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      Sporting wonderkid, 17, shows how Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution could work as Gyokeres hits hat-trick against City

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      RUBEN AMORIM gave Manchester United fans a tantalising glimpse into the future as his Sporting side thrashed City 4-1 in the Champions League.The occasion began in a raucous atmosphere, with Sporting fans waving goodbye to their beloved Man Utd-bound manager in what was his final home game in charge.Ruben Amorim gave Man Utd fans a thrilling glimpse into the futureCredit: ReutersViktor Gyokeres bagged his latest hat-trickCredit: AFPGeovany Quenda was brilliant down Sporting’s right flankCredit: GettyThe home faithful unfurled a huge banner reading “Obrigado” – Portuguese for “thank you” – ahead of kick-off.And after tonight’s performance, it’s easy to see how Amorim left such a mark.Sporting actually got off to a ropey start, with Phil Foden giving City a fourth-minute lead.The side Amorim has built in Lisbon is resilient, however, and after weathering City’s storm they came roaring back to win 4-1.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLViktor Gyokeres grabbed the headlines by scoring a stunning hat-trick – taking his season tally to an astonishing 23 goals in just 17 games.The Swede’s numbers would make United’s current forwards Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund blush.But how has Amorim given the former Brighton and Coventry star such a platform on which to shine?The 39-year-old has generally favoured a 3-4-3 formation with Sporting, although tonight’s average positions show that his system turned into more of a 3-5-2, or even 3-4-1-1 – with Francisco Trincao, formerly of Wolves and Barcelona, playing off Gyokeres.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow Amorim will be able to introduce his three-at-the-back system into the Premier League will be fascinating.After Antonio Conte’s Chelsea won the Premier League in swashbuckling style using a back three in 2017, the system suddenly became all the rage.How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyEven Arsene Wenger, after more than 20 years of deploying a back four at Arsenal, dabbled with it during his final season at the Emirates.These days, however, back threes have become more scarce.In fact, none of last season’s top 13 used it as their primary formation.Despite Sporting’s left wing-back Maxi Araujo grabbing a goal on the night, it was actually right wing-back Geovany Quenda who consistently got further forward.TEENAGE SENSATIONThe Guinea-Bissau-born wonderkid is just 17-years-old but has already made himself a regular in Sporting’s first team.As a left-footer playing on the right, Quenda cut inside to great effect as he created Sporting’s equaliser.His brilliant through-ball found Gyokeres who, having fluffed an earlier one-on-one, made no mistake when through on Ederson’s goal for a second time.This sort of chance was typical of the service Gyokeres received all night, with Sporting consistently forcing turnovers with their solid base.BUILDING A PLATFORMIrrespective of conceding a harsh penalty in the second-half, which Erling Haaland went on to miss anyway, 20-year-old centre-back Ousmane Diomande was impressive at the heart of Sporting’s defence.While midfielders Hidemasa Morita and Morten Hjulmand offered excellent protection and were rarely far from the scene when Sporting’s back line needed help.As soon as Sporting won the ball back, Gyokeres would be sent on his way.It was Araujo’s turn to cause havoc from the left wing-back position right at the start of the second period, the Uruguayan converting beyond Ederson after a brilliant run by Pedro Goncalves.Gyokeres then showed coolness to convert two penalties and complete his hat-trick.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim will have another crack at Pep Guardiola in April, as United host City at Old Trafford in the Portuguese’s first Manchester derby.When he begins work at Carrington on Monday, United’s new boss will seek to begin developing a Red Devils team that can emulate what Sporting did to City tonight. More

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      Zinchenko reveals ‘s***’ Champions League final display left him in tears with Arsenal star not eating for two days

