood clubCredit: GettyThat followed on from his return to the starting XI for the Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea.The North Shields-born academy graduate is now competing with Brazilian internationals Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, Italian ace Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock and Lewis Miley for a spot in midfield.After a sticky run of results, Toon are unbeaten in the seven matches he has started this term.Longstaff said: “You’ve got friends who tell you but for me, you can look at stats whichever way you want.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“There’s always going to be people who – you can give them all the stats in the world and they’ll still have an opinion. That won’t change their opinion whether the stats are there or not.“For me I just try to play my game, if we win brilliant, if not I’m just trying to look at what we can do better as a team and we’ll go from there.”While some supporters feel Eddie Howe would be better playing one of the glitzier names instead, Longstaff says he is happy enough earning the praise from his colleagues and coaches rather than the fans.He said: “I don’t flick the ball over someone’s head like Bruno does, that’s what catches the eye but there’s lots of ways to win a football match.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“My job is to make them flourish as best as they can and get in the box and score goals when I can.“I always put the team first, probably to my detriment sometimes.‘F—ing shut your mouth’ – Ian Wright in X-rated rant at giggling Alan Shearer after Newcastle stun Arsenal“I’m a bit too humble for my own good sometimes but whenever I play you know what you’re going to get.“I think you see the best from the people around me when I do play. As long as the changing room appreciates that and the staff appreciate that, it’s all that matters to me.”Longstaff continued: “I think me and the manager have always had a great relationship.“To be fair to him he’s never really listened to what other people think in the past. He’s always played me and I think there’s a reason for that.“There’s stuff I’d love to say to you but I can’t. All I can do is play football and my value will ultimately be shown on the football pitch.“Whether it’s when I’m playing or not playing, eventually if I keep doing the right things then one day everyone will see that and it might be when I’m not here anymore.“If that’s the case that’s the case. I love the manager to bits. I can only thank him for helping my career.”Longstaff says he has a great relationship with Eddie HoweCredit: GettyLongstaff claims he is “not sure” whether a 12-month extension to his current contract, which expires in the summer, has been triggered.But he will not sign anything unless he feels he is getting his market worth after seeing a number of other team-mates, with Anthony Gordon the most recent, receive pay rises.When pressed on if he sees his future at St. James’, he said: “Yeah, if it’s here it’s great. If it’s not, it’s not.“I want to be valued as a player, I want to be appreciated as a player and whether it’s here, great. If it’s not here and it’s somewhere else, it’ll be somewhere else.“In a way I live day to day, game to game and I just try and take in every game. I get to go to work every day and spend it with my best friends.“I don’t know what’s coming ahead, I don’t know what’s coming down the line, I just try to embrace every day and enjoy every minute because ultimately it won’t last forever.”Despite that contract issue going on in the background, Longstaff refuses to try to play down the Toon Army’s aspirations and dreams this season.And he says that securing European football is the very least that Howe’s men must deliver.READ MORE SUN STORIESLongstaff added: “You want to finish in the top four. There’s probably three teams that are definitely going to finish in there and then there’s four or five going for one spot in the CL.“Europe’s the minimum but that’s looking too far ahead, we’re just focusing on week to week, getting better and if we play well and do the things we’re good at we’ll end where we deserve to be.” More

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      Real Madrid make decision over next manager as pressure grows on Carlo Ancelotti

