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      Ange Postecoglou set for fiercest reception yet after boos against Bournemouth and Chelsea – and NOT from Tottenham fans

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU is braced for a red-hot reception in the Europa League on Thursday – and NOT from Tottenham fans.After enduring personal abuse at Bournemouth last Thursday and more jeers after the Chelsea capitulation on Sunday, the big Aussie now returns to Glasgow.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is facing a hostile environment by Rangers fansCredit: RexPostecoglou was booed by Tottenham fans after the games with Bournemouth and ChelseaCredit: GettyPostecoglou remains beloved by Celtic fans after winning FIVE trophies in two years – and catching the eye of Daniel Levy.But after snatching the Premiership title from Rangers in two glory-laden years in Scotland, he’ll know exactly what to expect when Spurs arrive at Ibrox for the Battle of Britain.Celtic legend Frank McAvennie told SunSport: “The Rangers fans will give him pelters.“He’ll know that and he’ll know there will be a little bit of humour in there, too.Read More on Football“He’ll be getting the old ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ chants.Ange will take it and he’ll understand why he’s getting it.“Spurs have been magnificent in 20-minute spells – then lost the games.“The players have let him down. They have been guilty of not concentrating for 90 minutes and leaking goals.“But Ange will relish going back to Ibrox for a big game – and one he’ll need to win. I can’t see the Tottenham fans having it if they don’t beat Rangers.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter the 4-3 home loss to Chelsea – when they led 2-0 – Postecoglou was cut to 4/1 to be the next Premier League manager to be axed.It’s all a far cry from his two-year spell at Celtic, when we won the Double in his first season and the Treble in 2022/23.Ange Postecoglou reacts to Tottenham’s 4-3 loss to Chelsea Those triumphs – and previous title wins in Australia and Japan – convinced Levy he was the right fit for North London.But his journey to the East End of Glasgow was a far more complicated route filled with plenty of twists and turns.With Neil Lennon gone and Steven Gerrard having ended Hoops’ hopes of a tenth straight title, the Celtic hierarchy wanted a big-name boss in the summer of 2021.They doggedly pursued Eddie Howe, who had left Bournemouth and was yet to join the Saudi revolution at Newcastle United.A deal for Howe appeared close, only to collapse at the last minute and leave Celtic looking elsewhere for a saviour.Postecoglou was in the J-League with Yokohama F Marinos, one of the City Group’s network of clubs.Ange’s Celtic successHe had worked closely with City Group recruitment guru Mark Lawwell, son of Peter – then Celts’ chief executive and now chairman.And Postecoglou’s dynamic style of play ticked several boxes for the Celtic board and their fans.McAvennie recalled: “I was delighted with everything Ange did at Celtic.“Yes, we’ve now got Brendan Rodgers but I still think of Ange from time to time.“And I’m sure Ange thinks of his time at Celtic, too. It did him the world of good.“The pressure of having to win every game at Celtic probably prepared him for the pressure he’s now under at Tottenham.Rough start“People talk about him being in trouble if he loses this game but the same could be said for Rangers manager Philippe Clement.“If he loses to Tottenham then loses to Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final at Hampden on Sunday, the heat will be on him.”Postecoglou faced three Rangers bosses in two years in Glasgow, with Gerrard quitting for Aston Villa, Giovanni van Bronckhorst axed despite winning a Scottish Cup and reaching a Europa League final then Michael Beale appointed.Ironically, he didn’t enjoy the same swashbuckling start as at Spurs 16 months ago.He was knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers by a mediocre Midtjylland team before losing his league opener at Hearts.He lost his first trip to Ibrox, albeit he won there later in the season as Celts edged closer to the title – his only victory in four trips across Glasgow.’We Never Stop’By then, he’d returned to the J-League to inject pace and purpose into the side with Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda all signing.Cameron Carter-Vickers had arrived from Spurs, initially on loan, to stiffen the defence in front of Joe Hart.Portuguese winger Jota and Denmark midfielder Matt O’Riley were bought for £8million and later sold to Al-Ittihad and Brighton for £50m.Postecoglou’s ‘We Never Stop’ mantra was adopted by the Hoops’ faithful and became a slogan which underlined every success.McAvennie added: “Ange changed the team completely. He signed players who stepped up to the mark.“He got together with Peter Lawwell at the start and everything just clicked.“We’d never have known about Kyogo, Hatate or Maeda without Ange.“The same could probably be said about Jota, who was in Benfica’s B team. He changed everything about Celtic for the better.”Alas, things have now gone from bad to worse for the big Aussie at Spurs.READ MORE SUN STORIESDefeat in Glasgow would be tougher to take than the rocky reception he’s guaranteed from Rangers fans.But as McAvennie says: “Being a West Ham man myself, I couldn’t care less about Tottenham…”Rangers fans remember Postecoglou’s success with rivals CelticCredit: Getty More

