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    Premier League cult hero, 38, bizarrely leaves job as Ayia Napa FC manager after just TWO games

    A former Premier League star has stepped down as manager of Ayia Napa FC after just TWO GAMES.The former Crystal Palace forward, 38, was only appointed head coach of the Cypriot second tier side at the end of October.The FA Cup finalist won both of his games in charge of Ayia Napa FCCredit: AlamyHe claimed back-to-back 1-0 wins before the international break, but has now suddenly parted ways with the side.It brings to an end his THIRD managerial stint in just over a year – following his retirement from playing in the summer of 2023.He departs with Ayia Napa ninth in the table.The man that has been dismissed is Jason Puncheon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA club statement read: “Ayia Napa Athletic Club announces the mutual agreement to terminate its partnership with coach Jason Puncheon.”They also confirmed assistant coach Christos Tsapatsoulis has left, before adding: “The board of directors wishes both the best in their professional careers.”Ayia Napa is a tourist resort on the southern coast of Cyprus and is famed among Brit partygoers for its thriving nightlife.All three of Puncheon’s managerial stints have come in Cyprus – with the previous two at Peyia 2014 and AEZ Zakakiou.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAs a player, he spent the best part of a decade in England’s top flight.He scored 24 Premier League goals and came off the bench for Palace in their 2016 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.Football icons’ strange hobbiesPrior to his seven-year spell at Selhurst Park, he had stints on loan at Millwall, Blackpool and QPR while with parent club Southampton. More

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    Watch awkward moment journalist tells Ghana manager ‘you are not good at coaching’ in fiery press conference

    GHANA manager Otto Addo was told “you are not good at all” in a heated exchange with a journalist after failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.The Black Stars’ fate was sealed on Friday when they could only manage a 1-1 draw away in Angola.Ghana manager Otto Addo became embroiled in a row with a journalist after a lossCredit: XHe was told ‘you are not good at all’ by the reporter in the press conferenceCredit: XThen on Monday they suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Niger to extend their winless run to six matches as they finished bottom of their group.It means they will not compete in the next Africa Cup of Nations – which runs from December 2025 to January 2026.It is the first time since the 2004 tournament that Ghana have missed out on qualification for the finals.And things came to a head in Addo’s presser following the Niger loss.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAttempting to defend himself, the Ghana head coach said: “Two years of coaching and six months of scouting. Now I ask you what am I?”And during the scouting also I was coaching. I was not, I never stopped. What am I?”Shockingly, the journalist he was speaking to then responded with a damning put down.He replied: “Well I think your scouting is better than your coaching.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”So you are [more] good at scouting than coaching because the coaching you are not good at all.”Addo, who earned 15 caps as a Ghanaian player, is in his second spell as national team boss.Meet Aston Villa wonderkid Lamare Bogarde who has a famous uncleHe spent 10 months in charge in 2022, leading them to qualification for the World Cup.And while they were eliminated in the group stage, Addo made history by becoming the first Ghanaian coach to win a match at a World Cup in a 3-2 win over South Korea.He left after the tournament, but returned in March this year.He has taken charge of 10 matches in his second stint, winning just two. More

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    ‘She throws that in my face every day’ – Man Utd boss Amorim reveals his regret that wife Maria always brings up

    RUBEN AMORIM shared his big regret that his wife Maria loves to tease him with.The new Manchester United boss is preparing for his first game in charge against Ipswich this weekend.Ruben Amiron revealed he is still teased by wife Maria over one thingCredit: D. RThe Man Utd boss shared his one big regretCredit: GettyIt has been a long journey to that position, from heartbreak at his release from Benfica as a teenager, to winning titles with the club he later re-joined in his career.His love for football and its priority in his life meant he was unable to complete his school exams – and he still regrets not having a better education.Amorim, 39, revealed he still gets teased by his wife, Maria Joao Diogo, for leaving school before taking his exams, aged 18.By then, the player who was released by Benfica as a youngster had already signed a professional contract with another Lisbon side, Belenenses.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAmorim told Portuguese paper Expresso: “I had an agreement with my mother.“I would continue at school until I signed a professional contract.“I signed when I was 17. Today, I regret it a lot. If I’d taken my exams, I could have done the 12th year.“I could also have entered a top college.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRuben 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.“My wife is an electrotechnical engineer and she throws that in my face every day.”Maria is also an interior designer and she married Amorim in 2013 – the couple have two children together.A look at the build-up to Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge of Man Utd The couple got married in 2013 in front of 160 guests at a beautiful ceremony at the Palácio de S. Marcos church in Coimbra.Together with Raquel Viana, she created Dois Tons, who offer interior, home staging, lighting, and turnkey projects as well as preparation of plans and layouts.Their website states that the objective is to design spaces in which “the client’s personality, needs and lifestyle become the pillar of the creative process”.Raquel Viana is the wife of Sporting Lisbon’s sporting director Hugo Viana.Viana will join Man City, where he will replace the departing Txiki Begiristain at the Etihad next season.Amorim and Viana’s wives run an interior design business together More

