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      Frustrated Man Utd stars decided Ten Hag cost them EIGHT POINTS this season as they held private summit

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      FRUSTRATED Man United stars held their own private summits into the club’s disastrous start to this season.The players concluded former boss Erik ten Hag was responsible for a loss of eight points.Man Utd stars have claimed Erik ten Hag’s tactics cost the club valuable pointsCredit: AlamyThe Dutchman was sacked on Monday and swiftly replacedCredit: AlamyUnited are currently 14th in the Premier League after a dismal start to the seasonCredit: GettySome of the dressing room went through the failures this season in private and tried to identify what was going wrong.They took culpability for a woeful performance against Spurs and losing against West Ham after missing numerous chances to score.But they also believed Ten Hag’s tactics and substitutions during games had seen them drop eight points. If they had bagged those points, United would now have 19 points – one more than Arsenal in third and Aston Villa in fourth.READ MORE ON MAN UTDInstead, they sit in 14th place ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea. A source said: “The players definitely know they have underperformed in some games this season and have been honest about that.”But they were also left puzzled by some of Ten Hag’s decisions which didn’t make sense to them.”Either leaving players out, subbing off players who were playing well at crucial parts in games, or instructing the team tactically in ways that they believe cost them games.Most read in Football”They reckon his decisions were directly responsible for the equivalent of losing two games and picking up a point instead of a win.”Ten Hag was sacked on Monday after United dominated the game against West Ham, but still lost 2-1.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Red Devils have scored just eight goals in nine Premier League fixtures this season and have conceded 11.Overall, they have recorded just three wins, drawing two and losing four. Ruben Amorim showed flashes of a young Jose Mourinho is his latest press conference – and teased a big announcementRuben Amorim was announced as Ten Hag’s successor on Friday.The 39-year-old arrives with a strong reputation after leading Sporting Lisbon to two titles in Portugal. In a statement, the club wrote: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Head Coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements.“He will join until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club. He will join Manchester United on Monday 11 November.“Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP; the first of which was the club’s first title in 19 years.“Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to take charge of the team until Ruben joins.” More

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      Inside Steven Gerrard’s £15.2m-a-year life in Saudi Arabia with luxury mansion as Liverpool legend ‘facing sack’

