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      Man Utd players ‘already noticing major difference between Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag’ just months into the job

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      MANCHESTER UNITED manager Ruben Amorim has adopted a significantly different approach to his predecessors at Old Trafford by maintaining a professional distance from many players.Amorim, 40, took over United in November when he replaced Erik ten Hag following Ruud van Nistelrooy’s brief stint as interim manager.Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is maintaining a distance from most playersCredit: PAErik ten Hag was especially close with ex-Ajax stars and Man Utd academy graduatesCredit: GettyMan Utd players praised Ruud van Nistelrooy’s man-management styleCredit: PAAccording to the Manchester Evening News, the Portuguese tactician has adopted a much more different attitude towards his players as he is not close with most of them.Ten Hag was known for his gruff nature during his two-year spell with the Red Devils but had close bonds with a number of players.That includes those the Dutchman signed from former club Ajax, such as Andre Onana, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.The 55-year-old was also popular among academy graduates, like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, as he was the one that promoted them to the senior squad.Read More on Man UtdVan Nistelrooy was also widely praised for his man-management style, despite only spending two weeks at the helm on a caretaker capacity.A senior United ace described the now Leicester boss’ squad management as “excellent”.Casemiro was especially a big fan of the Dutch tactician as they communicated in fluent Spanish following their separate stints playing for Real Madrid.However, Amorim is not getting attached to the majority of squad members.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis comes amid intense speculation that a major squad upheaval is planned this coming summer transfer window as the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss is looking to establish his own methods at United.This comes after the notable exits of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Tyrell Malacia during the January transfer window.Roy Keane reveals emotional reaction to Man Utd exit after bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson It has been noticed that Amorim is naturally closest to fellow Portuguese aces Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, both of whom are expected to remain at Man Utd for next season. More

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      ‘She’s not with me’ – Jack Grealish pictured leaving swanky restaurant at the same time as mystery blonde

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      JACK GREALISH shouted “she’s not with me” after being pictured leaving a swanky restaurant at the same time as a mystery blonde.The Manchester City star was all smiles as he departed Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone on Wednesday night.Jack Grealish was spotted leaving a swanky restaurant at the same time as a mystery blondeCredit: SplashGrealish declared ‘she’s not with me’ as he left Chiltern FirehouseCredit: SplashKieran Gibbs’ twin brother Jaydon was situated between themCredit: SplashThe mystery woman and Grealish reportedly ‘looked cosy’ at the barCredit: SplashGrealish went back inside the venue before exiting alone and ‘sneaking’ into a carCredit: SplashGrealish looked to be in good spirits just a day after coming off injured in City’s 3-2 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.And the ex-Aston Villa star was spotted leaving the popular celeb hangout as a mystery woman walked behind him.Another man, believed to be former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs’ twin brother Jaydon, was situated between them.The Mail claims she “accompanied” Grealish on his way out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile a source said the pair “looked cosy” at the bar before trying to make a “low key exit.”But outside, Grealish was heard shouting: “She’s not with me.”He then reportedly went back inside Chiltern Firehouse before coming out again completely alone.Grealish completed his exit by “sneaking” into a chauffeur-driven car.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd it remains unclear whether he will be involved in Man City’s Premier League clash against Newcastle tomorrow.Other celebrities at the venue that night are said to have included Mark Ruffalo, Ellie Bamber, Morena Baccarin and Jamie Carragher.Man City boss Pep Guardiola responds to late collapse to Real Madrid Grealish has been with long-term partner Sasha Attwood for over 12 yearsCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebeccaThe pair met while at schoolCredit: InstagramThey welcomed their first daughter together in SeptemberCredit: InstagramGrealish was forced off injured in Man City’s 3-2 defeat to Real MadridCredit: AFPGrealish’s night out in London came after he recently admitted 2024 had been “the most difficult year of my life.”The ace welcomed daughter Mila Rose with partner of 12 years Sasha Attwood in September – their first child together.But his football season was blighted by injury and long spells on the bench, leading to his omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad.Grealish said: “Last year, the whole year itself, it was weird because my little daughter was born, but apart from that it was one of the most difficult years.“Probably the most difficult year of my life for many reasons, on and off the pitch.“I found it really difficult. It’s a new year now and hopefully I can kick on.” More