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    Man Utd joker Ruben Amorim is renowned for doing impressions of other managers and ‘clowning around’

    NEW boss Ruben Amorim will be hoping to do more than just a good impersonation of a football manager at Manchester United.Yet behind the scenes, Amorim is known for being a good mimic.Ruben Amorim projects a laid-back and relaxed persona to the mediaCredit: GettyHe is known for doing impressions of other managers and generally joking aroundCredit: GettyIn fact, throughout his playing career at Belenenses and Benfica, Amorim was a massive joker and did impressions of his gaffers.And Amorim, 39, has kept his sense of humour.He said: “I’m a very jolly guy, but more within my closed circle. I was always given to clowning around — and I did it a lot.“I miss the changing room a lot because you are a child there. I only became an adult when I stopped playing football.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“But I’ve always played the clown and I’m good at imitating.“I often imitated Jorge Jesus [his ex-Benfica boss] and he knows it. Always with respect.“Once he went to a Uefa coaches meeting and missed training — and I took over training.“His assistant coach, the fitness coach, the physios, all came to see the session and see what I was like.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhat Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.”Amorim’s cousin, Bruno Simao, said: “He loves imitating people and is very good at it. He’s really funny.”But new Man Utd manager Amorim also learnt something serious from former boss Jesus — that players can sometimes be given too much information by a coach.Man Utd divide fans with new ‘school playground’ free kick routine days after Ruben Amorim announcementHe told Portuguese paper Record: “He wanted to give a lot of information, so you have to have more time training and watching more videos.“It improved the team but exhausted a lot of players, so every two years he had to clean out the squad. Players can’t always take so much information.“Some can handle that pressure and others can’t.“Jorge is a coach who is tiring. It’s a lot of intensity and tactical information, every day loaded on to the player.“I worked a lot of years with him and it’s obvious that I have a similar level of work ethic to him.“But we have different personalities. I’ll be hard without being tiresome.“You have to create a link with players, always leave them with a positive thought, happy about training, about playing, so that they can put in a good performance.“All players feel it, but they also feel a great will during the game, when things are going well and you’re winning because you’re comfortable and have all the information.“That helps you a lot to be a better player. If you know the opponent and know what you have to do in every situation in the game, you go more freely on to the pitch.“A football coach isn’t like an engineer where you do this and it’s always right. No, you need a lot of chemistry with the group you have.“If you don’t have chemistry, you have a bad result.”Yet Amorim believes all managers should avoid social media.And he told Maisfutebol: “I don’t look at anything, because I can’t look. Anyone who is a coach shouldn’t look.“It’s impossible to stand all the comments and all that information. That’s why I don’t have it.“At the start, when I started to fall in love with my wife, it also helped me to change my life a bit and disappear from social networks.“That stuff about Instagram and Facebook, it seems it started a long time ago.“But when I was single that didn’t exist and now I thank God for that!”While Amorim is preparing for his huge test in English football, he still regrets not having a better education.And the Old Trafford supremo revealed he still gets teased by his wife, Maria Joao Diogo, for leaving school before taking his exams, aged 18.By then, the player who was released by Benfica as a youngster had already signed a professional contract with another Lisbon side, Belenenses.Amorim told Portuguese paper Expresso: “I had an agreement with my mother.“I would continue at school until I signed a professional contract.“I signed when I was 17. Today, I regret it a lot. If I’d taken my exams, I could have done the 12th year.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I could also have entered a top college.“My wife is an electrotechnical engineer and she throws that in my face every day.” More