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      THE Gerrards’ “dream life” is under threat.Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is reportedly facing the sack from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq, after just 16 months.Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard’s Saudi dream could be overGerrard is under a lot of pressure after a shock loss with Al-EttifaqThe Gerrards live an incredible life in nearby BahrainFans and pundits are calling for him to resign following a shock exit from the King Cup.It’s a gig that has made Gerrard, 44, one of the highest paid managers in the world – earning a whopping £15.2million-per-year.That epic salary has allowed him, wife Alex and their kids to live an exclusive life in the Middle East.Rather than live in strict Saudi Arabia, they reside in the more Westernised Bahrain.read more football newsThey rent a £10,000-per-month home on a private estate in the Hamala Village.While Wag Alex, 42, enjoys her time at the Bahrain World Trade Center in Manama, where she gets her shopping fix at the various designer outlets.SunSport looks at how the family is living their best life as expats.Amazing mansionGerrard is one of the highest paid managers in world football, which allows him and his family to enjoy an incredible lifestyle.Most read in FootballWhen he joined Al-Ettifaq, the club gave him a stunning villa in Dammam to stay in.I played with Frank Lampard at Chelsea and we never lost.. but I’d still rather line up alongside Steven Gerrard’Occasionally he uses it, but he also rents a mansion in the Hamala area of Bahrain for £10,000-per-month.Many expats have complained about the strict rules regarding alcohol in Saudi Arabia.So plenty opt for a live across the border in Bahrain, which is an hour’s drive for Gerrard who goes back and forth to the Gulf nation.The Gerrards property features six large bedrooms, a swimming pool, tennis court and games room. It’s in a compound behind a high gate, so their privacy is respected.Steven and Alex often share images of their family house on social media – beaming in photos and looking the picture of health.Neighbours include members of the Bahraini Royal family.The Gerrards have made the more Westernised Bahrain their homeHamala boasts incredible mansions with lots of open space in private compoundsThe Gerrards are believed to be £10k-per-month for their homeWag Alex Gerrard has called her existence in Bahrain as a ‘Dream life’Shopping & SchoolingBack in Liverpool, Alex was a regular at the designer boutiques and the model has always been seen as one of the more stylish Wags around.She has been able to keep up with fashion trends thanks to Bahrain’s lavish malls, while her social life hasn’t dwindled – dining at some of the world’s top restaurants.One of Alex’s favourite spots is the Manama’s World Trade Centre.There, she shops at boutiques including Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Versace.The Avenues, a stylish waterfront shopping centre, is also another place Alex is fond of and offers high-street brands like H&M and Adidas.Steven and Alex’s three youngest kids are enrolled at Bahrain’s most exclusive English language school.It features in the world’s top 100 schools and costs a whopping £11,000-per-year.The Moda Mall boasts designer boutiques that Alex Gerrard lovesThere are a number of malls in Bahrain that offer high street favouritesGerrard’s three youngest children attend one of the world’s best schoolsCredit: Instagramread more sport featuresMembers onlyThe exclusiveness doesn’t end there for the Gerrards.For Alex, there’s plenty of pampering to be had at the many spas and salons on offer in Bahrain, often found in the luxurious hotels.As part of Gerrard’s contract with Al-Ettifaq, the former England star was given free membership to the country’s two most exclusive health clubs found at the five star Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton hotels.Membership for the Ritz-Carlton health club would usually cost around £5,000.Gerrard and his family have also been spotted enjoying the open-air bar in the incredible resort, watching Liverpool games.The family also enjoy spending time at the exclusive expart Bahrain Rugby Club.Many Brits, an estimated 4,000, go there to grab a pint and watch Premier League matches at the big sports bar.The venue also boasts pristine sports pitches.Founded in 1935, a pint costs just £4.50 as opposed to £13 in the rest of Manama.Bahrain boasts first class spas where Alex Gerrard can keep up with beauty regimenCredit: InstagramExpensive date nights at amazing restaurants are a regular occurrence for Steven and Alex in BahrainThe exclusive Bahrain Rugby Club is where a host of expats visit, including the GerrardsCredit: bahrainrfcGerrard has been seen enjoying the Bahrain Rugby Club’s sports barSteven Gerrard will be reluctant to leave Bahrain now after living his best lifeWhen it comes to dining out, Steven and Alex have been seen enjoying steak restaurant Cut at the Four Seasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESRun by Michelin-star Austrian chef Wolfgang Puck, prime slices of beef can cost up to £200.With all that’s on offer, the Gerrards would be gutted if it came to an end now. More

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      Man Utd pay nearly £1million to get Ruben Amorim early – and he’ll still manage three more games with Sporting

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have paid Sporting a fee to get Ruben Amorim early, SunSport can reveal.The Portuguese has been confirmed as Erik ten Hag’s successor.Man Utd have paid Sporting a fee to release Ruben Amorim from his 30-day notice periodCredit: PABut he is set to remain in charge of Sporting until November 11, when he will make the switch to Old Trafford.That means he will be in the dugout for Manchester City’s visit to the Jose Alvalade Stadium on November 5.United fans face a wait to see their new boss, whose first game will be the visit to Ipswich on November 24.That is despite the club paying Sporting a £900,000 fee to release Amorim early, rather than waiting another three weeks.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAmorim is understood to have a 30-day notice period in his Sporting contract, which United have negotiated him out of.Ruud van Nistelrooy will remain in interim charge until Amorim arrives so will oversee games against Chelsea, PAOK and Leicester.It is understood Amorim will bring three coaches with him to Old Trafford – Sporting’s assistant manager Adelio Candido, assistant coach Carlos Fernandes and goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital.SunSport can reveal he also wants to sign Sporting’s £70m-rated star Ousmane Diomande.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRuben 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.Amorim, 39, also becomes United’s very first head coach, rather than a manager.That marks a shift at United following the arrival of Ineos and the introduction of a true footballing structure, headed by Dan Ashworth as sporting director.Ruben Amorim responds to questions about Man Utd job after Sporting match More

