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    ‘Bring back Dave,’ fumes Luke Littler as he demands Man Utd re-sign De Gea after Andre Onana’s horror blunder

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    LUKE LITTLER has pleaded for David de Gea to return to Manchester United after Andre Onana’s howler against Viktoria Plzen.The Cameroonian was at fault as the Czechs took the lead at the Doosan Arena before the Red Devils fought back to win.Andre Onana was at fault for Man United conceding against Viktoria PlzenCredit: AFPLuke Littler reacted to the error on InstagramCredit: Luke Littler / instagramHe revealed he wants David de Gea to return to the clubCredit: PAThe Spaniard is currently playing for Fiorentina in ItalyCredit: GettyOnana, 28, was trying to pass out from the back, but his ball to Matthijs de Ligt was too short.Pavel Sulc collected the ball and squared it to former Watford and Burnley ace Matej Vydra to score.The mistake left Man United fan Littler seething as he reacted on social media.The darts star posted a picture of his television showing the match with the caption: “Bring back Dave”. He has since deleted the post on X.READ MORE ON MAN UTDLittler, 17, was referring to goalkeeper David de Gea, who left at the end of his contract in 2023.The Spaniard was out of football for a whole season but is now playing in Italy for Fiorentina.Stats have even suggested that the De Gea is performing as one of the best stoppers in Europe.It is the latest error in Onana’s catalogue since joining Manchester United to replace De Gea.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEarlier in the same game, he clattered into Casemiro, leaving the Brazilian in pain on the ground.In the Red Devils, defeat to Nottingham Forest, Onana was beaten by an effort from Morgan Gibbs-White despite it being down the middle of the goal.Man Utd team-mates in furious on-pitch argument at final whistle after Red Devils scrape past Viktoria PlzenOnana struggled throughout against PlzenCredit: ReutersRasmus Hojlund netted twice to spare Onana’s blushesCredit: EPABruno Fernandes defended Onana after the gameCredit: GettyFortunately, Onana was bailed out by his teammates on this occasion.Substitute Rasmus Hojlund netted twice in order to turn the match on its head.The striker benefitted after good work from Amad Diallo as he tapped into an empty net to score the equaliser.He then latched onto a clever pass from Bruno Fernandes to fire home the winner in the 88th minute.After the win, Fernandes came out in defence of Onana and insisted his error should not be “focused on”.He told TNT Sports: “We want to play from the back. Everyone knows we have to make the right decision. “Andre missed the pass, but there is nothing we should focus on. It’s not about Andre [Onana] making a mistake, we don’t look at individuals here.”It’s about all the players involved, and we have huge belief in Andre. “He knows he made a mistake, he’s a clever guy, we don’t need to tell him. He’s going to help us when playing out from the back – we trust his qualities on the ball.Man Utd ratings vs Plzen as Hojlund and Amad spare Onana’s blushes are horror showANDRE ONANA had his blushes spared by Rasmus Hojlund as Manchester United fought back to win against Viktoria Plzen.Here’s how SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson rated the Red Devils stars…Andre Onana – 4It was a very shaky start to the game in which Onana hurt Casemiro and failed to deal with the host’s crosses convincingly.He made a massive error that led to Plzen taking the lead with his poor pass, leaving his defenders with no chance of bailing him out.Diogo Dalot – 6Dalot made some decent runs forward to join in with the attacks.Defensively was fairly solid and was not often caught out.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Playing a bit more central, Mazraoui used his pace well to help out at the back.Matthijs de Ligt – 6He was sold short by Onana’s pass that led to the opener but otherwise was fine during the 90 minutes.Lisandro Martinez – 6Made himself available when Man United got forward but struggled with the physicality of the Plzen attackers.Tyrell Malacia – 6He offered very little going forward in the wing-back role as he struggled to combine with Marcus Rashford.Casemiro – 6He moved the ball forward when he could and recovered from an early blow from Onana.Bruno Fernandes – 7He was lucky to have escaped an early yellow card. Stung the goalkeeper’s gloves in the first half with a good effort.His quick thinking set up Rasmus Hojlund to fire in a late winner.Amad Diallo – 8Diallo was a rare bright spark in Man United’s attack against Plzen.It was his run that led to the equaliser, and he used his pace and skill to get past his defender.Marcus Rashford – 4Rashford was often loose on the ball and surrendered possession in the attacking third.He received the first booking of the game for a needless foul and was lucky not to be sent off in the second half before being hooked by Ruben Amorim.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Took on the centre-forward role well, held the ball up and linked up play well enough.SubsRasmus Hojlund 55′ – 8Hojlund showed his striker instincts by being in the right position to grab Man United’s equaliser.He then latched onto Fernandes’ clever pass to score the winner.Antony 60′ – 6He was involved in the equaliser by linking up with Diallo.Mason Mount 60′ – 7Made a positive impact after coming on and was unlucky not to score as he was denied twice by the goalkeeper after coming into the action.Alejandro Garnacho 80′ – N/AFailed to make a positive impact on his short spell on the pitch.Manuel Ugarte 80′ – N/AHe slotted into the midfield as he replaced Casemiro late on.”The most important thing is we had the resilience and fight to come back.”It’s something we’ve been doing for a long time. We know the goalkeepers are good on the ball, they can play. “We normally do it. It didn’t work this time but on many occasions it works.”We trust Andre to keep doing the things he thinks are best. Mistakes happen, and if mistakes happen, goals can happen.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOnana’s questionable form has even seen Man United be linked with potential replacements.AC Milan’s Mike Maignan has been tipped to be a target, but he is also liked by rivals Manchester City. More