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    Stunning former Premier League Wag left shocked as she watches huge bear raiding her bins

    A FORMER Premier League Wag was left horrified after a bear raided her bins.Stunning model, Evangelia Anderson, is married to ex-Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis.Evangelia Anderson has had a run-in with a huge bear after arriving in MexicoCredit: FacebookThe bear was filmed by her making off with a rubbish bagCredit: FacebookShe is married to former Manchester City star Martin DemichelisCredit: FacebookAfter hanging up his boots in 2017, the Argentine pursued a career in coaching which has led him to taking a job with CF Monterrey in Mexico.Evangelina, whom he married in 2015, has been busy on social media revealing how life in Mexico is going.However, she did not expect to find huge bears wandering their new neighbourhood after venturing down from nearby mountains in search of food.But that is exactly what happened in a recent video shared to her Instagram story that she filmed from her window on Saturday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt showed a large black bear rummaging through bins on the street outside.The bear is seen moving a white box into the road before picking out a bin bag and running off with it held in its jaws.Amazingly, this is not her first encounter with a wild bear either. In October she showed how a bear was seen lurking in bushes next to a house at night, while another video showed one sitting in the overgrowth next to a house.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third video showed a bear wandering through a construction site.Evangelina is the mother of three children with Demichelis.Erling Haaland does pull ups on cliff edge and runs with wolves as Man City ace stars in insane Beats by Dre advert They moved to Mexico after the 43-year-old was sacked from his role at River Plate.Demichelis won the Premier League and two League Cups with Man City between 2013 and 2016.His career also saw him star for River Plate, Bayern Munich, Malaga Atletico Madrid and Espanyol.He earned 51 caps for the Argentina national team, scoring twice. More

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    Isak denied goal by ‘worst offside decision ever seen’ after VAR blunder as fans ‘can’t work out how it was ruled out’

    ALEXANDER ISAK was bizarrely denied a goal for Sweden after a shocking error from VAR.The Newcastle ace was in action for his nation against Azerbaijan during a 6-0 mauling in the Uefa Nations League.Alexander Isak at the top of the screen was judged to be offside and had a goal ruled out for SwedenCredit: ViaplayVAR drew offside lines from Isak despite Viktor Gyokeres being the recipient of the passCredit: ViaplayIsak revealed there had been an argument between players and officials in the tunnel about the decisionCredit: RexTottenham star Dejan Kulusevski had opened the scoring after 10 minutes before Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres netted a brace before the break to make it 3-0.The ex-Coventry player soon turned provider as he picked up the ball in injury time and slipped a pass to Isak, who carried the ball down the left wing before cutting inside to shoot into the bottom left corner. However, despite no original suggestion of offside, VAR bizarrely ruled out the goal.The judgement was clearly incorrect when viewing a replay as Isak, 25, was well onside when Gyokeres played him the ball.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it turned out that VAR had drawn the lines to Isak at the wrong time.Instead, VAR had strangely drawn the lines from Isak when Gyokeres, 26, had originally picked up the move inside his OWN HALF.The decision left fans and even reporters confused, with Siavoush Fallahi writing on social media: “I’m crying they gave an offside on Isak when the ball went to Gyokeres in the middle.”A fan said: “Possibly the worst offside decision I’ve ever seen I still can’t work out how Isak’s goal has been ruled out.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA second added: “They drew the line on Isak for the pass to Gyokeres.”Another said: “We need a VAR check for VAR.”VAR footage of William Saliba red card released by PGMOL as Arsenal fans rage at Liverpool fan’s inputSweden went on to win the match 6-0, with Gyokeres scoring two more and Kulusevski bagging another while Isak also missed a penalty shortly after half-time.Speaking after the game, Isak revealed he and his team-mates had been engaged in an argument with the VAR officials over the decision in the player tunnel at half-time.According to the Sweden Herald, he said: “How is that possible? Seriously. It’s almost the worst I’ve seen.”I’m happy, of course, that we win, but I score a goal that should be allowed, then it’s clear that you get annoyed.”I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything like this at this level when I’ve been involved. “You’ve seen a lot of mistakes, but this one was pretty rough. The VAR referees stood in the player tunnel at halftime. “We argued with them, but they stuck to their decision that they had made the right call.”National team coach Jon Dahl Tomasson was just as angry, adding: “I was furious, the whole team was furious. I don’t understand it. For me, it was a goal, but we can’t change it.”The game ensured Sweden won their Nations League C Group 1 with five wins and one draw, while Azerbaijan finished bottom of the group without a win.Sweden are the only nation inside the top 30 ranked leagues in Europe who do not use VAR.Having been written into IFAB rules in 2018, the Allsvenskan remains an exception by refusing to implement it.Ola Thews, vice-chairman of Swedish giant AIK’s largest supporter organization, ASK, said of VAR in August: “VAR is a symbol of modern, commercialised-to-the-point-of-destruction football.”Thews also believes VAR “ruins the euphoria” of scoring a goal.In England, Premier League chiefs fear they have to go without semi-automated offside technology until next season.Howard Webb had claimed last month that assistant VAR errors were down 80 per cent before Michael Oliver had a high-profile blunder during Manchester United’s clash at West Ham.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn-field referee David Coote had originally waved play on before being called back with Matthijs de Ligt accused of fouling Danny Ings following a coming together in the penalty area.The decision to then award a penalty with the off-field recommendation was maligned at the time before Webb admitted it was “on balance, probably not a penalty”.VAR: Imagine the future…Martin Lipton’s pro VAR viewFAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you. More