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      FA Cup first round: ‘Baffled’ club chief blasts ‘confusing’ TV picks after Ollie Watkins’ former club snubbed

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      FA CUP bosses have been slammed for their “confusing” first round TV picks by a club chief hoping for a giant-killing. Weston-super-Mare make the short 24-mile journey to Bristol Rovers tomorrow.Weston-super-Mare travel to Bristol Rovers’ Memorial Stadium with the derby not on teleCredit: RexOllie Watkins spent one season on loan at non-league club as a youngsterCredit: BPMThe sixth tier club have come through three qualifying rounds to make the first round proper and have been rewarded with a local derby against League One opponents. Many expected the game to be one of the five selected for TV coverage across ITV and the BBC this weekend.But Weston-super-Mare’s huge clash has been surprisingly snubbed. Tamworth welcome Huddersfield on the Beeb tonight and Northampton’s local derby with Kettering Town is on tele on Saturday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSutton vs Birmingham and Harrogate vs Wrexham are live on Sunday before the action concludes on Monday as Chesham United face Lincoln. But the West Country clash’s rejection has frustrated Weston-super-Mare director Ed Bliss, who told Bristol Live: “It baffled all of us.”You’ve got Birmingham and Sutton being televised. Confusing. You know why with Wrexham. They’ve got a bit of weight behind them. I’m not taking it away from them. “But you can’t get a better opportunity to televise a game in the FA Cup than two reasonably well-matched teams on each other’s doorstep. Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So it’s confusing, but that’s the way it goes sometimes.”Asked how much the club could have made if shown on tele, Bliss explained: “It would have been in the realms of about £80,000.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers”So a game changer for us to build for next season, to plug in a little bit of finance for this season. But that’s the way it goes.”Weston-super-Mare, who are top of the National League South, was where England hero Ollie Watkins played on loan in the 2014/15 season.They are taking around 2,000 fans up the M5 to the Memorial Stadium for the huge FA Cup clash, which has been labelled one of the biggest games in the club’s history. More

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      Whisky brand poke fun at incoming Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim with billboard outside Old Trafford

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      A whisky brand has delivered a cheeky warning to the new Manchester United manager – not to ‘balls it up’ when they get behind the desk.The job, one of the biggest in world football, has been described as a poisoned chalice in the past.The van said the Man Utd job ‘sounds like Heaven, burns like hell’Credit: Anthony Devlin/PinPepThe cheeky whisky company were not slow to capitalise on Amorim’s appointmentCredit: Anthony Devlin/PinPepMan Utd have announced that Ruben Amorim will become the new head coach on November 11Credit: X formerly Twitter / @ManUtdBut interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy started them off on the right foot with a thumping 5-2 win at home against Leicester last night.Fireball cinnamon whisky liqueur parked the tongue-in-cheek van outside Old Trafford, which also offering a free drink to the incoming coach.And the new full-time boss, Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim, is going to need more than Dutch Courage to succeed.Lorenzo Farronato for the brand said: “As the next stage of Manchester United’s managerial saga appears to be almost decided, we’re thrilled to be able to give United fans something to spice up the occasion.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“We want to wish the manager the best of luck in their new role and to let them know that Fireball is here for any celebrations (or commiserations) that come with the next rollercoaster era of club leadership.”Man Utd today announced Amorim as their new head coach on a three-year deal.But the Portuguese boss will stay at Sporting until the international break, formally taking charge of the Red Devils on November 11.His first match will be away at Ipswich, whose manager Kieran McKenna was linked with the United job in the summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRuud van Nistelrooy will remain in temporary charge until Amorim formally begins work.United have home games against Chelsea, PAOK Thessaloniki and Leicester before Amorim takes over.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.Sporting fans give verdict on Ruben Amorim ahead of move to Man Utd More