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      EVERY day at Arsenal training Oleksandr Zinchenko gets a reminder of the worst day of his career.It is the painful moment he feels a Champions League trophy slipped out of his hands — and the Ukrainian still blames himself for it.Manchester City’s final loss to Chelsealeft Oleksandr Zinchenko in tearsCredit: The SunZinchenko even lost his appetiteCredit: AFPHis Manchester City side lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the Covid-hit 2021 final in Porto and Zinchenko said: “No two ways about it. I was s**t.”The full-back claimed he was at fault for allowing “my man” Kai Havertz a critical run on goal as the forward scored the 42nd-minute winner at the Estadio do Dragao.He describes it as “probably the worst day in my football life” and says it left an “emotional scar” that has yet to heal.And his former City team-mate Fernandinho often joked he was denied the chance to get an arm tattoo of the big-eared pot because of Zinchenko.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe problem is, he cannot be allowed to move on and forget about it — because he and Havertz are now pals at the Gunners.Zinchenko, 27, said: “If I tell you now what I’m saying to him every day, you would laugh!“It’s better that I will be quiet. Because as soon as I see him . . . my scar. I feel him.“Jokes aside, I mean definitely, one of the most painful moments in my career so far. My wife Vlada, she remembers that day.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The way that she is watching my games is something only the closest circle knows, how she is living these kinds of moments.“That night, when we came back to the hotel, our families were already in our rooms.Jamie Carragher SAVAGES Arsenal on Monday Night Football and says they’re ‘like a Mourinho team without the trophies’“When I opened my door she was waiting for me, she hugged me, we were just crying for a while.“For the next two days probably, I didn’t really eat. It was a super-tough moment.“But thank God I had this experience which made me, for sure, much stronger.“Also thank God that the week later we had training with the national team before the Euros. Football again saved my life. That is how it was.”One way Zinchenko got over his ordeal was a heart-to-heart chat with Andriy Shevchenko, the Ukraine boss at the time.He, of course, was part of AC Milan’s side that lost the 2005 Istanbul final to Liverpool on penalties despite being 3-0 up at half-time.Pep Guardiola’s City went on to become European champions in 2023, beating Inter Milan — also in Turkey’s Ataturk Stadium — to seal an incredible Treble- winning campaign.For the next two days probably, I didn’t really eat. It was a super-tough moment.Oleksandr Zinchenko on Champions League final defeatBut Zinchenko, a four-time Premier League champion with City, had moved to North London at the start of that season for an initial transfer fee of £30million.It was an attempt by boss Mikel Arteta to add experience and a winning mentality to his dressing room.And one way for Zinchenko to erase his memory of missing out would be to win the tournament with Arsenal — who have won two of their opening three games this campaign.Zinchenko, who hopes to play at Inter Milan in the Champions League tonight, reckons City’s dominance of English football must end soon.He said: “It’s not just in football, you cannot carry on like this forever.“For sure, there will be changes. Of course, the players will get old, the manager might look for another job. Something will happen.“The dominance which they have had during the last years is incredible.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The stats and also trophies talk for themselves. Being there, you straight away think of this winning mentality.” l  Believe: The Autobiography by Oleksandr Zinchenko is published by Bloomsbury. RRP £22Zinchenko in Arsenal trainingCredit: AFP More

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      Celtic 3 RB Leipzig 1: Kuhn the star of the show as Hoops blow Bundesliga side away in stunning Champions League triumph

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      RED Bull Leipzig gave him wings.Last night at Celtic Park they watched him soar.GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Celtic FC and RB Leipzig at Celtic Park on November 05, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Credit: GettySoccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v RB Leipzig – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – November 5, 2024 Celtic’s Nicolas Gerrit Kuhn with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers after being substituted Action Images via Reuters/Lee SmithCredit: ReutersSoccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v RB Leipzig – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – November 5, 2024 Celtic’s Reo Hatate reacts REUTERS/Russell CheyneCredit: Reutersepa11703744 Leipzig’s head coach Marco Rose reacts