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    Alex Scott shows off bold new look as BBC star stuns on GQ Men of the Year 2024 red carpet

    YOU can’t beat Alex Scott for ‘sheer’ variety.The BBC presenter’s fashion choices are iconic yet unpredictable.Alex Scott unveiled a fresh style for the bash at London’s Roof GardensCredit: GettyScott and Leah Williamson paraded contrasting versions of chicCredit: PAHere’s what Alex wore 12 months earlier at the 2023 GQ awardsCredit: AlamyLast year at the GQ Men of the Year bash she went braless in a see-through dress.This time only her legs had a sheer covering – stockings to complement a very short velvety outfit, paired with white blouse and shoestring necktie.It meant there was a huge contrast in styles when the 40-year-old BBC football presenter posed alongside Leah Williamson.The Lionesses’ skipper, 27, wore only a black bra beneath an over-sized beige trousersuit for the event at London’s Roof Gardens.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLYet the Arsenal ace’s outfit was in fact similar to a combo Scott paraded on Instagram over the summer.And the former England defender’s radical new look for the GQ night showed again how she keeps everyone guessing.That’s much like the Beeb are doing now – over their choice to succeed Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host when he bows out at the end of the season after 25 years.Scott, whose partner is singer Jess Glynne, currently sits second favourite, with Gabby Logan third in the bookies’ list.Most read in FootballDid Scott’s spring outfit inspire Williamson’s GQ choice?!Credit: Instagram @alexscott2FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChelsea winger Cole Palmer, known for his flair and creativity on the pitch, opted instead for a route-one, no-nonsense tuxedo – as he was snapped at a public event with girlfriend Connie Grace for the first time.The England star’s mum Marie was also with him – with Palmer and his two guests all keeping it simple in black.Alex Scott joins girlfriend Jess Glynne as they stun on red carpet at amfAR Gala in Cannes The 22-year-old and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, 19, were amongst the prime guests, after GQ put them on the cover of their Men of the Year edition for December.Palmer joked with the magazine he always wore “trackies” away from the cameras.Now that’s one item it’s difficult to imagine Scott ever being pictured in at a public do!A glimpse into the life of the ex-Lioness… Scott dazzled in a red leather outfit when presenting SoccerAidCredit: RexShe is a presenter on Football Focus and The One ShowAlex has appeared in magazines including AttitudeCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowThe former right-back won 140 England Women’s capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowScott began dating singer Jess Glynne in 2023Credit: RexThe 39-year-old was spotted sharing a kiss with Jess as the couple went public with their romanceCredit: PAShe also dressed up as a scary clown on October 31Credit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott loves to dress up and went to town on Halloween with this incredible outfitCredit: GettyShe attended Wimbledon with partner JessCredit: GettyScott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PA More