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      in Athletics

      ‘I can change the face of this sport’: Barry Hearn reveals failed investment that he regrets the most

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      BARRY HEARN revealed his failed bid to bring gymnastics to the mainstream was his most heartbreaking investment.Hearn, 76, has taken darts, snooker, boxing, pool and tenpin bowling to new heights.Barry Hearn revealed he tried to bring gymnastics to the mainstreamCredit: PA:Press AssociationHearn’s failed attempt to boost gymnastics is his most heartbreaking investmentCredit: GettyAnd the Matchroom Sport president tried to do the same with gymnastics in 2016 but only managed to promote one event.The famous promoter claims the project, which he was very passionate about, never succeeded because of outside interference. Hearn told The Mirror: “I wanted to take over gymnastics, because I think that sport is so brilliant.”I tried two events, but then I bumped into – which I bump into quite a lot – a load of blazers [people in suits].Read More on Gymnastics”When I went into gymnastics, I did a fantastic first event. Then I thought, ‘I can really change the face of this sport’. “And then I just got knocked back [by the governing bodies], because they wanted to keep it to themselves!”I’ve had that with various blazers in various amateur bodies, and it’s very frustrating. I don’t have the time to mess about. I know what I’m doing. I’ve got a reputation built over 50 years. “I can change sports, and I can change people’s lives, but I need everyone to pull together – and so often in sport, they don’t because they’re selfish with their own positions.Most read in Athletics”The people that love their sport but have no real interest in the athletes themselves. And we come from completely different directions. We try and change their lives through money. “I love watching the Olympics, and you should be very proud if you’ve won a medal at the Olympics – but you can’t eat a medal!Barry Hearn sends warning to top darts stars that ‘little Littler Army’ is coming to dominate the sport “We are one of only three countries in the world that don’t pay a bonus for a gold medal, and I find that atrocious. Great Britain – that ‘G’ is looking smaller and smaller. So we need to look after athletes.” More

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      Luke Littler could become second-youngest winner of BBC SPOTY as shortlist revealed including Bellingham & Hodgkinson