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      REAL MADRID have reportedly decided who they want to replace Carlo Ancelotti as their next permanent manager.The Italian gaffer led his Spanish side to a league and European double last season, with Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham leading the way.Real Madrid chiefs have decided who they want to replace Carlo Ancelotti permanentlyCredit: GettyReal’s incredible free signing of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain this summer only appeared to cement their status as world football’s top club.But Los Blancos have struggled to replicate last season’s form this term.They are already NINE POINTS behind league leaders Barcelona, who won last month’s Clasico at the Bernabeu 4-0.Bellingham and Vinicius aren’t hitting the target as regularly, with the latter also missing out on the Ballon d’Or.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Mbappe is yet to deliver the return expected from a player of his calibre.Real have also lost two of their four Champions League group stage games, with AC Milan’s 3-1 win in Madrid on Tuesday piling the pressure on Ancelotti.And the Italian gaffer’s future is now under the spotlight.Indeed, Mundo Deportivo claims Real are already exploring their options should results get even worse.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSeveral names have been touted as interim gaffers, including Real’s sporting director Santiago Solari, club legend and B team manager Raul and academy boss Alvaro Arbeloa.It’s also reckoned Zinedine Zidane could be interested in a temporary return to the Bernabeu in what would be a third managerial spell.Inside Real Madrid’s incredible hi-tech free-kick training as stars use robots to hone technique Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is being eyed for a Bernabeu returnCredit: GettyWhile Liverpool icon Jurgen Klopp, now Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, is also mentioned as an unlikely candidate.However, Real chiefs are reportedly unanimous in who they want as their next full-time boss from the summer of 2025.It’s widely expected that even if he clings on to his job, Ancelotti will not last past the end of the campaign.And it’s claimed that Real will then move to make Bayer Leverkusen hero and former star Xabi Alonso their new permanent gaffer.He played 236 times in five seasons for Los Blancos between 2009 and 2014, winning a title and Champions League in the process.Alonso rejected a return to Liverpool over the summer, sparking speculation of a pre-agreement with Real.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd it now appears likely that he will indeed be returning to the Bernabeu regardless of whether Leverkusen successfully defend their Bundesliga title or not.But it’s not all bad news for Ancelotti, who is widely expected to take the Brazil job should fellow target Pep Guardiola remain at Man City.Carlo Ancelotti has now won 28 trophies More

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      Champions League matches have been using incredible hidden technology all season… have you noticed it?

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE matches have been using incredible hidden technology all season long.But have you noticed it?This was the angle fans watching Viktor Gyokeres’ second penalty on TNT Sports sawCredit: TNT SportsViktor Gyokeres fired home his second penalty of the game to round off the emphatic 4-1 victory in Ruben Amorim’s final home game as Sporting boss.After blasting to Ederson’s left with his first penalty, he switched it up and opted to go low to the Manchester City goalkeeper’s right and completed his Champions League hat-trick.With the regular TV camera angle, the advertising hoardings around the pitch all showed Qatar Airways on a purple background as the striker stepped up and fired home.However, replays of the goal shown on TNT Sports, photographers’ snaps and videos taken inside the stadium did not show the Qatar Airways advertising.READ MORE ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUEInstead, the screens displayed adverts for FedEx with the iconic blue and orange writing on a plain white background.And that meant the adverts on the boards showing the goal live on TV were different from what was actually in the stadium.The discrepancy was clear to see in a video uploaded from Gyokeres’ Portuguese actress girlfriend Ines Aguiar, who filmed the goal and put it on her Instagram story. The time, 21:38, was consistent across both her footage and the TV footage – but the adverts were not the same.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen the TV feed cut back from a fan in the crowd, there appeared to be a brief flash of white at the top of the advertising screen – possibly covering the FedEx ad.And Uefa confirmed to SunSport the adverts were indeed being changed for the main broadcast feed.’Referee had no choice but to award a penalty after Tyrone Mings’ schoolboy error – he’s absolutely spot on’The ‘camera one’ view had Qatar Airways around the pitch but inside the ground, there was a different advertCredit: TNT Sports / InstagramPhotos from the stadium also showed the FedEx brandingCredit: ReutersThe hoardings can be remotely edited to suit various broadcast regionsCredit: TNT SportsThis screenshot appears to show the Qatar Airways advert covering the FedEx oneCredit: TNT SportsExplaining the phenomenon, a spokesperson said: “Uefa’s virtual board replacement (VBR) concept has been implemented at selected men’s club competition matches across the 2024-25 season. “VBR replaces advertisements displayed on the in-stadium LED boards in selected markets with alternative advertisements and messaging on the main global broadcast feed. “This approach ensures compliance with local advertising regulations while maintaining visibility for sponsors on the global broadcast feed.”This replacement is visible only on the main broadcast camera (camera one) during live play. “No replacements are made on any other camera during the live match feed or on any camera, including camera one, during replays.”VBR can be implemented either remotely or on-site and can be implemented over any LED boards. “Uefa has appointed several VBR suppliers to manage this process and produce the dedicated feeds.”Uefa has been testing VBR technology for the past six years, with its first official implementation during the 2021–24 cycle of Uefa men’s club competitions, starting with the 2021 Uefa Super Cup in Belfast.”VBR was also used throughout Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.”Supponor is one company that offers VBR services, using “the world’s leading AI software delivering supercharged virtual advertising in live broadcast sports”.The firm specialises in using AI to transform live feeds and adapt advertising for different languages and broadcast regions.Their website says: “Supponor provide a virtual advertising technology solution that replaces and creates in-venue brand placements with real time authentic digital overlays. Developed for any sport, any surface, from anywhere in the world with infinite possibilities.”That can include editing the pitchside advertising hoardings, virtual carpet-style banners next to goals, tunnel coverings and other LED screens around stadiums. This can often be used to exclude betting adverts where gambling is prohibited.The FA, Bayern Munich, LaLiga, Argentina, France, Borussia Dortmund, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Germany, Serie A, the Rugby World Cup and the NHL are all clients of Supponor.READ MORE SUN STORIESTennis’ cinch Championships – aka Queen’s – also used the tech during the 2024 tournament to change up the screens behind the court for various TV viewers.SunSport reported in 2018 that Southampton were planning to become the tenth Premier League side to launch the new augmented reality hoardings at St Mary’s.This demonstrates how the tech can make changes for viewersCredit: SupponorSupponor are one of the companies who specialise in virtual advertisingCredit: SupponorThe AI can include elements such as virtual carpets beside the goalCredit: SupponorTennis also uses the system and was used at Queen’s to cover up betting logosCredit: TGI Sports More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo tipped to join rival in incredible transfer that would see him replace £130m-a-year flop

