Erik ten Hag

Subterms

    Latest story

    263 Shares189 Views

    Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd fans to expect ‘really hard moments’ as he admits it’s ‘a different world’ to anything before

    by

    RUBEN AMORIM has warned Manchester United fans to expect some ups and downs over the next few years.The 39-year-old was officially announced as Erik ten Hag’s successor earlier this month.Ruben Amorim was officially appointed as Manchester United’s new manager earlier this monthCredit: GETTYThe 39-year-old gaffer replaces the recently-axed Erik ten HagCredit: GETTYThe Portuguese has warned United fans to expect some turbulent times over the next few yearsCredit: GETTYAmorim’s first assignment will be a trip to Portman Road on Sunday to take on Ipswich Town.The Portuguese is looking forward to the challenge ahead and implementing his philosophy on the team and club as a whole.But the former Sporting Lisbon chief has warned the Old Trafford faithful not to expect him to perform miracles straight away.He said: “It’s Manchester United, you feel the weight of history despite the last few years and you want to be part of it. READ MORE ON AMORIM”If you win here, it will be different from any other club in England.”The responsibility is enormous. It will be difficult. “There will be very difficult moments, but I really believe we will succeed.”The Old Trafford hotseat arguably has the most eyes on it in world football.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”But Amorim is ready for all the extra attention and scrutiny which comes with the job.He said: “It’s a different world here. There’s a lot to do. How Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position change”You’re not just a coach. It’s different, but I’m prepared.”Amorim is United’s SIXTH permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May 2013.His successors have all FAILED to win the Premier League, although there has been a sprinkling of FA, Europa League and League Cup success.And Amorim is confident he can end the club’s long wait to return to the summit of the English top flight.He said: “Call me naive. But I truly believe I am the right guy in the right moment. “I could be wrong but the world still will turn [and] the sun will rise again, I don’t worry about that. “I truly believe I’m the right guy for this job.”Confidence aside, Amorim knows he’ll face the same fate as his predecessors if he doesn’t start filling Old Trafford’s trophy room.He said: “I know if you are at Manchester United you have to win games.”So I will not tell you I need a lot of time. “It’s a great league, the strongest in the world, and we have to improve a lot. “We have to win games and then to win titles.”Amorim is confident his stint at the Theatre of Dreams won’t be a nightmare and insists he should leave the club if he doesn’t deliver on his promises within two years.He said: “In two years, you will understand if I am the right man to be in this process.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In two years, you can understand if you want to continue in this path or you want to change.“I know if you are at Manchester United you have to win games, so I will not tell you I need a lot of time.” More

    More stories

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over expensive shambles that saw Ten Hag get new deal before being sacked

      by

      OLD TRAFFORD chiefs are locked in a blame game over who was responsible for their summer shambles.Manchester United have become a laughing stock over their treatment of former boss Erik ten Hag.Sir Jim Ratcliffe and David Brailsford have faced criticism for their flip-flopping decisionsCredit: AlamyErik ten Hag was brutally sacked just months after being handed a contract extensionCredit: ReutersThe club’s recruitment strategy has also faced scrutiny following another summer splurge of nearly £180million.Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co were set to get rid of Ten Hag after the FA Cup final.They ended up extending his contract and employing a new coaching team around him following their Wembley win over City.But the Dutchman was axed after just nine Prem games this season with United languishing down in 14th in the table. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe former Ajax chief’s staff were also dismissed — all with sizeable pay-offs.It cost around £15m to sack Ten Hag alone, while they had to shell out another £10m to bring Portuguese Ruben Amorim in from Sporting Lisbon, including an extra fee so that he could cut short his notice period.READ MORE: ‘Amorim is joining a team in chaos, he’ll wish he never left Lisbon.’It has been a bumpy start for Ratcliffe, who bought a 27.7 per cent stake in United in February and was charged with running the football side of the club.United splashed the cash several new players this seasonCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe British billionaire, 72, appointed a new senior management team, including Sir Dave Brailsford, Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox. Most read in FootballBut so far, the jury is out on their summer transfer deals.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training sessionThe likes of forward Joshua Zirkzee, at £36.5m, and £38.5m centre-back Matthijs de Ligt have struggled to find their feet.   Now, tough questions are being asked internally about who bears the most responsibility for what went wrong  with their planned squad revamp. More