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      LUKE LITTLER will vie with Jude Bellingham and Keely Hodgkinson for the affection of the British public after being shortlisted for the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.The teen sensation is the youngest of the six contenders” for the prestigious TV award, which has been running annually since 1954.Luke Littler has won 10 titles in his incredible 12 months in dartsCredit: GettyKeely Hodgkinson took 800m gold at the Paris Olympics in AugustCredit: GettyJude Bellingham landed Champions League glory in his first Real seasonCredit: GettyLionesses’ keeper Mary Earps took the 2023 SPOTY awardCredit: PAThe Nuke will be up against Real Madrid’s Champions League winner Bellingham, Olympic 800 metres gold medallist Hodgkinson, record-breaking cricketer Joe Root, Paralympic cycling champion Dame Sarah Storey and triathlete Alex Yee.Littler, 17, has been deservedly recognised for his exceptional exploits in his first year as a darts professional.The Warrington ace made it to the PDC World Championship final on January 3 – he was defeated 7-4 by Luke Humphries at Ally Pally – and then became Premier League champion in May following a superb nine-dart leg.Littler – who has banked more than £1million in prize money throughout 2024 – has won 10 titles in total and thrilled crowds across the country with his outstanding displays despite leaving school only last year.READ MORE TOP SPORTIf Littler receives the most votes on the night of Tuesday December 17 – and Hodgkinson is the bookies’ favourite – he would be the second-youngest winner in the event’s history.The youngest recipient was 17-year-old Scottish swimmer Ian Black, who was victorious in 1958 ahead of footballers Bobby Charlton and Nat Lofthouse.Littler turns 18 next month and is the fave for this year’s World Championship, which starts on Sunday. He could even have double success on the night as he is also shortlisted for the Young Sports Personality of the Year category.Most read in DartsJoe Root become England’s leading Test scorer and also hit a 262Credit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPhil Taylor was second behind jockey Tony McCoy at SPOTY 2010 but has told Littler he should consider skipping the night and staying at home so can fully focus on trying to win the Sid Waddell Trophy in the New Year.Football has provided seven winners of the main award, including Paul Gascoigne, Michael Owen, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.Jude Bellingham’s glorious England moment brought back in styleBBC SPOTY 2024 CONTENDERSHere are the runners and riders in with a shot of ultimate glory…Luke Littler – DartsJude Bellingham – FootballKeely Hodgkinson – AthleticsJoe Root – CricketDame Sarah Storey – Paralympic cyclingAlex Yee – TriathlonBellingham helped Madrid win the LaLiga title and the Champions League at Wembley, contributing a remarkable 23 goals across all competitions in his debut season at the Bernabeu.Though England lost the European Championship final to Spain in Berlin, the 21-year-old scored twice in the competition, including an incredible bicycle kick in the 2-1 Last 16 win over Slovakia.Hodgkinson, 22, became the tenth British woman to claim an Olympic title in athletics as she stormed to glory over two laps at the Stade de France.Root, 33, made history in style as he surpassed Alastair Cook’s mark of 12,472 runs to become England’s leading scorer in Test cricket with a career best 262 against Pakistan in October.Mum-of-two Storey, 47, is Britain’s greatest Paralympian and added two more gold medals to her impressive collection as she won cycling’s C4-C5 road race and C5 road time trial in Paris.And Yee, 26, enjoyed a stunning 2024 in which he was crowned both Olympic and world champion.What is most surprising is that the shortlist has been confined to six people for the seventh year running – rather than be expanded because it is an Olympic and Paralympic year.It does not include the likes of cycling hero Mark Cavendish, who retired after winning a record 35th Tour de France stage.Road cyclist Tom Pidcock and trampolinist Bryony Page – who are both Olympic champions – have also been snubbed as organisers kept it to a small list.And swimmer Poppy Maskill, 19, would consider herself unlucky not to be nominated after winning five medals at the Paralympics, including three golds.Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott will present the show live on BBC One but Gary Lineker has stepped down as host after 23 years in the role.The judging panel consisted of 12 people – former sportspeople, broadcasters, journalists and BBC executives – and included retired cyclist Laura Kenny and ex-Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha.READ MORE SUN STORIESOther awards presented on the night are World Sport Star of the Year, the Helen Rollason Award, Young Sports Personality of the Year, Unsung Hero, Coach of the Year, Team of the Year and Lifetime Achievement award .Lioness goalkeeper Mary Earps took home the coveted title of BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023.Team GB’s greatest Paralympian Sarah Storey won two more goldsCredit: RexTriathlete Alex Yee won both Olympic and world titlesCredit: Rex More

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      in Boxing

      Barry and Eddie Hearn being followed by Netflix cameras for new ‘Succession-style’ documentary – with NOTHING off limits