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has been linked with a remarkable transfer – to another Saudi Pro League side. The 39-year-old joined Al-Nassr in 2022 following a blockbuster move from Manchester United. Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly being eyed by the Saudi Pro League leaders Al HilalCredit: GettyThe 39-year-old won last season’s Golden Boot as Al Nassr finished second in the leagueCredit: GettyRonaldo has gone on to net over 50 times for the club, winning the league’s Golden Boot last season.But the Portuguese superstar – who believes he can keep playing for “two to three more years” – could soon be subject to a shock move. According to Action Ma3 Waleed, via Spanish outlet SPORT, Al Hilal are hoping to make an audacious swoop for Ronaldo. The team are reportedly “dreaming” of bringing CR7 in as a potential replacement for Neymar.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Brazilian forward has suffered a dismal time since arriving at Al Hilal in August 2023 for £78million.Neymar suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury while on international duty last year, resulting in him missing most of this season. Reports suggest he is now at risk of having his £130million contract ripped up.Ronaldo’s own deal with Al-Nassr runs out in 2025, resulting in Al Hilal eyeing up a possible free transfer. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite having Neymar missing for much of the past year, Al Hilal have dominated the SPL.They won the title last year – finishing 14 points ahead of Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr – and are currently a point clear at the top. Neymar breaks down in tears and reveals ‘each day I am away is a day of suffering’ after injury hellRonaldo has previously hinted he is likely to end his career in Saudi.He won the Arab Club Champions Cup back in 2023 but has otherwise failed to win silverware at Al Nassr. Ronaldo said earlier this year: “I don’t know if I’ll finish soon or in two or three years.”But, possibly, it will be at Al Nassr. It’s the team where I’m happy, where I’m good, where I feel good, both in the country and in the league.”That’s why, most likely I can finish my career at Al Nassr. “I’m very happy to play in the Arab League and I want to continue.”Neymar’s move to Al Hilal has been an expensive disaster for the clubCredit: Getty More

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      Play Score Predictor ahead of this weekend’s action – key stats and facts