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim is joining a Man Utd in chaos… the mess behind the scenes will make him wish he never left Sporting

      by

      THE smiling face of Ruben Amorim and the promise of a bright new future is supposed to be giving everyone at Manchester United a lift.Unfortunately, the public face of the Red Devils hides a very different story behind the scenes. Ruben Amorim faces the biggest challenge of his career as he prepares to take charge of United’s first game this weekendCredit: GettyBut while the feeling is one of hope among fans, United are still plagued by a host of behind-the-scenes issuesCredit: GettyWoeful recruitment choices and budgeting problems have spelt disaster for United in recent yearsCredit: GettyOne which could have the new boss pining for Lisbon before he knows it.The ramifications of a disastrous summer for the club under new leadership are still being felt. Not least among the rank-and-file staff, who are seeing their positions eroded and, in the worst-case scenario, extinguished   altogether with 250 redundancies.They understandably wonder if they are collateral damage of decisions by the ex-manager and woeful recruitment.READ MORE ON MAN UTDEven Sir Alex Ferguson has not been safe with his £2million-a-year ambassadorial role axed.Those who championed new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival as having put a spring in everyone’s step have lost their bounce.He took control of 27.7 per cent of the club from the Glazer family last February, with the mandate to run the football operation while the American owners sat back and continued to milk the cash cow.He brought in trusted wingman Sir Dave Brailsford although, to this day, nobody at the club knows quite what his skills are or what he does, rather than telling everyone what is wrong.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne of his first complaints was the state of the IT department’s office at the training ground, which he did not realise was actually an MUTV studio.The handling of former gaffer Erik ten Hag has leapt to the top of the charts regarding bungling in 11 years since Fergie retired and the bar is already pretty high.A look at the build-up to Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge of Man Utd To cut a long story short, they wanted him out, couldn’t find anyone to replace him, asked him to stay, extended his contract, spent millions on a new coaching team at the Theatre of Dreams and then spent another £172.1MILLION in the transfer market.Just 11 games into the new season, the hierarchy decided they would once again return to square one at great expense, with pay-offs for all those going out and a release clause fee for the new bloke coming in.Now, questions are being asked internally at the highest level about how they got to this position, with fingers metaphorically pointed across the boardroom table.Sir Jim has effectively washed his hands of it all, having claimed when questions about Ten Hag’s future intensified, that it wasn’t on him to provide the answers as they had a new senior management team in place to do all that.That team includes Omar Berrada, the CEO poached from rivals Manchester City, who were not exactly tying him to the Etihad’s gates to stop him from going, and Dan Ashworth, the sporting director, who was good lower down the league on a budget.Then there is Jason Wilcox, the technical director, who is supposed to influence how United play now.If he’s already had input, goodness knows what he has been saying.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.All will undoubtedly have had a significant influence on the summer spending splurge, which failed to raise the team’s performance.The most bizarre transfer was the £36.5m paid to Bologna for Joshua Zirkzee.Ten Hag didn’t want him. He arrived a stone overweight and has scored ONE goal.Apparently a metatarsal problem showed up on Leny Yoro’s medical ahead of a £42m spend.Lo and behold, in his second game of pre-season, he got a metatarsal injury and has only just started training during the current international break.Then the question is why would Bayern Munich let go of defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui at a combined total of £51.3m up front, rising to a possible £59.5m, if they were that good?Only Manuel Ugarte, the £42.2m signing from Paris Saint-Germain, is looking close to being a United player, yet even he does not look a step up from Scott McTominay, who left for Napoli and is ripping it up.Eyebrows have been raised as to why Bayern let Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt goCredit: GettyLeny Yoro reportedly arrived injured and has just returned to trainingCredit: GettyThe spending means Amorim’s ability to do anything in the next transfer window will be restricted unless he can shift players, but who is going to buy anyone from Old Trafford right now?All this time behind the scenes, the ship is far from happy, with staff unceremoniously thrown overboard in a penny-pinching purge. It has even led to chefs pulling their hair out to try to cover matchday hospitality on reduced budgets and staffing levels.Long-standing employees feel like they have been cast aside like rubbish.The most alarming story came when a staff member with 25 years at the club behind him was told he was being given a commemorative watch for his service.He was then told to pick it up at main reception, where a security guard handed it to him in a polythene bag. That’s a picture to show the grandkids in the future.READ MORE SUN STORIESAn award-winning journalist is currently tasked with shadowing Sir Jim and his new regime for a book on how they turned United around. It may end up being a work of fiction.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim makes Leny Yoro decision with £52m star removed from squad after training with new Man Utd boss

