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    Ruben Amorim slashes two names off his Man Utd team-sheet for Europa League clash vs Bodo/Glimt

    RUBEN AMORIM cut TWO names from his Manchester United squad for their Europa League win over Bodo/Glimt.The Portuguese coach, 39, took charge of his first home game as Red Devils boss on Thursday night as they claimed a 3-2 victory against the Norwegian champions.Ruben Amorim made a big decision for his first home game in chargeCredit: GettyHe lined up with a strong starting line-up as Man Utd sought a first win under their new manager following a 1-1 draw with Ipswich on Sunday.And there was a notable change to Amorim’s side as the team sheet came out.He only named 10 players on the bench – two fewer than Man Utd’s last Europa League game against PAOK.Teams are permitted 12 substitutes – with Bodo/Glimt opting to fill their bench.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut Amorim chose not to use his full bench.And two of those named as substitutes were goalkeepers – Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton – meaning he had just eight outfield subs to use.They were Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, Christian Eriksen, Amad Diallo, Casemiro, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo.The starting XI consisted of Andre Onana in goal and a back three of Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd ratings vs Bodo/GlimtTyrell Malacia and Antony were the wing-backs, with Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount in midfield.Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho then played more attacking roles, with Rasmus Hojlund up front.Roy Keane reveals brutal two-word put down to rude selfie-hunter as Man Utd legend discusses fame with Ricky Gervais More

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    Fans shocked to see who Sir Alex Ferguson was sat next to at Man Utd vs Bodo/Glimt as they say ‘not what I expected’

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON was in the stands at Old Trafford for Ruben Amorim’s first home game as Manchester United manager… and fans were stunned by the man sat next to him.Amorim, 39, took charge of his opening match as Red Devils boss on Sunday in a 1-1 draw with Ipswich at Portman Road.Sir Alex Ferguson smiled as he made his way into Old Trafford on Thursday nightCredit: X/MANUTDFerguson sat next to a veteran Scottish manager for the gameBut Thursday evening saw him step in front of the Old Trafford faithful as Man Utd took on Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.And legendary manager Ferguson, 82, was seen coming into the ground as he prepared to catch his first glimpse of Amorim’s side.Man Utd shared a picture of a smiling Fergie and added the caption: “European nights 🤝 Sir Alex 🤩.”Then during the game he was seen in his seat alongside veteran Scottish manager Dick Campbell.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCampbell, 71, has coached a host of teams in Scotland across a 37-year period – Cowdenbeath, Dunfermline Athletic, Brechin City, Partick Thistle, Ross County, Forfar Athletic, Arbroath and East Fife.Reacting to Fergie being next to Campbell, one fan said: “Dick Campbell is not a face I expected to see on this video 😂.”While another added: “One of the greatest football managers of all time sitting besides Sir Alex Ferguson.”Man Utd recently stopped paying Ferguson’s £2million-a-year salary as an ambassador of the club.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRuben Amorim’s first home game as Manchester United boss comes on Thursday nightCredit: GettyHowever, he remains a non-executive member of the board.Fergie won 38 trophies including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues during his 27 years as Man Utd manager.Sir Alex Ferguson ECSTATIC as his horse Spirit Dancer makes history with back-to-back wins in $1million Bahrain raceBut one record he lost on Wednesday night was his long-standing Champions League benchmark.Fergie had coached the most Champions League matches – 214 – a feat which was surpassed by Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti as he took charge of his 215th at Anfield in a 2-0 defeat. More

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    Old Trafford to welcome one EIGHTH of entire town’s population when Man Utd host Bodo/Glimt in Europa League