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      Excruciating moment fan kicks his mate’s beer out of his hands on live TV at Europa League clash

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      DISASTER struck at FC Twente last night as a fan inadvertently booted a pint out of his pal’s hand.The Dutch side were taking on Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League.An FC Twente fan booted his pal’s pint by mistakeCredit: ZIGGO SPORTThe drink went flying out of the fan’s handCredit: ZIGGO SPORTThe Belgian visitors took a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute courtesy of Mohammed Gadafi Fusseini.In the second half, substitute Mathias Rasmussen botched a cross during a promising attack.As the ball sailed harmlessly over the bar, it caught the attention of a pair of fans stood clutching pints behind the goal.Before either of them had a chance to kick it, the bouncing ball knocked a pint out of the hand of an unsuspecting supporter, who had their back turned.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen one of the excited pair then sought to take a touch, the other opted to try to boot the ball first time.He missed it, however, instead thumping his pal’s beer out of his hand.It went on to spill all over him, with not a single drop salvaged.The incident was picked up by Dutch telly, with pundits laughing at the amazing incident.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe fans also saw the funny side, with the guilty party beaming and laughing.To make matters worse for the fans, FC Twente went on to lose the game 1-0.Watch astonishing moment FC Twente fan carries 48 BEERS in one go in front of cheering stand against rivals Willem IIMany supporters of the Dutch side enjoy a matchday pint.In 2021, an FC Twente fan was seen carrying an incredible 64 pints in one go.An FC Twente fan previously carried 64 pints in one go More

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      Man Utd star Andre Onana tackled to floor by 19st 6lb giant Francis Ngannou moments after win over Bodo/Glimt

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      MMA legend Francis Ngannou wrestled Andre Onana to the floor after Manchester United’s win over Bodo/Glimt.The Red Devils won 3-2 in the Europa League as Ruben Amorim made his Old Trafford bow.Francis Ngannou and Andre Onana play fight on the Old Trafford pitchCredit: x/ andreyOnanaFrancis Ngannou grabs hold of Andre OnanaCredit: x/ andreyOnanaFrancis Ngannou throws Andre Onana to the groundCredit: x/ andreyOnanaNgannou said the keeper was man of the matchCredit: GettyBut he was not the only man at the stadium for the first time as former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou was in the stands.He cheered on United goalkeeper Onana and after the game was spotted on the pitch talking to his fellow Cameroonian.But Ngannou switched the ring for the pitch as the pair then began hilariously play-fighting.It did not take the 19st 6lb man mountain long to grab Onana and tackle him to the floor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere was a handshake between the two afterwards – but Onana has demanded a rematch.He wrote: “I demand a rematch in a real ring! Let’s settle this once and for all!”Fans won’t want to see it though after fearing their No1 would get injured.One joked: “Breaking news Andre Onana is out for the next decade with a broken everything.”Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother added: “He is our only injury free player come on.”Ngannou spoke to TNT Sports post-match and said: “It was a good game, we had fun and there was a lot of action. ‘Watching Arsenal is like watching Netflix… you always have to wait for the next season’, says Man Utd legend”Yes, it was my first time here, it was a good experience and we have a victory.”Andre, he had a great game even though he takes a yellow card. He was the man of the game.”Ngannou watched the match from the stands and was sat alongside boxer Derek Chisora.He is not the only MMA star to mingle with Premier League players on the pitch after a European game this term as Conor McGregor showed off his football skills then jokingly fought Bukayo Saka.Man Utd ratings vs Bodo/Glimt More

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      Maurizio Sarri on regret at quitting Chelsea, love for an unlikely star and why he can’t quit addiction to fags and Prem