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      BARRY and Eddie Hearn are being followed around by Netflix cameras for a new documentary – and they claim nothing is off limits.The production brains behind the worldwide success Drive to Survive – which covers Formula One shenanigans – are shadowing the UK’s leading sports promoters.Netflix are making a documentary on Barry and Eddie HearnCredit: GettyNothing will be off the table for sport’s biggest father-and-son duoCredit: Action Images – ReutersThe show will be aired globally in June 2025 and focuses on the fortunes of the Essex-based empire that has fingers in different sporting, commercial and broadcasting pies.Barry, 76, set up Matchroom Sport in 1982, the year after he celebrated protege Steve Davis winning the first of six world snooker championships at the Crucible.Since then, he has made millions in boxing, pool and darts, the latter of which he has transformed into the second most-watched sport on Sky after football.Eddie, 45, has since taken over the reins of the company and put aside a longstanding family grudge with boxing guru Frank Warren to hook up with oil-rich Saudi officials.READ MORE IN SPORTSpeaking to SunSport after he completed the latest episode of The Barry Hearn Show podcast, Barry said: “Everything is a completely open book. It’s going to be fun.“But I’m frightened to have a bath, mate! Because I get up and go, ‘f***ing, who put this microphone on me?’“The title is ‘Matchroom: The Greatest Showmen’. It’s going to go out to 500 million homes. They are spending millions and millions.“The team that are doing it are the ones who did Drive to Survive, so they have a hard act to follow. But they are very excited about it.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“You try to distance yourself from it. It’s a good story. We had Succession, which was almost a take-off of the Murdoch empire.“Well, we are not at that level but it is a similar theme of an old geezer that starts off something, brings up kids in a different world to what he came from.Eddie Hearn reacts wildy in the ring as Katie Taylor beats Amanda SerranoThe Hearns made stars out of boxers such as Anthony Joshua through MatchroomCredit: GettyEddie’s biggest rival in the boxing game is Frank Warren, but the pair are now also working together on some projects alongside the SaudisCredit: Getty“It’s not a power struggle but there are definitely different influences throughout.“But the company has grown bigger and bigger, it’s a global one rather than a British one. There are a lot of good stories.”Barry added: “We asked ourselves: ‘Are we ready for this type of intrusion?“We’ve never allowed anyone behind the scenes access at Matchroom. But we’re very proud to be a successful British company that has added to the sports world.Barry’s snooker empire saw players including Steve Davis become superstarsCredit: RexHis world of darts is growing even more popular thanks to Luke LittlerCredit: Getty“We took the view that if it’s gonna be treated seriously enough and done properly, then now was the time.“They are everywhere. Quite honestly, I’m seeing more of them than I’m seeing my wife and children lately.“They followed me to Atlantic City for my entry at the US Open 9-Ball Pool.“They’re attending board meetings and we are giving them unlimited access because we don’t want any excuses.“We won’t be doing this with anyone else probably in our lifetime and we’re going to make sure it’s a series that is memorable and tells the truth at every level.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re gonna give them a good story. There’ll be things in there that’ll shock and entertain people.”The Barry Hearn Show is available on all podcast platforms – with exclusive video episodes on Spotify. More

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      in Soccer

      Roy Keane snubs Man Utd by choosing Christmas jumper of rival Premier League club in pic with darts star Luke Humphries

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      ROY KEANE snubbed Manchester United by wearing a Tottenham Christmas jumper in a meeting with darts star Luke Humphries.Keane made the bold choice on an episode of The Overlap.Man Utd legend Roy Keane wore a Tottenham Christmas jumper alongside Luke HumphriesCredit: @lukeh180 on XRed Devils legend Keane played 480 times for United during a 12-year period.He won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson.And United’s former captain is considered by many to be one of the club’s greatest-ever players.However, Keane left fans shocked two years ago when he revealed he grew up supporting Tottenham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ace admitted as an Irishman, United and Liverpool were the two main English sides people cheered on.But for some inexplicable reason, he was always drawn to Spurs.Keane said: “Growing up in Ireland, you were either a Man Utd or Liverpool fan, or Celtic.“Strangely enough, I supported Spurs. Not sure why, but I did.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNow, Keane has taken his support for the North Londoners to another level by donning their Christmas jumper.The bearded pundit cracked a rare smile as he wore a Lilywhite top with the words “Ho ho ho” on the front.Roy Keane left red-faced after Sky Sports colleague tells Man Utd legend to ‘bring this look back’Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.As for darts star Humphries, who supports Leeds, he kept his usual style with his regular blue darts shirt.He posted his delight at the meeting on Twitter, saying: “Had a great time filming for The Overlap today with some of the best footballers to have played the game.”Was a great laugh and enjoyed the experience.”Last Christmas saw Keane lift the lid even higher on his support for Spurs.He said: “I am a Spurs fan, I played for Man United but Spurs are my team.”Just because I played for Manchester United didn’t mean I was a fan of the team.”When I played for Rockmount, one of my team-mate’s fathers used to bring me to training and he supported Tottenham.”That’s where it started, I liked their players, the likes of Glenn Hoddle and Clive Allen.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But after I’d come back from trial at Nottingham Forest, Spurs offered me a trial.”I turned it down because Forest had been good me, I liked the club and felt some loyalty to them. I had a soft spot for Spurs, and still do.” More