during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Celtic FC and RasenBallsport Leipzig, in Glasgow, Britain, 05 November 2024. EPA/ROBERT PERRYCredit: EPANicolas Kuhn played for the Bundesliga’s Under-16’s side and showed signs of taking off.In this Champions League tie against them, he was flying.There will likely be some Academy coach at the German club telling how he once watched the Celtic star scored 18 goals in 22 youth team appearances.But they count for nothing compared to his double here and performance to go with them.Kuhn, at 24, is now the real deal as he produced on the big stage to be the catalyst for this sensational comeback victory.The German side took an early lead but after Kuhn’s double Reo Hatate sealed the three points.For Brendan Rodgers, it’s arguably his biggest European result in his two spells at the club given the standard of opposition.His side gave him everything he hoped for and more to respond to an early set-back. Most read in Champions LeagueCeltic had initial control of the game.Right up until they didn’t.Celtic fans left stunned by US TV star’s ‘incredible’ knowledge of club Rodgers’ side made such a promising start and were the dominant team for the first 20 minutes.The packed stadium brought the big match atmosphere and the early signs were the players would deliver the performance to go with it.But European outfits like Leipzig only need a sniff of a chance to pounce.And teams like Celtic cannot afford to make two mistakes in quick succession and expect to get away with it.That’s precisely what Rodgers warned in his pre-match press conference.He talked about how keeping possession of the ball was the best form of defence.So there was real frustration when Auston Trusty passed straight to a Leipzig player on 23 minutes.The centre-back had picked up an ankle knock earlier. But it was still slack play from the big defender when he was under no real pressure.The error led to a shot on target which was going wide.But Kasper Schmeichel threw out his right arm to turn the ball out for a corner.Rodgers turned away in annoyance, knowing it was needless.The first ball into the box was cleared by Arne Engels.But when it came back in a second time, Cameron Carter-Vickers could only flick the ball on and Leipzig scored through Christoph Baumgartner.The Bundesliga side started to look like a really, really good side and they could have doubled their lead.There was a panicky few minutes for Celtic, without doubt.Alistair Johnston was required to make a vital last ditch block in that worrying spell with Antonio Nusa blasting another chance high over the bar.Those were big moments.But just as Celtic had control of the game and lost it, so too did Leipzig.Rodgers’ side deserve huge credit for the way they composed themselves after that shaky five minutes.Skipper Callum McGregor led by example in the middle of the park with a proper captain’s performance.But the star of the show was wearing the number ten jersey.Kuhn is just playing with so much confidence right now that he doesn’t run around the pitch, he swaggers.It’s amazing to think he was so ordinary looking last season after he initially joined the club in January.But he’s settled now, alright. Kuhn made it 1-1 with a tremendous goal after 34 minutes.He struck the ball almost nonchalantly from outside the box to beat goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi with a sensational curling shot.Kuhn held his arms out, when the ball hit the net off the post, like it was nothing special. But that’s exactly what it was.Celtic could easily have settled for that before half-time.But with Leipzig rocking they grabbed the initiative, pushed forward and scored again seconds before the break.Hatate did brilliantly to feed the ball into the box from the left and this time Kuhn was in the right place at the right time to score again.The goal raised the roof but no-one inside the stadium believed there were no more goals to come.The match was still very much on a knife-edge going into the second half.Leipzig were always capable of getting the next goal and going on to get the much needed victory.While they turned up here with zero points from their first three European games this season, their defeats weren’t exactly against the minnows of the competition.In truth, while they lost to Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Liverpool, their performances deserved better.So Celtic had to beware.But when push came to shove, Rodgers’ side were in no mood to let this opportunity slip.They made it 3-1 in 72 minutes, Hatate reacting brilliantly to slam the ball into he roof of the net after the Leipzig keeper spilled a low cross from Johnston.Rodgers took off Kuhn at that point with the wide-man getting a standing ovation from the Celtic support.There was still some work to do in the closing stages.Play being held up as young Celtic supporter invaded the pitch was an unwelcome distraction for the players.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the final whistle wasn’t long in coming with Rodgers and his team able to take the applause of the whole crowd who were thrilled with their performance.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Champions League LIVE SCORES: Gyokeres nets HAT-TRICK as Amorim’s Sporting STUN Man City, Liverpool beat Leverkusen