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      Ancelotti has been sacked more than Mourinho but never loses his cool unlike rivals… he’s the greatest of them all

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      HOW can somebody so good have been sacked so often?Ice-cool Carlo Ancelotti has ­suffered a manager’s ultimate fate more times than fireball Jose Mourinho.Carlo Ancelotti is one of the greatest managers of all timeCredit: ReutersThe Italian has been sacked more than any other managerCredit: AFPBut ice-cool Ancelotti always keeps his coolCredit: RexHe has won trophies all across his glittering careerCredit: GettyThe Italian leads six to five, give or take the odd ‘mutual consent’ — which of course can mean whatever you want it to.Yet there is not a silver-fox hair out of place, the dashing blue ­overcoat fits like a glove and even at 65, he puts many of his younger peers to shame with his elegance and eloquence.That was on crystal clear display as Real Madrid dismantled Manchester City’s Champions League aspirations on their own turf three days ago.Coming from behind to beat the pride of English football with a last-gasp winner against the team Ancelotti describes as his own ‘great rivals’ — yet not even a twitch in the pulse rate in the Spanish technical area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat unique characteristic among coaches sets Ancelotti apart. No head scratching, no bottle kicking, no digital a**e probing. Precious few examples of super calm Carlo losing the plot with the officials or opponents.Which when you consider he has also managed Europe’s titans in Chelsea, Juventus, AC Milan and Bayern Munich, to stay in control takes some doing.Ancelotti has shared rooms with shadowy Russian oligarchs, endured penalty shootouts in Champions League finals and managed Everton — it’s debatable which is most scary.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYet while Pep Guardiola flicks phlegm through pursed lips by way of a nervous tick, spindly Thomas Tuchel leaps and gestures and Joachim Low reaches for his backside in stressful moments, Ancelotti is having none of it.And for that alone he should be considered the greatest of them all.Five Champions League titles does help. EXCLUSIVE: How ‘lovely’ Carlo Ancelotti stunned Chelsea TV worker with humble act after taking over at the BluesBut to reach such heights and still not break sweat dealing with the egos and the snipes at such  a high level in the game is the ultimate accolade.As he assembles the latest troupe of Galacticos at the Bernabeu with the expected summer addition of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold,  that trait stands him in good stead.The nice guy nature has been his undoing but Ancelotti has learned from that. He managed Chelsea on a peer-to-peer level, treating his players as equals, hoping they would do the same.Some took advantage of that in his second season at Stamford Bridge. That contributed to him being sacked in the away dressing room at Everton in May 2011 — having won the Double the previous season.Yet despite the relentless pressure of working for ruthless Roman Abramovich, Ancelotti did not desert his humanity and never will.After trips back home to Italy, he would return bearing salamis made by a friend for one staff member’s son who was obsessed with Peperami sticks at the time.He fought hard behind the scenes for staff members who struggled to cope with life. And the guard never drops.Carlo Ancelotti managerial honoursJuventus – UEFA Intertoto CupAC Milan – Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, Champions League x2, UEFA Super Cup x2, Club World CupChelsea – Premier League, FA Cup, Community ShieldPSG – Ligue 1Real Madrid – LaLiga x2, Copa del Rey x2, Supercopa de Espana x2, Champions League x3, UEFA Super Cup x3, Club World Cup x2, Intercontinnental Cup Bayern Munich – Bundesliga, DFL-SupercupDuring his short and surprising stint in charge of a troubled Everton team at the height of Covid, he secured an injury-time 5-4 win over Tottenham in the FA Cup fifth round. As the 97th-minute goal crashes in, Ancelotti stops to blow steam from the top of his piping hot cup of tea, then takes a sip while his coaching staff lose it around him.Everton fans with half a brain have accepted him walking out to rejoin Real Madrid where he is now furthering his already stellar reputation.Those with a fully functioning noddle are still shocked why he chose their underperforming, underwhelming club in the first place.When you deal at the top table you need to keep your cards close to your chest.And Ancelotti is smart enough to know never to say anything in a press conference that could be considered genuinely interesting.The arch-diplomat, he plays the game straight, takes his severance money and doesn’t burn bridges.Ancelotti’s only complaint about life in England was the poor standard of coffee. And he has a point. The washed-out Espresso being his main bone of contention.And it’s probably why he won’t ever come back to manage here again. Shame.Don’t sit ‘n take itTottenham fans need to rethink their protest strategyCredit: RexTOTTENHAM fans plotting a protest against club chairman Daniel Levy on Sunday should rethink their strategy.Planning a sit-in demo after the home game against Manchester United is the wrong way to go about things in this time of turmoil.With the team playing so badly and the whole matchday experience being one big letdown, why prolong the agony?Surely a walkout as soon as possible after kick-off would be far more appealing?That way the aggrieved supporters make their point and get to p*** off home early and do something far more enjoyable instead.It means sweet FAArne Slot didn’t care much for the FA Cup in realityCredit: PAAPPARENTLY Arne Slot will be kicking himself at Liverpool’s embarrassing exit from the FA Cup at the hands of second-tier Plymouth Argyle.Uh-huh.Sadly, with a Premier League title to chase down, genuine aspirations of winning the Champions League and a place in next month’s Carabao Cup Final in the bag, something has to give.Unfortunately, in this case, it’s our national cup competition.As exciting and unpredictable as the FA Cup is, I imagine it was fourth in line on Slot’s list of ­priorities — and he has probably forgotten where Plymouth is already.Vini kicks City in tifoVinicius Jr got his own back at Man City after their tifo displayCredit: GettyIT’S SAFE to assume that Manchester City gave the nod to the most tactless tifo in football with the giant banner poking fun at Vinicius  Jr and Real Madrid.In which case it’s going to be fun waiting to see whether the Spaniards hit back on Wednesday when they stage the second leg of their Champions League last-16 play-off.The poster featuring the Etihad midfielder Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or trophy along with the caption ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ was successful only in winding up ungracious loser Vinicius Jr.Would love to know where it is now?PITY the poor sods who are working in the Manchester United public relations department.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn the very day Red Devils legend Denis Law was laid to rest on Tuesday, hard-pressed staff in the communications team were dealing with questions that between 100 and 200 club workers are to be axed in the latest round of redundancies.Not easy that.Man Utd PR has been nothing short of disastrous recentlyCredit: PA More