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      in Soccer

      I’ve covered Man Utd for 25 years and feel sorry for Amorim, if he gets a tune out of this lot he’s football’s Beethoven

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      IT was wonderful to see the adulation and warmth towards Ruben Amorim as he bid farewell in his final home game as Sporting Lisbon manager.And yet despite that stunning 4-1 win over Manchester City, I couldn’t help feeling sorry for him.New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has a lot of work to doAmorim did an amazing job with Sporting LisbonAmorim took over at Man Utd after leaving SportingAmorim replaced Erik ten Hag who couldn’t improve Man UtdAmorim is facing a major challenge with his new Man Utd teamAt Sporting he has achieved incredible success with two Portuguese Primeira Liga crowns — the first of which ended a 19-year title drought.Understandably he is adored by the fans, even when they knew he was leaving and there is a clear bond between him and the players. He looked a man genuinely content and happy with his life in Lisbon.“Don’t do it Ruben, stay where you are” . . . but it was too late.Amorim had already opted to throw himself into the managerial meat grinder known as the modern-day Manchester United.Read More on Man UtdHe only has to look at the disgraceful treatment of his immediate predecessor to know what he is going into.There was something very unsavoury about the way Amorim was being welcomed to United with all those club social media postings.It was as if he had arrived as a great liberator to take the club into the light after a dark time.Erik ten Hag was a good man. One of the best I have met in my 25 years covering the Red Devils.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe did everything he could to drag that club back up, winning two trophies and getting to another final along the way in his two full seasons.Yet it was clear the new broom being swept through Old Trafford by part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was going to take the Dutchman along with it.Ruben Amorim arrives in Manchester ahead of starting role as Man United managerEven after that so-called show of faith in him over the summer, after everyone else they tried to get to do the job ran a mile.He was always staring at the exit door at a time when 250 staff have brutally been made redundant, against a back drop of cuts that is gradually ripping away a bit more of the soul of this great club.No matter how good he is the squad is poor, for which Ten Hag has to take a major part of the responsibility. Although he never wanted Joshua Zirkzee, an Ineos signing, and we can see why. If Amorim can get a tune out of this lot, then he will be the Ludwig van Beethoven of football.All the while he will have to cope with everything that comes with being United boss.A club that stopped being able to match expectations the moment Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013.Amorim is the sixth permanent boss since then. They all arrive with a smile and believe they can be “the one”.They all leave with their reputations in the dustbin and their lives changed.Ten Hag is still coming to terms with what happened. I’m not sure if David Moyes ever will.Even baby-faced assassin Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looked his age by the end.Sometimes, if you find contentment in your life — and a job you love with people around you who love you — that’s when you have really reached the pinnacle.Amorim had that. And in two years’ time my bet is he wishes he never turned his back on it.Littler’s a star I CAN relate toIT’S often difficult to relate to the incredible feats of sportsmen and women.That is what fascinates us the most: How on earth do they do that?Then you learn of the sacrifices they make for years and years for that one moment in time.How they even struggle to let themselves go after all the hard work when they retire. Then you hear about Luke Littler.He has just become darts’ youngest millionaire at 17 and whose mid-match routine was revealed by Martin Lukeman, whom he thumped 16-3 in the Grand Slam of Darts final.