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM pulled Leny Yoro out of Manchester United’s under-21 game this week, according to reports.The 19-year-old was due to make his first appearance of the season in a 4-0 win over Altrincham in the National League Cup on Tuesday.Leny Yoro was removed from the U21 squad after his first training session with Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyYoro is yet to make a competitive appearance for United after suffering an injury in pre-seasonCredit: GettyAmorim has been putting the players, available to him following the international break, through their paces at CarringtonCredit: GettyBut new United boss Amorim wanted Yoro to remain with the senior squad after watching the defender in his first training session on Monday.Yoro recently returned to Carrington after fracturing his metatarsal during pre-season against Arsenal on July 26.Training clips, released by United, showed Yoro, who signed for £59m from Lille in the summer, training at the right hand side of the back three.He was flanked by Jonny Evans in the middle and Luke Shaw on the left during the practice match.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAmorim appears to have taken an immediate shine to Yoro.The teenage talent could make his debut away at Ipswich Town on Sunday.Amorim is expected to bring in his favourite 3-4-3 formation, which saw him win two titles with Sporting Lisbon.The Frenchman was among the first players to meet the new boss when he arrived at the start of the international break.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim, 39, did not have a full squad of first-team players to work with because many of his top stars were on international duty.He will be cautious with Yoro’s return, but he could be forced to throw him into action at Portman Road amid uncertainty surrounding other centre-backs.How Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position changeUnited are going through yet another injury crisis at the back, after Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof withdrew from their national teams over the break.Harry Maguire hasn’t been spotted in training and looks to be ruled out of the trip to East Anglia.Maguire has been out for seven weeks with a calf injury he sustained in the first half of the goalless draw with Aston Villa on October 6.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

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position change and new-look starting XI