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE football returned in style on Tuesday night – and there is plenty more thrilling action in store for Wednesday!New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim led Sporting to a 4-1 win over his new rivals Manchester City – in the Portuguese coach’s final home game in charge of the Lisbon club.Xabi Alonso didn’t have the return to Anfield he would have hoped for after Luis Diaz’s stunning hat-trick helped fire Liverpool to a 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.Wednesday’s action sees Arsenal travel to Inter for a blockbuster Champions League clash.Elsewhere, Aston Villa will be looking to continue their perfect start to their European campaign with another win against Club Brugge.Kick-off times: 5:45pm/8pm GMTLive stream: discovery+TV channel: TNT SportsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from matchday four of the Champions League with our live blog below…Arteta unlikely to risk talismanThere is no doubting that Arsenal have looked a pale comparison of their best without Martin Odegaard.The good news for Gunners’ fans is that he has returned to training a lot earlier than expected.While he is travelling with the squad to Italy, it remains to be seen whether Mikel Arteta will risk him in this crucial match.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedEmery looking to bounce back from defeatAston Villa took a heavy defeat on the chin on the weekend.Despite going ahead in North London, Tottenham ran out as 4-1 winners in the Premier League.Unai Emery’s side need to win if they want to leapfrog Liverpool at the top of the Champions League table.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCeltic keep qualification hopes aliveWhen Brendan Rodgers’ side got heavily beat against Borussia Dortmund, many expected yet another early exit from Europe’s elite competition.Having amassed seven points from their first four games, Celtic are now well-placed to build on this and secure a place in the latter stages.They showed grit and determination after going a goal down against RB Leipzig but turned the game around to run out 3-1 winners.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChampions League tableHere is how the league is looking in the new format Champions League before we head into tomorrow night’s games:Credit: @FootRankingsCopy linkCopiedThe curse of Kylian MbappeSigning arguably the best striker in the world seemed to make Real Madrid unbeatable given their current squad.Mbappe’s career in Madrid has not taken off as many expected.A player who has never won the Champions League, could his curse mean Ancelotti’s side miss out on the biggest trophy this season?A heavy defeat at home against rivals Barcelona has been followed up by a 3-1 loss to AC Milan this evening.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPep left frustrated in PortugalFootball can be a cruel mistress at times.Man City dominated the first-half against Sporting Lisbon but did not take their chances and paid the ultimate price.It means that Pep Guardiola’s side have now lost back-to-back games and the injuries are mounting up.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGaffer continues dream startLiverpool sit top of both the Premier League and Champions League under new manager Arne Slot.Nobody expected him to make this start to his Reds’ career and he continues to rewrite the record books.Slot has won 14 of his first 16 games as Liverpool manager.This could be a season to remember for their fans if it continues how it has started.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: Real Madrid 1-3 AC MilanThe big surprise result of the evening came in Spain.AC Milan scored three goals to stun Santiago Bernabau.Alvaro Morata got the third goal as the Spaniard rubbed salt in the wound capping off a brilliant display from the Italians.Copy linkCopiedChampions League resultsPSV 4-0 GironaSlovan Bratislava 1-4 Dinamo ZagrebBologna 0-1 MonacoBorussia Dortmund 1-0 Sturm GrazCeltic 3-1 RB LeipzigLille 1-1 JuventusLiverpool 4-0 Bayer LeverkusenReal Madrid 1-3 AC MilanSporting 4-1 Man CityCopy linkCopiedFT: Celtic 3-1 RB LeipzigA massive result for Brendan Rodgers’ side.They fell behind to a goal from Cristoph Baumgartner but that is as good as it got for the visitors.Celtic move to seven points in this season’s Champions League.