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      THERE ARE two habits that Maurizio Sarri cannot kick – cigarettes and his love of English football.The vastly experienced Italian manager deeply regrets the decision to walk away from Chelsea after just one season. And he wants to put things right.Maurizio Sarri won the Europa League during his one year in charge of ChelseaCredit: Getty – ContributorThe Italian memorably enjoyed a smoke on the sidelinesCredit: AP:Associated PressHe also forged a reputation for his brand of ‘Sarri ball’ footballCredit: Alamy Live NewsDespite guiding the club to the Europa League title, a top four finish and a Wembley final, chain-smoker Sarri ‘panicked’ and headed home for safety’s sake.The gradual breakdown of former owner Roman Abamovich’s deteriorating relationship with the UK government was behind him asking to leave just when he should have been negotiating a new contract.Sarri is still puffing away as he talks exclusively to SunSport about his unfinished business with the Premier League. And more importantly, whether he would pack up fags because stadiums over here are no-smoking arenasIn answer to that question, he declared: “No.”READ MORE CHELSEAHe then goes into great depth detailing why he felt he had to leave Chelsea despite winning a European trophy in his one and only season.Russian Abramovich had his UK visa revoked. Technical director Michael Emenalo had quit the year before Sarri arrived.Transfer guru Marina Granovskaia was left juggling several roles – and it scared Sarri.He said: “I could have stayed at Chelsea.Most read in Football“I wanted to come back to Italy because the situation at Chelsea was not easy. In that period Abramovich was not allowed to go to England. I only saw him at games abroad. We had some telephone calls but not very often.“My point of reference was only Marina. There wasn’t a sporting director so the situation was not so clear. So I wanted to come back to Italy but it was a mistake.’Referees don’t understand football!’ Ex-Prem ref slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea & Liverpool errors“It would have been better to stay there. I was a little worried about the situation with Chelsea, the situation inside the club. It was not clear.“I asked Marina if it was possible to go back to Italy and Marina asked for some money from Juventus to set me free.“They said if I wanted to stay at Chelsea it was possible. But at the end of the season with Chelsea it was a good experience and good results.“We got third place in the Premier League table, reached the final of the Carabao Cup and won the Europa League. We played a lot of good matches.“Of course at times there were two or three disasters, like at Manchester against City, like at Bournemouth.“Now I am ready to start again. I don’t know where at the moment. But me and the staff are ready.”Sarri has a tricky relationship with Chelsea owner Roman AbramovichCredit: AP:Associated PressA year after leaving Chelsea, Sarri won the Serie A title with JuventusCredit: GettySarri faced an uphill battle to convince Chelsea fans that his possession-based philosophy, or ‘Sarriball’ as it has become known, suited the blood and thunder of the Premier League.His team was trounced 6-0 at Manchester City and 4-0 by lowly Bournemouth during his sole year in charge. But there is no arguing with the end result.Sarri left Chelsea and went on to win Serie A with Juventus the following season. Then a proud second-placed finish with Lazio in 2023.He said: “I managed at the top level. We won the Scudetta with Juve but it is not the same as the Premier League.“England is the top level for players, for teams, for clubs, for stadiums, for fans. For everything. So I’d like to come back.“If I had a team and had the opportunity to be the coach of a team at the same level I think that I could do even better.“If Chelsea were able to get into the top four then my football must have been suitable. Probably the disaster at Manchester and Bournemouth made the fans unhappy about my situation and my football. But I think it was a feeling for a couple of months, no more.”Sarri on his favourite Chelsea playerMAURIZIO SARRI was blessed with a galaxy of stars during his one year as Chelsea boss.Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cesc Fabregas, Olivier Giroud, N’Golo Kante and Jorginho among them.But the Italian has a special place in his heart for an unlikely lad in Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who came so close to making it big with The Blues but is now with AC Milan in Sarri’s homeland.Sarri said: “I loved them all; Luiz, Rudiger, Azpi. But for me one very important player in my season was Loftus. Very, very important. I think he could have done more.“But the injuries were a really big problem for him. He had to go 11, 12 months without playing.“Then it takes another season to reach the same level as before. It is a big thing for one but I think in time he will reach a great level.”Silky midfielder Loftus-Cheek came through the Chelsea ranks and over nine years managed just over 150 Premier League appearances.But nightmarish issues with his Achilles tendon in particular got in the way. He ruptured it playing in a Holocaust Memorial match for Chelsea in Boston.Sarri said: “I hope now there is a great future for him. He deserves it. Achilles was a big, big problem for him.”Sarri also believes current Chelsea boss and fellow countryman Enzo Maresca has settled the club down after several dramatic years off the pitch and in the transfer market with 43 registered first team players at one point.Sarri said: “The situation at the beginning of the season was difficult with so many players but for sure he is doing a good job.“My feeling now is that Chelsea are becoming a team again now- not 11 good players. My feeling is that the future for Chelsea could be good. A winning future I think.“Maresca is an Italian coach but is more an international coach. Maresca in Italy worked only for one or two seasons, no more. He has worked more in Italy than in England.“He is a very young coach. We have to wait I think but at the moment the work at Chelsea is going well. He has the possibility to become one of the best in Europe.”Two Premier League managers have already been sacked this season – Erik ten Hag at Manchester United and Steve Cooper from Leicester.It is at this time of year that top flight clubs start getting twitchy.Julen Lopetegui at West Ham and Russell Martin at Southampton must be looking over their shoulders.At Chelsea, Sarri used a terrace next to his first floor office at the training ground for smoking.His only requirements from any new club are an outside space and potential.Sarri said: “It is very important to get 101 percent from your team. This is more important than winning a cup, a trophy, or the Premier League.“To get 101 percent from the players, the team as a whole. It is better than winning. Real Madrid can win with 98 per cent of the potential of the team. The real win is getting 101 per cent of the potential.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I wanted to leave Chelsea – but only because of a particular situation. Not because of England. “I want to be a coach again.” More