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      THIS weekend’s Score Predictor fixtures feature every member of the so-called ‘big six’.If you can decipher the intriguingly poised match-ups then you will bank the £250 weekly prize – that would get you through the international break, wouldn’t it?Play Score Predictor now!Credit: Dream TeamSimply submit your predictions for the five selected Premier League games and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you amass the most points then – cha ching – you’ll pocket the cash!Allow us to present some key stats and facts for each relevant fixture this Matchweek.Brighton v Manchester CityThe defending champions’ shock defeat to Bournemouth last weekend was a major blow to the majority of Score Predictor users.Add in losses to Tottenham (Carabao Cup) and Sporting CP (Champions League) and it’s three defeats in a row for Pep Guardiola’s side in all competitions.Fabian Hurzeler will privately believe it’s a pretty good time to play the usually imperious Man City, especially given the latter’s injury list.That being said, the Seagulls have avoided defeat just twice in the last 15 meetings between these two teams.Most read in FootballPhil Foden inspired City to a 4-0 victory at the Amex back in April but they are unlikely to find life as easy on the south coast this Saturday – Brighton are one of just four top-flight teams yet to lose a league game at home this season.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawMan City rarely lose three games in a rowCredit: GettyScore 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 NOWLiverpool v Aston VillaOn paper, a match-up between the teams that finished third and fourth last season should be an ultra competitive affair.However, it’s almost impossible to look past Arne Slot’s side on current form.The Reds are unbeaten in 12 with their latest victory coming in the form of a thumping 4-0 win over Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.In contrast, the Villains are without a win in four games after their disappointing 1-0 loss to Club Brugge on Wednesday night – they also folded in the second half against Spurs last weekend.Villa beat Liverpool 7-2 in a crazy game typical of the lockdown era but but they’ve lost six and drawn two in the eight meetings since.Our Prediction: 3-1 to LiverpoolLiverpool are flying high this seasonCredit: GettyManchester United v LeicesterThis fixture is a replay of the Carabao Cup last 16 game that took place just over a week ago which ended 5-2 to the Red Devils.Granted, the Foxes named a much-changed side that day but the hosts will be hopeful of another positive result.Leicester are actually above Man United in the form table but that’s mainly because they took four points off Southampton and Ipswich – their upcoming fixtures are less favourable.The underlying stats are concerning for Steve Cooper’s troops; they rank in the bottom three for xG generated and top three for xG conceded.Man United have desperately struggled for league goals this season, only Crystal Palace and Ipswich have scored fewer, but we reckon they’ll break the shackles this weekend.Our Prediction: 3-1 to Man UnitedRuud van Nistelrooy oversaw a 5-2 win over Leicester in late OctoberCredit: GettyTottenham v IpswichThe Tractor Boys and Wolves are the only teams yet to win in the top flight this season.And fans of the East Anglian club won’t be all that hopeful of ending their drought in North London on Sunday with Spurs having seen off Man City and Villa in their two most recent home games.Ange Postecoglou’s dynamic side are top scorers in the Premier League at present while Ipswich have the second-worst defence – it’s serious mismatch on paper. Our Prediction: 4-0 to SpursSpurs are strong at homeCredit: ReutersChelsea v ArsenalThe Gunners have already dropped eight points on the road in 2024/25 and consecutive defeats to Newcastle and Inter have given Mikel Arteta much to consider.Chelsea’s draw at Old Trafford last Sunday saw them jump above Arsenal in the table, if only on goal difference.The Blues have actually earned more points away from Stamford Bridge this term but only Liverpool and Spurs are above them in the form table at the time of writing.Arsenal swaggered to a 5-0 win against Chelsea back in April but that was at the Emirates and under Mauricio Pochettino’s watch, a lot has changed since then.Chelsea haven’t beaten Arsenal at home since 2018 but their fans may feel it’s an opportune time to take three points off their London rivals.Even so, we’re going to sit on the fence…READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 1-1 drawENTER YOUR PREDICTIONS FOR MATCHWEEK 11 AND SHOW US HOW IT’S DONE!BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Man Utd wonderkid does Viktor Gyokeres’ ‘secret’ celebration in 6-0 Uefa Youth League thrashing