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      ‘Not again’ – Arteta reveals Havertz tore hamstring during set-piece routine and admits Arsenal could sign free agent

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      MIKEL ARTETA admits he could sign a free agent to alleviate Arsenal’s attacking woes.The Spaniard failed to bring in a new frontman in the January transfer window, despite injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.Mikel Arteta didn’t bring in a new striker in the January transfer windowCredit: GETTYThe injury to Kai Havertz has left Arteta with just three fit attackers at his disposalCredit: PAThe Spaniard has refused to rule out the possibility of signing a free agentCredit: GETTYArteta has just THREE fit forwards at his disposal after Kai Havertz tore his hamstring during the Gunners’ warm winter training camp in Dubai.And he’s not ruled out the possibility of bringing in a free agent to bolster his attacking options.The 42-year-old said: “I’ll explore every possible situation and make a decision from there.”Germany international Havertz will miss the remainder of the season and undergo surgery on his torn hamstring, which he suffered in “unexpected circumstances”.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSArteta revealed: “He was going to stop a shot after a set piece and stretch the leg and he felt his hamstring.”When asked what his immediate reaction to the injury was, Arteta said: “Big pain in the tummy, that’s the first feeling. “First of all when you see a player in pain, obviously it’s a really bad feeling. “Then you feel like, ‘Not again.’ And then you realise you have no time to do that.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSDespite his side’s current woes, Arteta is relishing the seemingly impossible challenge of overturning Liverpool’s seven-point lead at the top of the table.He said: “Fortunately, we have been through a lot this season.Where Arsenal’s transfer window went wrong with Mikel Arteta more reliant on Havertz than ever and no back-up striker”We have played without Gabriel Magalhaes, Saliba, [Ben] White all season, [Takehiro] Tomiyasu all season.”[Riccardo] Calafiori missed two months, [MIkel] Merino two months, Saka three months, Gabriel Jesus.”All of them! That’s the challenge I have. I love it and I’m looking forward. Let’s see what the team is made of.”The Gunners return to action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to the King Power Stadium to take on Leicester City. More