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM can not only solve Marcus Rashford’s form struggles but turn him into one of the Premier League’s best again. Yet Rashford must first buy into a fresh 3-4-3 philosophy, accept a subtle positional change and desert his love for the left-wing. Amorim is expected to quickly instil the same coaching philosophy that earned him two Primeira Liga titles at SportingCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford is set to flourish in a new role under AmorimCredit: GettyHe has worked with a number of senior stars ahead of the Ipswich gameAmorim’s first session provided plenty of insight into his plansWith many United players spending time away on international duty, including Rasmus Hojlund, Rashford would be wise to make use of the extra time spent on the training ground with new boss Amorim.The 27-year-old has endured some topsy-turvy years after he burst onto the scene in 2016, failing to hit the heights of his 2022-23 season where he scored 30 goals in all competition.Amorim, 39, is tasked with bringing Rashford’s magic touch back, with the forward scoring just once in 12 Prem games this season. But how will the new manager, with the confidence of Jose Mourinho and the flare of Pep Guardiola, bring the best of out of Rashford?READ MORE ON MAN UTDMarcus Rashford’s resurrection A player of Rashford’s quality shouldn’t be written off, but the United academy star must open his heart up to a 3-4-3 formation. Rashford must let go of his hopes of hanging out on the left-hand side, as Amorim will NOT use two out-and-out wingers, but will instead play with an attacking left-wing back.Amorim looks set to build two differently profiled so-called No 10s – and Rashford must become one alongside captain Bruno Fernandes.Fernandes’ talents mean he’ll pick up the ball-playing No 10 role, leaving Rashford as the driving central player, who runs off the No 9.Most read in FootballWinger Rashford must become a No.10 – but not necessarily a ball-playing oneMeanwhile, Rashford could also be reinvented as a central striker with two close 10s to support him, but Hojlund is more likely to thrive in this role.The England star is used to playing in a 4-3-2-1 formation or as a striker in counter attacking side, so things will have to change.But if Rashford buys into it early, and focuses on more assists than goals, the United will have a Carrington graduate playing an important role in the club’s future.A look at the build-up to Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge of Man Utd With Hojlund stretching the defence, a channel will appear for Rashford to run intoAmorim’s 3-4-3 formationAmorim has a clear identity. And it seems almost certain that the Portuguese tactician will bring in his winning 3-4-3 structure to M16.He likes his teams to play through the thirds and to dominate possession when moving the ball out from the back.Hojlund, a player United haven’t made the best use of, will likely be deployed at No 9.At Sporting, the formation and style has been built around a mobile, big, physical runner Viktor Gyokeres – and Hojlund can ease into that role.Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte all slot into their respective roles. United are set to adopt Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formationAnd £52million summer signing Leny Yoro has been spotted training at the right hand side of the back three in training clips this week. What is more constant is that in his 3-4-3 formation, attacking wing-backs are key in all thirds of the pitch.Amorim has used two defensive midfielders to cover for his wing-backs – who push high up the pitch and stay wide to form a 3-4-2-1.This also allows his two attacking midfielders to drop into pockets behind a lone striker while still stretching the opposition’s backline.Wing and a prayerAmorim places his wing-backs right up in the attacking areas of the pitch, giving them full freedom of in the flanks.It will become a 3-2-5 in attack, where the wing-backs are expected to push up in different profiles.Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo and even Antony could be eased into a wing-back role, as all three have the ability to take on their man in a 1 v 1. Amorim likes his teams to play through the thirds and to dominate possession when moving the ball out from the back.For the non-byline running full-backs, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui can invert to play in the inside channel when attacking.Amorim likes to have his wing-backs playing high up the pitchWhile Dalot and Mazraoui are set to star in a more inverted role when playingAndre Onana’s gameErik ten Hag bought Andre Onana for £43.7m on the basis of his ability to play out of the back, but the Dutchman couldn’t find a way to utilise David de Gea’s replacement.Onana will be asked to play into the midfield’s feet, who are expected to take the ball on the half-turn and push up the pitch.In training this week, there were no long balls to be seen.It looks like the out-field players will be limited to only two touches before passing it in a zig-zag if they can’t turn, until a channel of space opens up. Goalkeeper Andre Onana should unleash his ball-playing abilitiesMuch has been made of Andre Onana’s ability to play it out from the back with his feetCredit: GettyMainoo main manKobbie Mainoo has the ability to be United’s main ball-playing central midfielder.With the Red Devils looking to start from defence, Mainoo’s role as a deep playmaker has become even more important.Just 18 months after his first run-out against Charlton Athletic in the League Cup, he was starting the final of Euro 2024. The 19-year-old has the ability to dip his shoulder.Mainoo fits in nicely next to all-action Manuel Ugarte, who prefers to be tasked with breaking up play. Ugarte will be well aware of the system used by Amorim having played 85 times under the Portuguese coach in Lisbon, where he started 61 matches.Kobbie Mainoo returned to training this weekCredit: GettyAmorim appears to have taken an immediate shine to Mainoo in training his week, with the pair spotted chatting on several occasions.But all players will expected to get up and down quickly and bust a gut to get back, which has not been witnessed in United games of late. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the amount of sprinting required could spell the end for Casemiro, who at 32 years old seems to have lost his legs.Nonetheless, the Real Madrid legend has stepped up in his dressing room role in recent week.Amorim was always encouraging his players where to run to in training this weekRuben 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. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim stunned by Man Utd players in training and has already made decision on flops who WON’T fit his system