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Charlie WyettIncredible second half performance from Liverpool. There will certainly not be any Reds fans wishing Xabi Alonso was their manager instead of Arne Slot. Next up at Anfield in the Champions League are Real Madrid and what a game that could be.Copy linkCopiedFT: Sporting 4-1 Man CityWhat a way to say goodbye to their fans.Pep Guardiola’s side have been trampled by Sporting Lisbon.All of that after having so many chances to score before the hosts had even registered their first.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn in LisbonWho writes Ruben Amorim’s scripts? A fairytale way to say goodbye to the home fans at the Jose Alvalade – and endear himself to the new ones at Old Trafford. A night they will be talking about for years to come in this part of Lisbon. And what about Viktor Gyokores – he even eclipsed Erling Haaland by scoring a hat-trick – while the Norwegian thumped a pen against the bar. Copy linkCopiedFT: Liverpool 4-0 Bayer LeverkusenMany Liverpool fans wanted Xabi Alonso to replace Jurgen Klopp.They got Arne Slot and they are top of every league in which they compete so far this season.A Luis Diaz hat-trick and a Cody Gakpo goal make for an emphatic win for The Reds.Touch of class from the home fans as they sing their Xabi Alonso chant once the victory is sealed.Copy linkCopied90+1. GOAL – LIVERPOOL 4-0 Bayer LeverkusenHis name is Lucho, he came from Porto……….he came to score, score, score.Diaz gets his first hat-trick in a Liverpool shirt.Levels.Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 1-3 AC Milan85. A huge cheer from the away end at Santiago Bernabeu.VAR has ruled out Rudiger’s goal.Huge blow for Madrid.Copy linkCopied86. GOAL – Bologna 0-1 MONACOThilo Kehrer grabs a late goal for the visitors.Heartbreaking for the hosts at this stage of the game.The French side may have just won this one late on.Copy linkCopied85. GOAL – BORUSSIA DORTMUND 1-0 Sturm GrazDonyell Malen gives last season’s finalists the lead.The visitors had worked so hard to try and get a point.Now that seems a distant dream.Copy linkCopied82. GOAL – REAL MADRID 2-3 AC MilanAntonio Rudiger claws one back for Madrid.There is still time in this game to get something from it.Nervy times for the travelling fans.Copy linkCopied82. GOAL – LIVERPOOL 3-0 Bayer LeverkusenHe’s Luis Diaz, he’s from Barrancas, now he plays for Liverpool.The Columbian gets his second of the game.Alonso sinks into his seat.Copy linkCopied80. GOAL – SPORTING 4-1 Man CityViktor Gyokeres scores from the spot once again.TNT Sports have got the black cat of pundits on this one.Noel Gallagher, stick to the music, you are a commentary jinx.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn in LisbonFasten your seatbelts Manchester United fans as its going to some ride under Ruben Amorim on this evidence. Two goals in the opening five minutes of the second half put mighty Manchester City on the ropes and Sporting on the brink of a famous scalp. Erling Haaland missed a penalty too – it felt like it was definitely Amorim’s night.Copy linkCopied73. GOAL – Real Madrid 1-3 AC MILANTijjani Reijnders doubles the lead for the visitors.Leao lays it on a plate for him to slot home a left-footed shot from the middle of the goal.This is not what the Madrid fans were expecting to see tonight.Copy linkCopied72. GOAL – CELTIC 3-1 RB LeipzigReo Hatate gives Celtic a bit of breathing space in this one.They have been superb since going a goal down.Brendan Rodgers will be overjoyed with his team tonight.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen72. Liverpool are all over Xabi Alonso’s side right now.He is on the receiving end of some of those famous Anfield atmospheres he was part of on so many occasions.Szoboszlai has come on for Jones for The Reds.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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      Sporting Lisbon 4 Man City 1: Ruben Amorim produces tactical masterclass to make huge statement ahead of Man Utd move