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      Vinicius Jr offered deal ‘Real Madrid will never reach’ worth €1BILLION to join Saudi football revolution

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      REAL MADRID are facing a major threat from Saudi Arabia in their bid to hold on to star man Vinicius Jr.Vinicius, 24, has a contract with Real until 2027 and is currently the club’s joint-highest earner along with star team-mate Kylian Mbappe, both of whom make about £12million per season.Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has received a €1billion contract offer from Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyReal would never be able to match the Saudis’ bid for ViniciusCredit: RexBut Los Blancos want to tie the forward down to a new long-term deal and have commenced negotiations with his representatives these past few months.According to AS, however, Saudi chiefs are determined to bring the Brazil international over to the Middle East “no matter what”.So much so that they are offering Vini a lucrative five-year deal worth a staggering total of €1billion (£832,000,000).That is a bid the reigning European champions could never match for last year’s Ballon d’Or runner-up.Read More on FootballThe same source claims Vinicius wants to stay in Madrid but will claim his new status as a global star means he can make higher financial demands.Real president Florentino Perez has refused to meet with Saudi delegates interested in signing the Brazilian and instead referred them to the player’s whopping €1bn release clause.Nevertheless, interest from the Saudi Pro League is not expected to disappear any time soon and that is why the reigning Spanish champions want to speed up talks with Vinicius.Perez wasn’t expected to hold contract talks with the Brazil star until this coming summer but the ongoing competition has forced his hand.Most read in FootballThat is why Real chiefs have contacted the ex-Flamengo star’s camp to find out his financial demands.The winger issued a response and he is now awaiting the club’s next move.Jude Bellingham’s furious reaction to Valencia goalkeeper after Vinicius Jr sent off in heated Real Madrid clashNevertheless, the popular player strongly hinted he wants to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu for a long time.Vinicius told TNT after Tuesday’s Champions League victory at Manchester City: “It’s very exciting to be able to open talks with Madrid about my renewal.“I have a contract until 2027, but I have always said that I want to play here for a long time, to be able to make history and to receive the affection of the fans along with the president, all the players and the coaching staff. “And God willing, hopefully in the next few days all the negotiations can be resolved and I can stay here for much longer.” More

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      Former Nottingham Forest flop gets suspended jail sentence for illegally filming ex-girlfriend during sex

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST flop Hwang Ui-jo has landed a prison sentence – after a court found him guilty of illegally filming his ex-girlfriend during sex.The South Korea striker spent two years on Forest’s books after a 2022 move from Bordeaux.Nottingham Forest flop Hwang Ui-jo has been found guilty of illegally filming his ex during sexCredit: AFPHe has been handed a suspended prison sentence of one yearCredit: GettyBut he never played for the Premier League side, instead going out on a series of loans.Hwang, 32, appeared 18 times for Norwich last season – scoring three goals for the Championship club.But he was charged with filming two women during sex without their consent on four occasions in 2022.And Seoul’s Central District Court handed him a one-year suspended jail term on Friday after convicting him of charges relating to one of the women.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe court said: “Considering that he filmed them with a cellphone during sexual intercourse against their will, the number of times the crime was committed, and the specific details of the filmed material, the nature of the crime is not good.”Given the seriousness of the socially harmful effects of illegal filming, it is necessary to punish strictly.”The court said Hwang’s punishment had been reduced as he had previously expressed his remorse, and the videos had been shared on social media by a third party.The striker has been with Turkish club Alanyaspor since joining them on an initial loan from Forest last year.Most read in FootballHe previously spent three seasons with Bordeaux, scoring 29 goals in 98 games for the French Ligue 1 club.Hwang has so far played 11 times for Alanyaspor this season, scoring five goals.Last season he featured eight times for the Turks, scoring just once.His contract with the Super Lig side expires this summer. More