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES’ Champions League heroics have not gone unnoticed by Manchester United’s youth team.The Sporting Lisbon striker netted a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over the Red Devils’ crosstown rivals Man City on Tuesday. Viktor Gyokeres performs a mask celebration after every goalCredit: GettyUnited wonderkid Ethan Wheatley paid tribute to the Sporting striker on WednesdayCredit: GettyWheatley did Gyokores’ celebration after netting in the Uefa Youth LeagueCredit: XGyokeres has taken European football by storm over the past few months with regular displays of ruthless finishing.The ex-Coventry forward creates a mask over his face after each goal in a much-publicised “secret” celebration. Man Utd’s youngsters took on FK Zalgiris on Wednesday in the Uefa Youth League. And rising star Ethan Wheatley whipped out Gyokeres’ cele as the Red Devils under-19s romped to a 6-0 win. READ MORE ON MAN UTDThere were six different goalscorers on the day, with Wheatley crashing in the third goal just before half-time.The 18-year-old from Stockport immediately put his hands across his face in tribute to Gyokeres.Wheatley is regarded as one of United’s most promising up-and-coming young stars.He was recently named Academy Player of the Year and has been a prolific scorer at all youth levels. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWheatley’s nod to Gyokeres comes after the Lisbon star was linked with a move to Old Trafford.Sporting boss Ruben Amorim starts his new role as United manager on November 11 after agreeing a multi-year deal. Who is Sporting’s masked man Viktor Gyokeres Reports suggest Amorim will try to lure his star man to Manchester.Gyokeres joined Sporting for £16.5m from Coventry City in the summer of 2023.He has since netted a remarkable 52 goals in 48 games.We reported yesterday how a gentleman’s agreement could see him join Manchester United for a bargain fee.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.On how he celebrates his goals, Gyokeres was recently coy on the origins of his signature celebration, which some believe is a reference to Batman villain Bane.He told a Swedish newspaper: “There were lots of guesses [on what it means].READ MORE SUN STORIES”There was Hannibal Lecter and Batman and everything possible, but nobody got it right.”No-one came close. Yes, it’s a secret. I can clarify that, but not today.” More

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      Longest-serving EFL manager Mark Robins SACKED by Coventry with club battling relegation

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      COVENTRY have SACKED Mark Robins after seven years at the club.The EFL’s longest serving manager was brutally axed with the Sky Blues sitting adrift of the Championship drop in 17th.Mark Robins has been sacked by Coventry after seven brilliant yearsThe West Midlands club are flirting with relegation from the ChampionshipThe former Manchester United star, 54, saw himself at the centre of a relegation battle this season.Coventry are enduring a miserable run of four wins in 14 games after finishing nine points behind the play-off places last term.They are level on points with Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle who sit inside the relegation zone in 22nd.Coventry, who have won just two of their last 10 matches, are only saved by their better goal difference, which is -1 compared to Plymouth’s -11.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA club statement read: “Coventry City have made the difficult decision to terminate the contract of Mark Robins as manager with immediate effect.”Mark masterminded and built several team over that time that outperformed their budget, outperformed their infrastructure and brought back a playing style, credibility and belief to our City that had been lost and eroded over many years.”These achievements will never be forgotten by those who witnessed such deeds and the broader community that once again began to rekindle their affection for our Club.”There is no doubt that Coventry would not be where it is today without the inspired actions of Mark and his team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The Club are well aware that this is a difficult moment after over seven very successful years at the helm and this decision is not taken lightly.”We thank Mark for all his achievements with us and wish him the best for the future.”Former Watford and Gillingham hero Andy Hessenthaler shares crazy EFL story after being attacked by the owner I What the EFL?!The final straw came after Derby County earned their first away win of the season at Brandon Stadium on Wednesday night.Robins was in his second spell as Sky Blues boss, having returned to the club in March 2017 after the sacking of Russell Slade.He oversaw the resurrection of Coventry from the depths of League Two, to the champions of League One in 2020.Robins was even on the cusp of bringing the West Midlands club to the Premier League when they lost the Championship play-off final on penalties to Luton in 2023.And he memorably led them to the FA Cup semi-final last season, where they were unlucky to marginally lose out on pens to United after climbing back from 3-0 down in the second half.Robins is often credited as being the man who “saved” Sir Alex Ferguson’s job in a game that arguably defined the course of United’s future.Mark Robins played under Sir Alex Ferguson at Man UtdDespite not being a first-team regular, he famously scored the only goal in Fergie’s crucial FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest in 1990.The legendary Scottish manager’s job was on the brink following three trophyless campaigns after his 1986 appointment.Coventry chiefs have parted ways with Robins ahead of the club’s trip to league leaders Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.The club have said they will take their time to appoint his successor and implement a new structure.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd an interim boss is yet to be appointed.The club will also be organising a “Fans Forum” next week where CE0 Doug King will answer questions.The top five longest serving EFL managersSimon Weaver (15 years at Harrogate – but only four of those have been the EFL)Mark Robins (Seven years)Ian Evatt (Four years at Bolton)Nigel Clough (Three years at Manfield)Jon Brady (Three years at Northampton) More