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      THEY’LL be rolling out the red carpet for Ruben Amorim in Manchester on Monday now.And they should be having a whip round at Old Trafford to get Viktor Gyokeres to follow him to Old Trafford as soon as possible.Ruben Amorim said farewell to Sporting fans ahead of joining Manchester UnitedCredit: AFPGoal machine Viktor Gyokeres was on the scoresheet again with a clever finish over EdersonCredit: ReutersMaximiliano Araujo put Sporting ahead after a brilliant team move just seconds into the second-halfCredit: AFPGyokeres made it 3-1 from the spotCredit: RexErling Haaland saw a penalty hit the barCredit: ReutersGyokeres completed his hat-trick with another coolly dispatched penCredit: ReutersTogether they produced the ultimate fairytale farewell to the Jose Alvalade Stadium for the United-bound boss.What an extraordinary way to endear himself to his new fans.His team inflicted a first Champions League defeat in 90 minutes on Pep Guardiola’s mighty Manchester City since May 2022 – 32 matches ago.Not to mention the heaviest loss in any competition in over four years for the ‘noisy neighbours’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIf this is the kind of entertainment that is heading for the Theatre of Dreams, then fasten your seatbelts.Gyokeres got a hat-trick – including two penalties – to enhance his reputation as one of the hottest properties in Europe.He could have had more too and looks exactly what goal-shy United need right now.  They say if you can’t be a good manager then be a lucky one – and Amorim certainly had his share of good fortune.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCity bossed the first-half and should have been out of sight – while Erling Haaland also uncharacteristically missed a second-half pen.But credit to Amorim and his team for hanging in there and then hitting the English champs with some stunning breakaways.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter The manager was given a huge ovation by the crowd before kick-off – while a huge banner showed the trophies he has won and simply said “thank you”.Yet he had expressed his worries before kick-off that the emotion of the last week might affect his players.And sure enough they began nervously despite their excellent start to the season and fell behind within four minutes.Keeper Franco Israel rolled a pass to Hidemasa Morita who didn’t look best pleased when he was dispossessed in the blink of an eye by Foden.The England ace took a couple more touches before thumping a shot past the Sporting keeper – who might be disappointed not to keep it out.Foden has now scored in eight of his last nine appearances in this competition and seems to be going through the gears after a slow start to the season.Yet the home side could have levelled within a couple of minutes as Gyokeres nipped in ahead of Rico Lewis and raced through on goal from his own half.The in-form former Coventry man never looked confident though as Ederson stood up to him and his chipped effort was weak.Back at the other end, Haaland saw one chance clawed away by Israel and blazed another wide after a delightful pass from Matheus Nunes.The Norwegian was getting plenty of opportunities and saw a looping header hoofed off the line before Israel flung himself to keep out a volley.Haaland was being made to wait for his 45th goal in this competition – but you know with him it wont be long.Stand-in skipper Bernardo Silva latched onto a cheeky back-heel from Foden but steered his shot just past the post.Sporting have won all ten of their domestic league games this season and were neck-and-neck with City in the table.City should have been out of sight given their chance – they weren’t though – and were made to pay shortly before the break.Geovany Quenda found Gyokeres and this time he held off teenage defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey before clipping home his shot.The Swedish forward – who now has 25 goals this season for club and country – is a huge cult figure in Lisbon and the fans went wild.Don’t be surprised if a bid comes in from Old Trafford before long.As the home fans celebrated, Amorim called a quartet of players over to dish out some tactical advice. No sign of him clocking off early.He can clearly give a half-time team talk too as his side came roaring out for the second-half.Just 19 seconds after the restart the home side were ahead as Pedro Goncalves threaded a pass to Max Araujo whose shot went straight through Ederson.Sporting fans unveiled a huge tifo to say goodbye to AmorimCredit: TNT SPORTSThe home fans were still celebrating as Josko Gvardiol lost the ball on the left and then upended Francisco Trincao.It was a clear penalty and Gyokeres did the rest – sending the City keeper the wrong way with an emphatic spot-kick.City were shell-shocked as they faced up to the prospect of losing three games in a row for the first time in six years.They got a lifeline midway through the second-half as Silva’s shot hit the arm of Ousmane Diomande.After a long VAR check a penalty was given and after an even longer wait, Haaland hammered his spot-kick against the bar.It was clearly Amorim’s night – and not City’s.And that much was clear as former Sporting star Nunes shoved over Geny Catamo in the box to earn the third pen of the night.READ MORE SUN STORIESGyokeres kept his cool and rattled in from the spot again to spark more bedlam and complete his hat-trick.Welcome to Manchester, Ruben Amorim.Phil Foden opened the scoring after just four minutesCredit: Getty More