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      Mikel Arteta debunks claims referees and VAR have conspiracy against Arsenal after flurry of controversial decisions

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      MIKEL ARTETA has rejected claims that Premier League referees have a conspiracy against Arsenal.The Gunners have been on the wrong end of some controversial decisions this season.Mikel Arteta is not entertaining claims that Prem officials are against his teamCredit: PADeclan Rice was sent off for tapping the ball away against BrightonCredit: GettyLeandro Trossard saw red for the same thing against Man CityCredit: ReutersBoth Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard saw red for delaying the restart of play against Brighton and Manchester City respectively.And William Saliba was sent off for denying Bournemouth an “obvious” goal-scoring opportunity – despite fouling Evanilson on the edge of the centre circle.Many fans also slammed referee Anthony Taylor after he denied the Gunners a potential late winner against Liverpool on Sunday.However, Arsenal boss Arteta is not willing to entertain any conspiracy theories that suggest Prem officials are intentionally out to sabotage his team.Read More in FootballAsked about the suggestions in a press conference today, the Spaniard insisted: “No, because every club has got its history and they have games and situations and comments.”That is part of the game and we have to understand it as it is. Every decision I make I am going to be criticised, or nobody is going to understand or they will understand and praise it.”There are always going to be opinions about our jobs, that’s normal.”Arteta lambasted officials following his team’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle last season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal ratings vs PrestonARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.Tommy Setford – 6A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.Jurrien Timber – 7Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-timeWilliam Saliba – 7Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.Jakub Kiwior – 8Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.Jorginho – 7Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.Mikel Merino – 7A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.Ethan Nwaneri – 9Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.Raheem Sterling – 7The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.Gabriel Jesus – 8Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.SubsThomas Partey – 6Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.Kai Havertz – 8Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.Bukayo Saka – 6More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.Ayden Heaven – 6Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes.He branded the decision to award Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner a “disgrace” and “embarrassing”.However, the 42-year-old has let go of the grudge ahead of this weekend’s meeting with the Magpies.How Arteta dominated Liverpool with stealth Havertz trick before genius Slot switch saved the dayQuestioned about his row with the PGMOL, he said: “No, hopefully we are past it.”We talked through it in depth and that’s done. It is a year. A year in football is a long, long time.”Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara recently berated Arsenal fans for their suggestion that officials are against them.He told Grosvenor Sport: “Arsenal fans need to stop moaning, there’s no referee conspiracy against them.”There’s no match official going, ‘yeah let’s stitch up Arsenal’. You get some decisions, and you don’t get some decisions – that is football.”You can’t argue against the red cards that they’ve received. By the rules, they’ve all been dealt with correctly.”William Saliba’s against Bournemouth was a last man foul; Leandro Trossard kicked the ball away at the Etihad and Declan Rice did the same against Brighton!”You can’t get away from that, so to say there’s a conspiracy against them is nonsense. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It might be harsh but that’s just football. Look at the penalty Manchester United conceded to West Ham last weekend, are you telling me there’s a conspiracy against United?”Are United out saying there’s a conspiracy against them? It happens every game and it happens to every team, get on with it Arsenal. Just deal with it and win the game.” More

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      Ruben Amorim wants to bring £70m Ousmane Diomande with him to Man Utd in transfer for one of Europe’s most-wanted stars