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM was stunned by the size of the job on his hands after the first training sessions with Manchester United this week.The new boss believes the expensively-assembled squad is bloated and has already pinpointed a number of individuals who he does NOT believe will fit into his 3-4-3 high-energy style of play.Ruben Amorim has been startled by the lack of speed and intensityCredit: GettyAmorim’s coaching staff are drilling the squad on new tacticsCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, has been putting the players, available to him following the international break, through their paces at Carrington.But the former Sporting Lisbon boss could not believe the lack of speed and intensity.During the first sessions this week, Amorim was constantly having to tell the players to pick up the pace — and this has continued through the week.The coaching staff and analysts are drilling players and getting them to watch demonstrations of Amorim’s set-up to get them up to speed for his first game in charge away to Ipswich on Sunday.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLOn the positive side, Amorim has also been surprised by the quality of some players at his disposal despite United’s lowly 13th position in the Prem.Amorim is the club’s sixth permanent boss in the 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.He arrives with a big reputation after winning two titles at Sporting following the club’s 19-year wait to land the top honour again in Portugal.The former Benfica man  took over United after Erik ten Hag was fired 11 games into the new season.Most read in FootballRuud van Nistelrooy and all of Erik ten Hag’s coaching team were oustedCredit: PAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim immediately cleared out Ten Hag’s coaching team including Ruud van Nistelrooy, who did such a good job in his short four-game caretaker tenure, winning three games and drawing one.Meanwhile, United are again being linked with Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres and old boy Angel Gomes.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training sessionRed Devils’ scouts are understood to have watched 26-year-old Gyokeres score for Sweden last week.And Amorim has maintained United’s interest in Lille’s England midfielder Gomes, 24.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      How every Man Utd manager fared in first Premier League game as boss as Ruben Amorim prepares for Ipswich clash

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are preparing for yet another new era at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim becomes the latest manager tasked with bringing back the glory days since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.Ruben Amorim is preparing for his first match as Manchester United managerCredit: GettyThe Portuguese gaffer replaced Erik ten Hag and begins away at IpswichCredit: GettyAmorim had to wait until the international break to leave Sporting and officially replace Erik ten Hag, who was axed after two years on October 28.But nearly a month later and following Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim spell, the wait is virtually over for Red Devils fans to see Amorim take charge of their side.His United travel to Portman Road on Sunday afternoon to face an Ipswich team who beat Tottenham last time out – while Van Nistelrooy signed off with a comfortable 3-0 win over another newly-promoted side in Leicester.The pressure will be on the new Portuguese arrival to get off to a winning start.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut how did Manchester United’s previous bosses get on in their opening Premier League matches in the dugout? RUUD VAN NISTELROOY, 2024Van Nistelrooy began and ended his four-match stint with wins over Leicester.But his first league clash in the dugout was a home tie against Chelsea, which finished 1-1.Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot but Moises Caicedo cancelled it out to share the points at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRuud van Nistelrooy earned a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in his first Premier League game in chargeCredit: GettyThat would be the only game Van Nistelrooy did not win in charge as he masterminded a 2-0 victory over PAOK in the Europa League as well.ERIK TEN HAG, 2022One could say it was doomed from the beginning for Ten Hag after his absolutely abysmal start.