    MANCHESTER UNITED will welcome 12 PER CENT of an entire town’s population for their Europa League clash on Thursday.The Red Devils host Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt in Ruben Amorim’s first home game in charge.Bodo/Glimt will bring 6,500 fans to Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe Norwegian club travel to Manchester United in the Europa League on ThursdayCredit: APThe away side, who were beaten twice by Arsenal in 2022, are bringing 6,500 fans to the ground for the huge clash.That is out of the town’s 53,000 population, meaning one eighth of everyone living there will be attending the match.And Bodo/Glimt sporting director Havard Sakariassen is overcome by the magnitude of the occasion.He said: “Personally, the 1990s were the defining years of my life because I was between 15 and 22. Manchester was the coolest place on earth for me because of music and the football team.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”So, for me, drawing United, it’s a cool thing. If you ask the 20-year-old Havard, that would be unreal to go to Old Trafford with Bodo/Glimt.”Of course today I am working with this every day and we have been around the block for some years now, but still to go to Old Trafford is special for me.”We have played many games in Europe but, for the Norwegian football fans, playing against English teams is really special.”The game against Arsenal [in 2022] was really a big game for the club but also for the supporters. The Man United game is maybe even more special because of the history of United.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBodo/Glimt won their first league title in 2020 and are set to clinch their fourth in five years on Sunday providing they beat relegated Lillestrom.They will be underdogs against Man Utd – despite sitting one point above them in the Europa League table.Gary Neville admits he ‘can’t see what’s going to happen’ with Man Utd conundrum as he names likely winners under Amorim But they have earned some big wins in Europe in recent years, most notably their 6-1 thrashing of Jose Mourinho’s Roma in the Europa Conference League three years ago. More

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    Tottenham vs Roma: Get £60 in football free bets and bonuses with William Hill

    TOTTENHAM return to Europa League action on Thursday when Italian giants Roma visit.And brand new William Hill customers who register an account and stake a tenner will be rewarded with a colossal £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..William Hill £60 bonusVisit the William Hill website on your mobile device HERE*Register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60Place a bet of at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greaterAfter settlement – win or lose – William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonusesWilliam Hill: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Not got a William Hill account? No problem!It’s really easy to register an account and you can get your hands on that generous £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the footy!Simply register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60After that, stake at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greater.After settlement — win or lose — William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football and in the casino!Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

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    Former Man Utd star Juan Mata makes history with move into MLS as he takes major step towards career after playing

    JUAN MATA has made history after announcing a stunning move to join the ownership group of Major League Soccer side San Diego FC.The former Manchester United and Chelsea star currently plays for A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers, where he has been since September.Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of San Diego FCMata currently plays for Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-LeagueCredit: RexHowever, the 36-year-old has now taken to social media to announce he would be investing into America’s newest top flight franchise who will be joining the league in 2025 as the 30th club.A statement on his Instagram said: “Really happy to announce that I’m a partner at the newest and most special franchise in the MLS!”The club’s own announcement on the move also revealed how the Spaniard has made history by becoming the first active player to hold an ownership stake in Major League Soccer.Mata is now also in illustrious company with Inter Miami owner David Beckham as only the second international player to be involved in MLS ownership, according to the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spaniard added: “Joining San Diego FC as a partner is an exciting opportunity to help build something truly special in a city and league that are experiencing incredible growth.”The commitment of both this Club and Right to Dream to community impact, excellence, and a vision for long-term success aligns perfectly with my own values. “I look forward to contributing my experience and passion for the game and working alongside everyone here to build a Club that inspires both on and off the pitch.”San Diego’s first ever competitive match will take place at the 35,000-capacity Snapdragon Stadium against five-time MLS winners LA Galaxy on March 1 2025.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe club statement described Mata as a “widely respected humanitarian” and mentioned his charitable schemes such as the Common Goal initiative which sees players pledge one per cent of their salary to social causes.He is also an active collaborator and partner of Right to Dream, and has visited RTD’s Academy in Egypt and Denmark.Hirving Lozano surprises San Diego FC in visit to his new MLS club after being left off Mexico’s Copa America rosterSan Diego chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour said: “Juan has been an active and long-term supporter of Right to Dream, and he shares our values of wanting to use football to deliver long-term social impact and change. “As one of the most successful footballers of his generation, winning the World Cup, European Championship and UEFA Champions League, among many other titles, he is a serial winner, and in San Diego, we are committed to building a winning team for the long term.”The playmaker starred in England for 11 years with Chelsea and Man Utd.He spent two-and-a-half years with the Blues where he won the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup.Mata then played for the Red Devils from January 2014 to summer 2022, winning the Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup.After leaving Man Utd, Mata joined Galatasaray, where he won the league before leaving to join Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he also won the league.Meanwhile – having started his career with Real Oviedo – prior to arriving in the Premier League he won the Copa del Rey with Valencia.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn an international level, Mata won the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship and was also a European Champion in both the Under-19 and Under-21 categories.His various business ventures away from football have helped him cultivate a reported net worth of £66million, and it seems club ownership could be up his street when he eventually retires.Stars signed up for San DiegoSAN DIEGO will be Major League Soccer’s 30th franchise team, but who will they have playing for them? Only a handful are on the books so far, but there are names you may recognise…Hirving Lozano – Mexican winger is joining from PSV in January. He is a title winner with the Dutch club and Italian side Napoli and has 70 international appearances under his belt.Marcus Ingvartsen – One-time Dane international has proven to be a prolific goalscorer for Nordsjaelland with 53 goals in 134 games.Alex Mighten – Nottingham Forest academy product is joining from the Premier League side after signing a deal in the summer, but is currently on loan with Nordsjaelland.Jeppe Tverskov – Third star associated with Nordsjaelland, the defensive midfielder only joined the club from Danish rivals Odense BK in 2023. He is a Superliga veteran with more than 220 appearances to his name.Paddy McNair – Man Utd academy star is joining the MLS side from West Brom. Now 29 years old, it will be his first transfer outside of England after spending most of his career with Middlesbrough. McNair won the FA Cup with United in 2016 and won the Under-21 Premier League twice. More