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      in Boxing

      Derek Chisora meets former Anthony Joshua opponent at Man Utd clash after calling him out for last ever fight

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      HEAVYWEIGHT stars Derek Chisora and Francis Ngannou teased a potential bout after bumping into each other at Old Trafford on Thursday.The two boxers were in attendance for Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Bodo/Glimt.Derek Chisora and Francis Ngannou bumped into each other at Old TraffordCredit: Instagram / derekwarchisoraChisora teased a potential boutCredit: Instagram @derekwarchisoraChisora took to Instagram to share some photos of the evening before including Ngannou in a video. Panning to the MMA icon, he said: “Look who I bumped into people.”He then appeared to hint at a potential fight, adding: “Can’t say much. We can’t say much.”Chisora this week admitted that he wants to face Ngannou in his 50th and final fight in Africa next year.Read More in BoxingHe told talkSPORT: “Another push I’m trying to get through is a fight with Ngannou – in Africa.”I want to push that. If I can get Francis Ngannou in Africa for our own African people to see us perform, instead of us performing in European countries and Saudi, it will give just a little bit of a taste to our young and upcoming talent in Africa to see African warriors go at it.”Chisora and Ngannou posed for pictures together in the stands at Old Trafford before the Europa League match.They held up United shirts that were gifted to them by the club.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd went on to win 3-2 against Bodo/Glimt thanks to a brace from Rasmus Hojlund.Before his proposed fight with Ngannou, Chisora is set to face Otto Wallin in February.Derek Chisora unveils plan for shock career change once he’s retired from boxing but plans dream 50TH fight first He was originally expected to fight Jarrell Miller on the night, but talks collapsed following a contractual dispute. More

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      Man Utd star Andre Onana avoided red card due to little-known rule as Bodo/Glimt star reveals referee’s explanation

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      ANDRE ONANA avoided a red card against Bodo/Glimt due to a little-known rule.The Cameroonian, 28, was in action as Manchester United came from behind to beat their Norwegian opponents 3-2 in the Europa League.Andre Onana appeared to handle outside the boxCredit: TNT SportsOnana helped his side to a comeback winCredit: GettyLawrence Visser elected not to punish Andre OnanaCredit: RexWith 15 minutes remaining, Onana was involved in a highly contentious moment.As Bodo/Glimt broke forward, the United stopper raced out of his goal.Onana challenged Jens Petter Hauge, with the ball clearly striking his arm and stopping Bodo/Glimt’s attack.Referee Lawrence Visser immediately waved away the visitors’ claims.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe decision was then cleared by VAR as the game continued.After his side’s defeat, Bodo/Glimt’s skipper Patrick Berg revealed Visser’s on-field explanation for the decision.He told Norwegian broadcaster NRK: “I feel Jens tries to drag the ball past Onana and then it hits his hand.”He [Visser] explains that there is a rule that states that the ball can hit the hand if it is on the ground as a support, then it does not matter.”Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd ratings vs Bodo/GlimtWhile the decision not to send Onana off was correct by the letter of the law, it still left some opposition players with a sour taste.Hakon Evjen added: “It looked like he takes it with his hand now and then, whether there is support or not.Ruben Amorim touched by Old Trafford welcome in win over Bodo/Glimt “It is an open target for Jens at 20 metres, so it is at least debatable.”Man Utd had taken the lead after just 48 seconds via Alejandro Garnacho.But Bodo/Glimt stunned the Old Trafford crowd by turning the game on its head courtesy of strikes by Evjen And Philip Zinckernagel.Rasmus Hojlund levelled on the stroke of half-time, before grabbing what turned out to be the winner on 50 minutes.After the game, Onana caught up with a high-profile compatriot.The goalkeeper beamed as he posed for a snap with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.Onana beams as he poses with Francis NgannouCredit: GettyPatrick Berg revealed the referee’s decision making processCredit: Getty More