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsUnited lost 2-1 at home to Brighton in his debut match as Pascal Gross grabbed a double.And when the Red Devils were thrashed 4-0 at Brentford in Ten Hag’s next match, there was genuine fears he would be sacked after two matches.Erik ten Hag started with a 2-1 defeat at home to BrightonCredit: APRALF RANGNICK, 2021The German was not exactly the most popular appointment as interim manager when he took over in December 2021.There were definitely plenty of complaints about his spell at Old Trafford – but in fairness, he did make a solid start.Rangnick led United to a 1-0 home win over Crystal Palace with Fred getting the only goal 13 minutes from time.Ralf Rangnick had plenty to cheer about on his Prem debutCredit: GettyMICHAEL CARRICK, 2021Van Nistelrooy is not the only temporary boss to face Chelsea in his first match – and not the only one to draw 1-1.Carrick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer briefly in 2021 when the Norwegian was axed after the 4-1 defeat to Watford.The former midfielder had a tough pair of Prem fixtures – Chelsea away and Arsenal at home.But he took four points, thanks to Jadon Sancho’s goal in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge then Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo inspired a 3-2 win over the Gunners before Rangnick stepped in.Michael Carrick oversaw a 1-1 draw with Chelsea first up in the leagueCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunOLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER, 2018Solskjaer’s first Premier League match was a visit to one of his former clubs – Cardiff City.And he got off to the best start imaginable when Marcus Rashford fired United ahead in the third minute.Things got better and better with Ander Herrera, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard scoring twice in a 5-1 victory.The Norwegian went unbeaten in his first 12 league games, winning ten to help him land the job on a permanent basis.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got his interim reign off to a brilliant start at CardiffCredit: APJOSE MOURINHO, 2016Like Solskjaer, Mourinho also got off to a fantastic start in the Premier League.He won his first three games, including an opening day victory at Bournemouth, winning 3-1 with goals from Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.The Red Devils shot to the top of the table after the win but would be no match for Manchester City in the title race that season.Jose Mourinho also started well but could not maintain his early successCredit: PALOUIS VAN GAAL, 2014It was a disaster for Van Gaal in his first game – a 2-1 defeat to Swansea City at Old Trafford.And things did not get better soon after for the Dutchman with draws against Sunderland and Burnley before he finally got his first Premier League win over QPR.In fairness, he did have to start a back three of Tyler Blackett, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling against the Swans, with Lingard and Javier Hernandez also being forced off with injury.Louis van Gaal is one of just two United managers to lose his first Premier League game in chargeCredit: PARYAN GIGGS, 2014The legendary winger stepped in to finish off the ill-fated 2013-14 season, replacing David Moyes for the final four Premier League games.That started with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Norwich at Old Trafford with Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata grabbing two each while Carrick started in midfield.Player-manager Giggs then lost 1-0 at Sunderland, beat Hull 3-1 and finished his brief tenure with a 1-1 draw away to Southampton.Ryan Giggs saw off Norwich in his first match as player-managerCredit: AFPDAVID MOYES, 2013David Moyes showed Van Gaal how to mastermind a win over Swansea, beating the Welsh side 4-1 away.Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck both scored twice for a star-studded United side which included Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Carrick.But the Red Devils’ Premier League form under Moyes quickly unravelled with defeats against Liverpool, Manchester City and West Brom in his first six matches.After beating Swansea David Moyes failed to build on his dream startCredit: GettySIR ALEX FERGUSON, 1992A 2-1 loss to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane kicked off a new era for English football as the first-ever Premier League match.Brian Deane had the honour of scoring the first-ever Premier League goal in the fifth minute and added a second via the penalty spot before half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESMark Hughes pulled one back after the break but it was not enough to prevent defeat.Despite the setback, United went on to win the league that season – although it would take something remarkable for Amorim to follow suit come MaySir Alex Ferguson’s Premier League era kicked off with a shock defeat at Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 225 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd XI for last trip to Ipswich includes professional tennis player and star who retired at 45