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    Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd squad why all managers post-Fergie have failed with stars ‘blown away’ by ‘Mourinho 2.0’

    RUBEN AMORIM believes Manchester United have failed because they have played in the shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson – instead of in his spirit.The new Old Trafford boss has not been shy of making huge statements to players in his early training sessions this week.Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford were among Red Devils’ players knuckling down to training under Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyNew chief Amorim has impressed Man Utd stars with his ‘confidence’Credit: GettyWinger Antony is one of the aces hoping Amorim revives their fortunesCredit: GettyAmad Diallo shared a glowing verdict on Amorim via social mediaCredit: GettyIn a video released by United on Monday, Amorim, 39, drilled his stars who were not on international duty.But SunSport can reveal the players have been ‘blown away’ by his immediate impact with ‘Mourinho-style confidence’.Fergie left 11 years ago and a string of managers, including most-recently sacked Erik ten Hag, have not won the Premier League since.A source said: “He told them that top managers have not replicated Sir Alex’s success because they have lived in his shadow, rather than getting their team to play with his spirit.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALL“Even before Monday’s first session, the players have been very impressed.“Then, after the sessions, they are blown away by his energy, approach and confidence.“There’s definite Mourinho vibes in the way he speaks and his self belief – but the style is his own.“The players think he’s very approachable and that he will understand them. Some of them are calling him Mourinho 2.0.”Most read in FootballUnited players have been told to be inspired not intimidated by the legendary 27-year reign of Sir Alex FergusonCredit: PA:Press AssociationFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim was mentored by ex-United boss Jose Mourinho and even had a week internship at Old Trafford with him in 2018, shortly before his two-year spell as manager came to an end.Portuguese boss Mourinho was also one of Amorim’s first calls when he was offered the United job with the original Special One telling him ‘to go for it’.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training sessionThe source added: “He told the ones he’s seen so far that the talent in the squad is unbelievable – but they need to start playing as a team.”The new head coach met some players in the gym at Carrington last week, with others on holiday or with their national sides.But the likes of Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Marcus Rashford, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo were part of early drills in a new 3-4-3 shape and with a new style on Monday.Amorim is desperate to give United a new identity and stamp his mark on the team from day one – with his first game at Ipswich on Sunday.Amad Diallo, Antony, Rashford and Jonny Evans all uploaded glowing social media posts after their first sessions under the new head coach and his backroom team.Amorim also told players he likes a settled team – but they all have the chance to impress him on the training pitch.Portugal stars Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot have been away on international duty but had already told their club team-mates they will be impressed and how good Amorim is in training.The former Sporting manager has been very affectionate with the players and told them it is only natural he will have pre-conceived ideas about them – but they have the time to change his minds.In his first interview, Amorim told fans they would have an idea immediately of how he wants his team to play.United are 13th with a zero goal difference – but only four points off Chelsea in third with the Prem returning on Saturday.And the stars on the training ground were left with no doubt on the shape and system he wants to play from the outset.Mainoo was singled out for tactical advice at CarringtonCredit: GettyAmorim has informed his squad he prefers a settled teamCredit: GettyThe source added: “One thing the players are going to have to learn fast is that it is imperative they stick to his system and principles.“He gets how they live, how they want to work and how to get the best out of them. ”“Because he’s only 39, he gets their fashion, their music and their feelings about the modern game.”Mainoo was given special treatment by ex-midfielder Amorim in the first session.The England star, 19, was getting instructions on where to receive the ball and spin into space.Antony was given a right wing-back role in training – but with Dalot, Alejandro Garnacho and Noussair Mazraoiu away, it is unlikely he will play there at Portman Road.Shaw is trying to regain fitness and he spent the 3-4-3 schooling to the left of Jonny Evans in the back three, with Yoro to the right.READ MORE SUN STORIESCasemiro and Mainoo were in midfield with Rashford up front. Mount and Amad slotted into the No10 roles behind the striker.The source added: “The players and club are energized. The other players will be anxious to get back to Carrington to prove themselves.” More