“He had a curry, a Boost [chocolate bar], a meal deal and them little sweets, half pink and half white . . . Squashies. Then he walks up there and just smashes me like that.” Marvellous.Jimmy is living the dry lifeTHE MODERN snooker player is a world away from those icons we used to enjoy watching in the 80s and early 90s.Gym, water, diet, sleep. The best, Ronnie O’Sullivan, is a great example of this with his running.Which reminded me of how Jimmy White used to enjoy his downtime.At his height White once went to the Gresham Hotel in Dublin for a weekend and returned six weeks later.He had 24 bottles of Dom Perignon champagne sent to his room daily and was reportedly joined by “nightclub girls, UB40 and Phil Lynott from Thin Lizzy” for what was described as “the mother of all benders”.When Alex Higgins rocked up to join in, it’s fair to say things went up a notch.Yet in the weekend just gone, the now clean-living “Whirlwind”, aged 62, beat an opponent 42 years his junior in the qualifiers for the UK Champs — over four decades after reaching the semis on his debut.Sober, fit and healthy White is still competing. He may never have been a world champion, but he remains a champion of the sport.Europe crown not for Nick-ingHATS off, or rather caps and visors, to Rory McIlroy.His brilliant finish to claim the DP World Tour Championship meant he blitzed the field in the Race to Dubai for a sixth time.That equalled Seve Ballesteros’ achievement and leaves him two behind Colin Montgomerie’s record.McIlroy has his sights set on becoming the best European golfer of all time, although some already consider him to be.His four Majors to Ballesteros’ five and Nick Faldo’s six suggest that’s not the case. But for me, the moment that sets Faldo apart came in the 1995 Ryder Cup.It was all down to his match as the Sunday singles came to a close and he stood one down with three to play against Curtis Strange.READ MORE SUN STORIESLevel going down 18, his presence of mind to chip out the rough and leave himself the perfect wedge to get up and down to claim par and win as Strange melted is the greatest moment in Ryder Cup history.Watch it and marvel at the man’s powers to block out all the noise and pressure to get the job done.Ruben Amorim leaves Sporting on a highBy Charlie WyettRUBEN AMORIM would have preferred to leave Lisbon in a blaze of glory after winning a third Primeira Liga title.Yet football does not work like that. And in what was surely his final game before taking charge of Manchester United, Amorim prepared to say his goodbyes at a half-empty Estadio Jose Alvalade in a League Cup quarter-final against Nacional.Sporting won 3-1 thanks to  second-half goals by captain  Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled back for Madeira-based Nacional.The stadium  will be a good deal more lively on Tuesday when Manchester City are here for  a Champions League match — although Amorim should by then have his feet firmly under his desk at Old Trafford.Liverpool and Aston Villa were both interested in Europe’s most sought-after coach. Even City could have been a possible destination post-Pep Guardiola.Yet the United job is one Amorim, 39,  could not turn  down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting last night.There is clearly a huge split in the Portuguese club’s fan base over their coach leaving at this stage of the season with many believing he should have seen the job through.Yet Amorim, along with the three-man coaching team who are expected to follow him, leaves a club in a much better state than when he arrived here in 2020.Inside the stadium, there was applause — albeit muted — when his name was read out before the game along with the line-ups.And there did not appear to be any jeers when Amorim shuffled out from the tunnel awkwardly towards the dugout.So, while his departure is hard to take for some, none of the fans will forget his legacy.This is a club which is back as the dominant force in Portugal. Even this term, Sporting have won their first nine league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two.They are also eighth in the Champions League table, which is one hell of an effort.In contrast, Lisbon was not exactly hit by League Cup fever last night.Amorim made lots of changes, which saw Sporting’s star man Gyokeres, the former Coventry striker, start on the bench.There was, however, a first appearance in six weeks for former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards. He is certainly one player who has been transformed by Amorim since arriving at the club from Vitoria in 2022 and will be sorry to see the coach leave.While he changed his team, Amorim stuck with his tried and trusted formation of a back three.It will certainly be something Manchester United’s fans will have to get used to over the  coming months.But looking at the Premier League table, none of them will be complaining about the change. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Fallon Sherrock’s romance with fellow darts star Cameron Menzies who wooed her with KFC