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      RUBEN AMORIM wants to bring one of Europe’s most promising centre-backs with him to Old Trafford. The Sporting manager has been confirmed as Manchester United’s successor to Erik ten Hag.Ruben Amorim has landed the new manager’s role at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyAmorim is keen to bring Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande with him to Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe 39-year-old arrives at Old Trafford with an impressive track record in Portugal, leaving Sporting top of Liga Portugal with nine wins from nine to start the season.Sources close to United say he is determined to adopt a three-at-the-back system in the Premier League.The formation has served him well in Portugal, and he thinks it can help deliver success at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have three top-quality centre-back options to ensure Amorim can implement his favoured three-man backline, once Leny Yoro returns to fitness.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA centre-back trio of Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez provides the balance at the back.But United lack quality options in reserve, with Harry Maguire unlikely to be at the club for much longer.Victor Lindelof has long been linked with an exit, and, at 36, Jonny Evans won’t be around forever.With that in mind, Amorim is keen to bring Ousmane Diomande to the club from Sporting.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne of Europe’s most in-demand young defenders, landing Diomande would be a major coup for United.He’s previously been chased by Liverpool and Arsenal, with Bayern Munich also linked.Ruben Amorim responds to questions about Man Utd job after Sporting match Sporting will only be willing to sell Diomande if a club were to activate his £70m release clause.The 20-year-old came through the youth academy of Danish club Midtjylland.He joined Sporting in 2022 for just £6.1m, enjoying a breakout season last year and catching the eye of Europe’s elite. Diomande (L) celebrates Sporting’s Liga Portugal titleCredit: GettyRuben 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.Man Utd confirmed on Friday afternoon that Amorim has joined the club as their new manager.A club statement read: “Manchester United are delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Head Coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He will join until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club. “He will join Manchester United on Monday 11 November.” More

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      Man Utd release statement announcing Ruben Amorim but with different job title to Ten Hag

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have handed Ruben Amorim a different job title to Erik ten Hag. Amorim, 39, was announced as the new Red Devils boss on Friday.Ruben Amorim has been handed a new job titleCredit: RexThe club said he would takeover the position on November 11, at the start of the next international break.However, the two-time league winner with Sporting CP has already made history at United with his job title, which is different to any of his predecessors.Rather than being called a “manager”, United’s statement labelled him as a “head coach”.This marks a shift at United following the arrival of Ineos and the introduction of a true footballing structure, headed by Dan Ashworth as sporting director.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is the first time ever United have called the person managing the men’s team a head coach, rather than a manager.Every manager appointed prior to Ineos’ arrival had been announced by the club as a “manager”.When Erik ten Hag had his contract extended in the summer, he retained the power of a transfer veto.But with his new title, Amorim has not.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, Man Utd Women boss Marc Skinner was handed the title “head coach” when he joined in 2021, while Casey Stoney had also been named a head coach when she arrived in 2019.The club’s statement on Amorim’s appointment said: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Head Coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements.Ruud van Nistelrooy hints he wants to stay at Man Utd in plea to Ruben Amorim as interim vows to ‘serve’ club”He will join until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club. He will join Manchester United on Monday 11 November.”Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.”Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP; the first of which was the club’s first title in 19 years.”Amorim’s first game in charge of United will be an away trip to Ipswich.The statement also confirmed that Ruud van Nistelrooy would continue in his role as Interim manager. 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.Initially arriving as an assistant to Ten Hag, the Dutchman led the team to a 5-2 win over Leicester in the League Cup midweek.He has pleaded with Amorim to find room to keep him in the coaching staff, declaring he is willing to serve the club in “any capacity”.SunSport understands that United have paid £900,000 to bring Amorim in early, rather than wait three more weeks for his 30-day notice period to expire.The Red Devils have paid £8.3million to release him from his contract at Sporting, and are set to pay an extra £4m for his staff.Amorim will return to Old Trafford for the first time since 2018, when he completed an internship at the club under his idol Jose Mourinho.READ MORE SUN STORIESSunSport has exclusively revealed that Amorim has already made plans for his first transfer signing.Amorim wants to poach one of his Sporting stars to join United, £70m-rated 20-year-old defender Ousmane Diomande. More