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED last faced Ipswich Town at Portman Road more than 20 years ago.But this Sunday Ruben Amorim gets his first taste of being United manager when they visit the Tractor Boys.Ruben Amorim is set for his first game in charge of Manchester United against Ipswich TownCredit: GettyThe Red Devils last played the Tractor Boys in the Premier League in 2002Credit: ReutersRoy Carroll was in goal for the Red DevilsCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe goalkeeper played his last game at the age of 45Credit: PacemakerThe Portuguese boss has replaced Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat and got straight down to work in training.Amorim would love Sunday’s match to go the same way as the last league encounter between the clubs.That ended in a 1-0 away victory for United under Sir Alex Ferguson.Much has changed at the club since April 2002 – and obviously the starting XI.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHere is a look at the starting team from that match and what those players are up to…Roy CarrollIn goal for United was the Northern Irish stopper Carroll.He stayed at Old Trafford until 2005 and went on to have stints at West Ham, Rangers and Derby County.He continued his career abroad as he played for Danish outfit Odense Boldklub and Greek sides OFL and Olympiacos.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCarroll returned to England in 2014 with Notts County and continued his career right up until 2021.However, he made a shock return to playing in 2023 – aged 45 – as he came out of retirement to play for Ballinamallard United in Northern Ireland.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsPhil NevillePhil Neville started in the defence for United against Ipswich in 2002Credit: GettyHe is now the manager of Portland TimbersCredit: APNeville started the match against the Tractor Boys at left-back.The defender also stayed at the club until 2005, when he left for Everton.Neville was at the Toffees up until he retired in 2013 and moved into coaching roles at United and Valencia.In 2018, he was named the manager of the England Women’s team, stepping down in 2021.He then had a stint as the head coach of Canada and is now in charge of the MLS outfit Portland Timbers.Wes BrownWes Brown had established himself in the Red Devils squad by 2002Credit: PA:Press AssociationThe former defender declared bankruptcy in 2023Credit: GettyBrown was one of the two centre-backs in a defence that kept a clean sheet.He stayed at United until 2011 and went on to have spells at Sunderland, Blackburn and Indian side Kerala Blasters.The Englishman retired in 2018 and started a car firm.In 2023, he was declared bankrupt despite his £50,000-per-week wage during his career.John O’SheaJohn O’Shea played 394 times for Man UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe is now the assistant manager of the Republic of IrelandCredit: AlamyO’Shea partnered Brown in the heart of the defence.The Irishman also left the club in 2011 as he joined Brown at Sunderland.He stayed at the club until 2018 after suffering back-to-back relegations to League One.He retired in 2019 after a year with Reading and has most recently been the caretaker manager and assistant boss of the Republic of Ireland.Denis IrwinIrwin retired two years after the clash at Portman RoadCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe went on to work in the mediaCredit: SportsfileIrwin was coming to the end of his playing days when he lined up against Ipswich.He retired in 2004 after a two-year spell at Wolves.After hanging up his boots, the Irishman moved into the media and started working as a presenter for MUTV.He has gone on to become a columnist at Ireland’s Sunday World newspaper and a contributor to RTE.Nicky ButtNicky Butt played in the midfield that dayCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe was part of the group that invested in Salford CityCredit: PAButt was in the engine room against Ipswich.He stayed at United until 2004 then enjoyed a good spell at Newcastle until 2010.He retired in 2011 after playing for Hong Kong outfit South China.He most recently was CEO at Salford City but stepped down in October.Butt was one of the United legends that invested in Salford back in 2014.Michael StewartMichael Stewart only made seven league appearances for the clubCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe is now working in the media after a failed bid in politicsCredit: Kenny RamsayScotsman Stewart made one of his handful of Premier League appearances for United in this match.The midfielder left the club in 2005, having only made 14 appearances in all competitions.He spent the majority of his career in Scotland with Hibernian and Hearts of Midlothian.He ended his playing days back in England with Charlton Athletic in 2011.After retiring, Stewart entered politics as attempted to become the SNP candidate for Edinburgh West at the 2015 General Election but failed to win the party’s nomination.He has since worked as a pundit for BBC Scotland and for the Scottish Sun.Luke ChadwickLuke Chadwick was another piece in the midfield against IpswichCredit: Getty – ContributorHe has also worked in club mediaCredit: GettyChadwick was another part of Ferguson’s midfield.He left United in 2004 and continued playing until 2016.The midfielder had stints at clubs such as West Ham, Stoke City, Norwich City, MK Dons, and Cambridge Town before his final club Soham Town Rangers.He was most recently the Director of The Football Fun Factory, which is a coach provider, and he runs his own branch.Roy KeaneRoy Keane was one of the biggest stars at the club at the timeCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe is now a star pundit on Sky SportsCredit: GettyKeane was the final midfielder in the team at Portman Road.He controversially left United in 2005 for a single season at Celtic before retiring from playing.Keane then tried his hand at management with stints at Sunderland and Ipswich Town.He also coached under Martin O’Neill at the Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest.He has now become a fan-favourite pundit on Sky Sports with fans often hailing his analysis.Keane recently praised future son-in-law Taylor Harwood-Bellis after he scored on his England debut.Diego ForlanDiego Forlan struggled during his two years at Man UnitedCredit: ReutersHe has recently become a tennis playerCredit: EPAForlan, was one of two strikers to start the match, has possibly had the biggest career shift.The Uruguayan forward struggled to show his best form during his two-year spell at the Red Devils.He left in 2004 and went on to become one of the best in Europe during his stint at LaLiga sides Villarreal and Atletico Madrid.He retired from football in 2018, but that did not end his sporting career.Earlier this month, he was the wildcard entry into the 2024 Uruguay Open main doubles draw.However, he and his partner, Argentine Federico Coria, were beaten in straight sets.Ruud van NistelrooyRuud van Nistelrooy was the match-winner against Ipswich TownCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe was recently the interim coach at Man UnitedCredit: PAVan Nistelrooy was the match-winner against Ipswich with his 45th-minute goal.The Dutchman was one of the most prolific strikers during his time in the Premier League.He left Old Trafford in 2006 for Real Madrid and ended his career in 2012 at Malaga.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe former striker has since turned to coaching and was the interim boss at United following Erik ten Hag’s sacking.He won three of four games during his unbeaten time in charge of the club before he was axed by Amorim. More