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    Spanish derby clash abandoned after stand COLLAPSES following goal celebration in shocking scenes

    A SELL-OUT Spanish derby was abandoned after barriers collapsed in shocking scenes as players and fans celebrated a goal.Sant Andreu supporters crashed out onto the grass in front of their shocked heroes in the fourth-tier clash at Catalan rivals CE Europa.Supporters tumbled onto the pitch in the Catalan derbyThe barriers couldn’t take the pressure as Sant Andreu fans celebrated a goalThe match was suspended before it became clear it had to be called offWhizkid Marc Jurado had slipped home his second strike to put the visitors 5-3 up in the 49th minutePlayers rushed to rejoice in the corner but many suddenly dashed to help when they saw a huge section of fencing behind the goal break.Fans were pulled away – before the referee suspended the match in what Europa said was an attempt “to resolve the situation”.But officials soon decided the only option was to call the game off.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEuropa posted that the match was abandoned as ” the safety of the visiting fans cannot be guaranteed”.Sant Andreu confirmed “many” of their fans had “fallen onto the playing field”.But the club added, gratefully, only “minor injuries” had been suffered.Sant Andreu had earlier suggested: “The remaining 40 [minutes] will probably have to be played on another day. Thank you very much for the support.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, it’s unclear how Spanish football chiefs will deal with the situation.The frightening incident came after a goal-fest between two Barcelona-based clubs battling for a play-off spot.Roy Keane in heartfelt tribute to future son-in-law Taylor Harwood-Bellis after ‘bittersweet’ England goal vs Ireland_1However, it became clear all was not right behind the goal as the barriers began to ripple.The fencing then gave away, sparking concern from players and officials as some fans seemed trapped on the ground.But thankfully it appears no-one was seriously hurt.Fans reacted on social media with relief and amazement.”The field was packed,” said one, while another called the scenes “craziness”. More

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    Fifth place in Premier League set to get Champions League football as England lead way in Uefa coefficient table