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      England could be forced to field World Cup qualifying ‘bomb squad’ as new Fifa rule threatens to rule out ELEVEN players

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      THOMAS TUCHEL could be plunged into a club versus country row after Fifa ordered Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to play their strongest teams in the new Club World Cup.New England boss Tuchel will discover next month if he will have to start the Three Lions World Cup campaign in June.New England boss Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyBut Fifa’s demand that the 32 competing teams field their strongest slides for the £600m new tournament which starts in the USA less than a week after the scheduled international dates may leave Tuchel in the middle of a major dilemma.Skipper Harry Kane will spearhead Munich’s glory push in the States, with Jude Bellingham central to Real Madrid’s chances and Conor Gallagher scheduled to appear for Atletico Madrid.Tuchel will also see Cole Palmer, Reece James and Levi Colwill required by Chelsea, with Kyle Walker, John Stones, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis in City’s ranks.Fifa’s desperate determination to make the inaugural episode of the tournament a major success has now seen world chiefs giving themselves the power to order clubs to release players to Club World Cup sides BEFORE their current contracts end.READ MORE IN football World chiefs have now released regulations that state clubs must field their “strongest teams throughout the tournament”.Fifa said that competing clubs must still release their players for the international window including World Cup qualifiers from June 2 to June 9.But the prospect of top clubs pulling rank and demanding their needs are put ahead of international commitments in the immediate lead-up to the tournament – due to start on June 15 – tees up a serious worry for German Tuchel.That Fifa window will leave little time for the players involved to get back into club groove before the new tournament.Most read in FootballSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe possible problems come after the international players’ union Fifpro launched a legal challenge against Fifa in the European Court, with the aim of forcing Zurich chiefs to back down on their plan.But Fifa put the screws on the clubs by announcing that any team which pulls out now will be fined “at least” £220,000, while withdrawals after mid-May would see that fine doubled to nearly £450,000.Thomas Tuchel’s first England XI predicted by Jamie Carragher with ultra-attacking team and one-cap international The hardline expectations came as it emerged FIFA chiefs could order clubs to release players due to join Club World Cup sides early.Fifa announced last month that they were creating a special transfer loophole to apply at the tournament that will be played in the USA.Competing clubs will be able to complete some of next term’s transfers early to allow the players to take part in Fifa’s new flagship competition.Under the special regulations, clubs will be able to register new players between June 1 and June 10 – rather than being forced to stick to the usual June 30 cut-off for registration changes.Current contracts for City’s Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan will expire on June 30, while Jadon Sancho’s loan spell at Chelsea.Canada left-back Alphonso Davies is one of SEVEN senior players at Kane’s Bayern Munich who are out of contract at the end of the season.Initially it had been suggested that early registration would only be permitted if both clubs and the players involved approve, with nobody will be allowed to play for two teams during the month of action.READ MORE SUN STORIESFifa said the “objective” was to “encourage clubs and players whose contracts are expiring to find an appropriate solution to facilitate the players’ participation”.But it has now emerged that FIFA will decide on any disputes between Club World Cup teams who each want to take the same player to the tournament.Man City won the Club World Cup in 2023Credit: Getty More