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      Ruben Amorim picks out flaw in Rasmus Hojlund’s game despite Man Utd striker scoring twice against Bodo/Glimt

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      RASMUS HOJLUND might have thought he could bask at least overnight in the glory of a match-winning double.After all, it was not only Ruben Amorim’s first home game in charge of Manchester United but also a 3-2 comeback victory packed with attacks.Rasmus Hojlund was told to get better despite a match-winning doubleCredit: RexRuben Amorim explained the improvements Hojlund needsCredit: GettyBut instead Amorim clinically dissected the striker’s game following an absorbing Europa League group triumph over Norwegians Bodo/Glimt.And the new manager’s killer line was: “He has to improve.”The Red Devils had trailed 2-1, despite notching a first-minute lead through Alejandro Garnacho’s tap-in.It was even Hojlund who provided the assist for that, although the main cause was a horrendous error from keeper Nikita Haikin.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe 21-year-old Norwegian then fired a brilliant leveller just before half-time.And he turned in Manuel Ugarte’s cross from close-in soon after the break to complete a terrific turnaround.Hojlund had celebrated his spectacular first strike in glorious Gladiator style.But some might say Amorim’s verdict was as brutal as anything Roman.Most read in Europa LeagueHojlund’s possession was mainly down the middleFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Portuguese chief said of the £72million ex-Atalanta ace: “He has to improve more. He takes too many touches when he holds the ball.”However, Amorim also pointed out two resounding pluses for the 6ft 3ins frontman – as well as giving a positive overall assessment.Ruben Amorim bizarrely SLAPS Man Utd stars in training as fans joke ‘I hope Luke Shaw doesn’t get injured’The former Sporting Lisbon boss stressed: “He connected in transitions very well. He was aggressive in the box for the goals. He is a quality player.”  However, many fans were still shocked by Amorim delivering such an outspoken opinion so early in his reign.One posted: “Chill out Ruben, it’s the first game he’s got any service and he scored twice!!!! Focus on Rashford and Antony.”Another one partially agreed with Amorim as he reckons Hojlund “just holds the ball too long”.But the fan added: “If he can change that and not always be on the floor he will be top.”  And there was plenty more backing for Hojlund – especially under a new coaching regime.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne supporter wrote: “Amorim is going to make him a diamond.”And a second said: “Hojlund is a quality player with immense potential.”Hojlund completed his decisive double with this simple goalCredit: AFP More

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      Rasmus Hojlund’s celebration for Man Utd against Bodo/Glimt in Europa League explained

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      RASMUS HOJLUND debuted a new celebration after scoring for Manchester United against Bodo/Glimt.The Danish forward, 21, bagged a brace to inspire the Red Devils to come from 2-1 down and claim a 3-2 victory in the Europa League.Rasmus Hojlund performed a new celebration after scoring against Bodo/GlimtCredit: RexFilm fans may have spotted where the celebration is fromCredit: RexHojlund’s first goal came on the stroke of half-time as he levelled with a superb finish, looping his effort into the bottom corner.He then ran to the fans and gave them a thumbs up, before he turned it to a thumbs down.And the Man Utd attacker then capped the celebration with a throat-slitting gesture.Many fans will have been confused by Hojlund’s actions.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, those who have seen the new Hollywood film “Gladiator II” will have recognised it from the movie.Emperor Geta, played by Joseph Quinn, does it when deciding whether or not someone should die in the colosseum.When they are summoned to death, he turns his thumb down to signify they must be murdered by their opponent.Reacting to Hojlund’s celebration, one fan said: “Gladiator Hojlund, he’s such a mood 😭😭🤣🤣.”Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJoseph Quinn’s character Emperor Geta performs the thumbs up and down gesture in Gladiator IICredit: AlamyWhile another added: “Whether you like it or not👍👎aura.”A third replied: “The Danish blood ♥️.”Is Amad Diallo the key to transforming Ruben Amorim’s attack at Manchester United?And a fourth responded: “Didn’t think there’d be a Gladiator I’d fancy more than Paul Mescal but Rasmus Hojlund has proven me wrong 😍.”Hojlund had scored just two goals in 13 games in all competitions prior to his brace on Thursday night.But he will now be pushing for a starting place against Everton on Sunday.Marcus Rashford started through the middle of Man Utd’s attack in the 1-1 draw against Ipswich last weekend.Man Utd ratings vs Bodo/Glimt More