    ENGLAND remain in pole position for an extra Champions League place next term – despite the Prem’s worst European week of the season.Liverpool were the only Champions League side to taste victory, with Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa all slipping to defeats.Liverpool’s dominance in the Champions League has helped England to the top of the national rankingsCredit: AlamyChelsea are also dominating the Conference LeagueCredit: GettySpurs then lost for the first time in their Europa League campaign at Galatasaray, although Manchester United and Chelsea recorded home victories.But since the start of the new league phase in September, the Prem sides have won 18 matches – more than any other nation – and lost the fewest, those four defeats this week.Italy and Germany, both with eight teams in Europe at the start of the season, have won 16 and 15 respectively, with 13 Spanish victories and 11 for French sides.The Bundesliga and La Liga sides have lost 11 matches, with Leipzig pointless from four Champions League fixtures and all four Spanish sides in the senior competition having lost at least one game.Read More in FootballIt leaves England top of the pile at the half-way stage of the initial phase, with a current coefficient score of 9.428, when the points gained by the Prem’s teams are divided by the seven competitors.Portugal, who only have two teams in Uefa’s biggest competition, are next with a score of 9.2, followed by last season’s top two, Italy – on 8.75 – and Germany, with 8.375.France, on 8.071, are fifth, ahead of Spain – 7.857 – and the Czech Republic.Uefa’s revamp means the two nations with the highest score at the end of the season will earn an extra berth in the Champions League next term.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEngland currently top the UEFA nations tableAll teams earn two points for a win and one for a draw but their club and national tally is also boosted by bonus points accrued through the three competitions.Each of the 36 clubs in the Champions League starts with six bonus points, with the possibility of earning up to six more if they finish top of the eight-game table, although there are no pre-competition bonuses for either the Europa or Conference Leagues.SunSport’s Charlie Wyett runs the rule over England’s squad after two players are given first call-upThe top eight sides in all three competitions at the end of the first stage – the Conference League, with just six matches, ends before Christmas but there are two match rounds in each of the others in January – automatically make the last 16 knockout stage.Teams ranked ninth to 24th are then drawn in a knock-out round to join them.Currently, all seven Prem sides are on course to qualify for the knock-out stage, with Liverpool top of the Champions League standings, Villa eighth, City 10th and the Gunners in 12th.In the Europa League, Spurs slipped from second to seventh with United now up to 15th, while Chelsea are romping away at the top of the Conference standings.While things are almost certain to change, if all clubs finished in their current positions, England would extend their lead by picking up a 4.036 in bonus coefficients, taking the Prem tally to 13.464.That would give England an advantage of fractionally under two full points – the equivalent of eight team wins – over Italy, swap places with Portugal, ahead of France, Germany and Spain.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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    Watch Europa League side’s ‘worst kick-off in history’ as they concede SEVEN SECONDS after restart

    FANS are dubbing it the “worst kick-off in history” after a Europa League side conceded just seven seconds after kick-off in the second half.The bizarre incident happened in the group stage clash between FC Midtjylland and FC Steaua Bucharest on Thursday.FCSB scored just seven seconds into the second half after Daniel Birligea forced a defensive errorThe striker simply tapped the ball into an empty netCredit: APBucharest midfielder Florin Tanase put the hosts ahead within the opening 20 minutes in Romania.But it was striker Daniel Birligea’s goal, which sealed the win, that will live long in the memory after he capitalised on a terrible kick-off error from Midtjylland.The ball was passed back to goalkeeper Elias Rafn Olafsson from the centre-circle at the restart.Olafsson’s attempted clearance was blocked by Birligea who ran straight through on goal.Read More in FootballThe striker simply tapped the ball straight into an empty net from a few yards out.The goal went in on 45mins 07secs.Fans were left in disbelief, with one person taking to social media to write: “This might be the WORST kick-off in history…”Another commented: “What coach actually gives the ok to starting the game like this? Madness.”Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third said: “Back to the goalie from kick off deserves this happening.”While a fourth simply wrote: “What on earth.”Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersFCSB went on to win the match 2-0, leaving them eighth in the Europa League group stage table.Meanwhile, Midtjylland are down in 13th. More