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      THEY are the power couple of darts, and romance blossomed after a date at KFC.Fallon Sherrock, 30, and Cameron Menzies, 35, began dating in 2021.Fallon Sherrock and Cameron Menzies are the power couple of dartsThe down-to-earth pair met over a KFC meal in SouthamptonSince then, Menzies and Sherrock have eaten out one of Salt Bae’s famous restaurantsA year later they moved in together, and better date nights followed, including dining at one of Salt Bae’s restaurants.Last year, the Scot revealed his girlfriend has made him a much better darts player.Time away from his day job as a plumber also helped his cause, with Sherrock cheering him on when she’s not playing herself.SunSport takes a look inside Sherrock and Menzies’ relationship.READ MORE DARTS NEWSThat first date…Menzies and Sherrock met on the darts circuit, and soon clicked.They played doubles together and naturally got together.Menzies revealed: “I had known Fallon for years in darts and played doubles with her years ago.”We met in an online league in Southampton. The rest is history as they say. It started off with a KFC.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey inspire one another…In an interview with Sky Sports, Menzies spoke about how he is inspired by his other half who has opened doors as a woman in male-dominated sport.He said: “We enjoy our practice together and she is a very class player.She’s taken me places I would never have experienced because of darts, so I’m a very lucky person. I’m her biggest fan and I wish her all the bestCameron Menzies “She has done well for darts in general and is banging in 90 averages and 100 averages, the same as a lot of women.”I’m quite lucky I’ve got a very good partner who can play darts. “It’s good in the house unless she beats me and I’ve got to make the food. I don’t like it when she beats me.Fallon Sherrock becomes first woman ever to reach knockout stages of Grand Slam of Darts with sensational 170 finish”I will support her left, right and centre. I am her biggest fan.”I might be a bit strict, but I know how good she is. I’ve known her for a very long time and I know she is very, very good.”She’s taken me places I would never have experienced because of darts, so I’m a very lucky person. I’m her biggest fan and I wish her all the best.”Amusingly, in an interview with The Scottish Sun Menzies revealed that Sherrock has “bigger balls” than him and is better when the pressure is on.”If I wasn’t with Fallon I’d still be a decent darts player, but she has definitely made me a better player. Who is the better of the two of us?”I think I’m a tad better, but she’s better on stage when you’re in the spotlight. She just handles that better… she has bigger balls than me.””I’m getting better at it, but when it comes down to the marbles in an important match Fallon performs better. Hopefully one day I can keep up with her level in that area.”Scot Menzies revealed Sherrock is better at bigger tournaments than himWorld No41 Menzies is Sherrock’s biggest fanThe feeling is mutual – with Sherrock regularly cheering on Menzies from the crowdRangers fanMenzies also let slip that Sherrock likes to wear his Rangers top around the house.When the darts star went to meet Prince William to receive her MBE, Menzies threatened to go to Windsor Castle in the football shirt and a kilt.But, he couldn’t make it. Instead he asked Sherrock to give him a Rangers key ring.Menzies said: “I was given a Rangers key ring and it’s in the house. I wanted Fallon to give it to Prince William.”I’m sure he doesn’t care about Rangers, he’s an Aston Villa fan.“If I had gone to Windsor Castle with Fallon to get the MBE, I would have worn a Rangers top and kilt.“She wears my old Rangers kits around the house, I think she finds them comfy.”I have loads of them, that’s what I wear around the house. A few are a bit tight for me these days and she steals them!”Sherrock likes to wear Menzies’ Rangers football shirt around their homeWhen Sherrock received her MBE, Menzies threatened to visit Windsor Castle wearing a Rangers top and a kiltSherrock and Menzies enjoyed a trip to Las Vegas earlier this yearread more sport featuresPlumber by day…Menzies is ranked 41 in the world in PDC Order of Merit.This year, he reached the quarter-final of a Players Championship event, before losing to Gerwyn Price.While at the World Grand Prix he was defeated by Dave Chisnall in the last-32.Humble Menzies juggles his darts career with a day job as a plumber – fixing sinks and the like.He even took to social media to share a picture fitting a bathroom before an appearance at the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace in 2023.Along with three laughing emojis, he wrote: “Working before the world’s. What a joy.”Brilliantly, the post was quickly picked up on by the official PDC darts feed, who added: “Plumbing at 11, Worlds at 8.”Menzies juggles his darts career with a day job as a plumberMenzies had a job to do the day he competed in the World Darts ChampionshipMenzies admitted he would hate to face Sherrock in a competitionHowever, Menzies is always looking at the draws at the Worlds, and is hopeful of avoiding a complicated match against his partner.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s a handful of players you don’t want to draw and Fallon is up there,” he said.”I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10, but she has a moment when she smashes me.” More