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      ‘The game is gone’ Fans outraged as Noel Gallagher joins commentary for TNT Sports for Man City Champions League clash

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      FANS couldn’t believe what they were hearing when they realised which unexpected superstar was on TNT Sports’ Champions League coverage.Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist were joined by music royalty in the gantry for their broadcast of Sporting Lisbon vs Manchester City.There was an unusual addition to the commentary team for TNT Sports’ coverage of Man City vs SportingCredit: PAThe pair were accompanied by Man City superfan and Oasis star Noel Gallagher.Gallagher wasn’t only on the commentary team for TNT, but also down pitch-side ahead of kick off to discuss his beloved City’s form.Supporters are used to seeing the Rock ‘N’ Roll Star in the crowd at City games, but his presence on the broadcast is Half the World Away from his usual Tuesday night.Fans reacted to the unbelievable moment on social media.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne wrote: “So bizarre that Noel Gallagher is on co-commentary on TNT Sports tonight”.While another added: “Noel Gallagher adding a lot to commentary tonight. So enthusiastic.”A third posted: “Why is Noel Gallagher on punditry duty for TNT Sport?!”And a fourth commented: “No way that’s Noel Gallagher on commentary. I thought it was just some random ex-City player”.Most read in FootballAnother wrote: “Is Noel Gallagher seriously on commentary on the City game? The game is gone.”Oasis superstar Noel Gallagher joined TNT Sports in the gantry for commentary on the gameGallagher joined the TNT Sports coverage pitch side tooCredit: ReutersGallagher will have been looking down on a familiar sight when watching on the game.That’s because the City players were wearing his handwriting on the back of their shirts for the occasion.Pep Guardiola reveals ‘incredible’ Noel Gallagher sends him text message before and after Man City gamesTheir cup font has been designed by Gallagher with the 57-year-old writing out every player name and number to create the unique look.The Oasis icon also helped design a kit for Man City, honouring the 30th anniversary of album ‘Definitely Maybe’.The kit, dubbed ‘Definitely City’, will be worn for select European fixtures this season, and was donned by players in City’s Champions League opener against Inter Milan earlier in the campaign.The font on the back of Man City’s shirts is Gallagher’s handwritingCredit: ReutersGallagher helped design an Oasis themed kit for Man City this season tooCredit: Manchester CityThe superstar posed with Pep Guardiola for the ad campaignCredit: Manchester City More

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      Sporting Lisbon fans unveil stunning two-tier Ruben Amorim banner bigger than centre circle ahead of exit for Man Utd

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      SPORTING fans unfurled a huge banner in tribute to Ruben Amorim ahead of this evening’s clash with Manchester City.Amorim, 39, was taking charge of his final home game in charge of the Portuguese giants ahead of his move to Manchester United.Sporting fans unfurled an incredible bannerCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, accepted the adulation of the fansCredit: GettyThe Portuguese’s side took on Manchester CityCredit: ReutersRather than show any bitterness towards their outgoing coach, Sporting fans expressed their immense gratitude.Ahead of kick-off they unfurled an enormous banner even bigger than the centre circle.It featured an illustration of Amorim with his arms folded, as well as the five trophies he won as Sporting boss.The banner read “Obrigado” – Portuguese for “thank you”.READ MORE ON RUBEN AMORIMAmorim joined Sporting as boss in 2020 following a season at Braga.As their boss he won two league titles, two domestic cups and one Super Cup.He will take charge of his final game in charge away to his former side Braga on Sunday.Amorim is then set to formally begin work as Man Utd boss on Monday.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAhead of the clash with Man City, Amorim was involved in an awkward exchange with a British reporter.In his pre-match press conference, Amorim was asked about potentially getting one over United’s rivals City by Sky Sports’ Gary Cotterill.Dimitar Berbatov tips Viktor Gyokeres to follow Ruben Amorim to Man Utd When the incoming Man Utd boss politely refused to speak English, Cotterill bizarrely claimed: “It’s like a cold shoulder to your English fans.”Amorim laughed off the comment, and was backed up by hordes of fans online.The banner read ‘Obrigado’ – meaning thank you in PortugueseCredit: EPA More