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      Luke Littler puts brave face on after Man Utd hammering as darts star brutally trolls Liverpool legend

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      LUKE LITTLER put on a brave face as he trolled a Liverpool legend just minutes after they beat his beloved Manchester United.Arne Slot’s lot ran rampant against their bitter rivals on Sunday, registering an emphatic 3-0 win at Old Trafford.Manchester United suffered an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at the weekendCredit: PAUnited superfan Luke Littler caught the score before his German Darts Masters clash with Peter WrightCredit: INSTAGRAM/MANCHESTER UNITEDLittler decided to take aim at Kop icon Steven Gerrard after the matchAnd rather than take to social media to show his disappointment, darts sensation Littler took to his Instagram to troll Reds legend Steven Gerrard.The 17-year-old – who was filmed playing darts as a toddler while wearing an England shirt with Gerrard’s name on it – posted a side-by-side picture of himself holding his Premier League Darts trophy and the Kop icon looking dejected to his story.And he emblazoned a 1-0 scoreline across the snap in a blunt reference to Gerrard’s failure to win the English top fight.Gerard has yet to respond to Littler’s dig, which came after the teen lost the Geman Darts Masters final to Peter Wright.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLittler was beaten by Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright 8-5 in a sensational final in Hildesheim.Littler was overcome with emotion after losing the match, in which he sarcastically applauded fans.And he later revealed he broke down as one of his best friends is currently mourning the loss of his father.He wrote on his Instagram story: “Not looking for sympathy or anything I was just trying to say how my best mate has lost his dad at such a young age.Most read in DartsLuke Littler lost the German Darts Masters final to Peter Wright on SundayCredit: PDC Europe”I’ve known Ellis since we both was 3,4 and it’s been on my mind all week the strongest lad I know.”And just couldn’t get the job done as I would of liked.”Luke Littler in shock split from girlfriend Eloise Milburn with darts star, 17, heartbroken after 10 months of datingFan favourite Wright received a roaring reception after winning the tournament and was also overcome with emotion.Choking back tears, an emotional Wright said: “I’m on the way back.” More

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      Luke Littler tells Man Utd ‘I’m still waiting’ as he wants to join his dad in seeing club dominate once again

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      LUKE LITTLER is ready for an early alarm call to watch Manchester United before the New Zealand Masters final day.The teen sensation beat Jonny Tata 6-3 in his first round clash in Hamilton on Friday.Luke Humphries aims to keep up his record of a title a month while hoping Man Utd rediscover their status as Prem top dogsCredit: RexThe Warrington whizkid eventually overcame truck driver Jonny TataCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialPDCNow Littler, 17, is ready for a red-eye alarm call to watch the Reds against Fulham before his quarter-final clash with Dimitri Van den Bergh on the other side of the world.He revealed: “I’ve set an alarm for seven in the morning. I’ll watch the boys.“It’s always good to get new signings in. I’ve witnessed a few trophies in my time whereas my dad and family have witnessed everything. I’m still waiting to witness it all and I’m very confident.”Littler was smashed 8-1 by Gerwyn Price in last weekend’s Aussie Masters final.READ MORE TOP STORIESHowever, he’s determined to keep up his incredible run of winning a title every month in 2024.He added: “I’d love to win over here and get another title. Tick one off for August, if not there’s plenty of chances.“I saw that stat going into the ProTour and I checked it was the last day so win this one and then I can go home.“I did win it and I am aware that I’ve picked up a title every month.Most read in FootballLittler was thumped 8-1 by Gerwyn Price in the Australian Masters finalCredit: PDC“I’ve got used to New Zealand and Australian time. It’s a bit unfair on myself because I’ve got to go back to the UK in a few days and used to my time.“I felt really good coming into it and practice was going well and I’m just glad to take it on stage and get another win.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.“It’s always good to get back to winning ways no matter how you do it.“Now I can’t wait for tomorrow and hopefully another long day.“Last week I played well in the semis and in the final it just didn’t happen. One of those games you’ve just got to say well done to the winner and just get on with the next one.“I don’t really learn anything from defeats. I just pick myself up and go again.”World Champion Luke Humphries also cruised through with a 6-3 win on Kayden Milne.Inside Littler’s massive riseLUKE LITTLER has taken the darts world by storm since exploding onto the scene at the PDC World Championship. More