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      Man Utd, Everton and Alan Shearer lead tributes as much-loved Scottish football writer Patrick Barclay dies at 77

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      MAN UTD, Everton and a host of English Premier League clubs led the tributes after the death of respected Scottish football journalist Patrick Barclay at the age of 77.Massive football names such as Alan Shearer and Robbie Fowler also paid tribute to Barclay, who grew up in Dundee and started his career in journalism at the Dundee Evening Telegraph.Patrick Barclay presents Wayne Rooney with his Football Writers’ awardCredit: PAChairman of the FWA Patrick Barclay presents the trophy to Gordon BanksCredit: PAHe stayed a Dundee fan all his days but was best known for his work south of the border where he worked for the Independent, the Guardian/Observer, the Times and the Telegraph.He also wrote biographies on Jose Mourinho and Alex Ferguson and for many he will be best known for his contributions to the Sunday Supplement newspaper review show on Sky Sports.The Football Writers’ Association south of the border wrote: “It is with the greatest sadness that we must announce the death of our dear Patrick Barclay. “A celebration of Patrick’s life will be held at a later date. Meanwhile, we hope that the family’s wish for privacy is respected.”Shearer wrote: “Ah no. Such sad news. RIP Paddy.”Fowler shared his condolences with a broken heart emoji: “A great man…RIP Patrick.”Man Utd wrote on social media: “Paddy will always be held in great esteem by everyone at Manchester United and we send our sympathies to his loved ones at this time.”Fulham Football Club added: “We’re so sorry to hear this sad news about Paddy. Most read in Football”Our thoughts and best wishes go out to his family and all who knew him.”And Barclay’s beloved Dundee wrote: “Everyone at Dundee Football Club was saddened to learn of the passing of journalist and Dundee supporter Patrick Barclay. Iconic Scottish boss Jim Duffy opens up on nearly signing Paul Gascoigne for DUNDEE, friendship with GIanluca Vialli and arriving at Hibs via helicopter”The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Patrick’s family and friends at this sad time.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      ‘He tried to be the best, but unfortunately…’ – Cristiano Ronaldo’s ex-team-mate doesn’t hold back in Messi GOAT row

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      ANGEL DI MARIA shared his strong view on the heated GOAT row between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.Di Maria, 37, has played with both Ronaldo, 40, and Messi, 37, throughout his celebrated career.Angel Di Maria addressed the GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettyBenfica star Di Maria played with Ronaldo at Real MadridCredit: AFPDi Maria has also competed with Messi at ArgentinaCredit: AFPThe Benfica star spent four years with CR7 at Real Madrid and 16 years with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner at Argentina – one of which also saw them linking up at Paris Saint-Germain.And after spending almost two decades with both football legends, the Manchester United flop is adamant fellow Argentine great Messi is the all-time best.The winger addressed Ronaldo’s recent interview on LaSexta where he once more stated his assertion that he is the greatest.However, the ex-Argentina international insists the numbers beg to differ as Messi has won everything and has more Ballon d’Or honours compared to the Portugal captain’s five.Read More on FootballThe ex-Juventus star admits Ronaldo is also one of the greatest players, but was born “at a bad time” when his biggest rival was “touched by the magic wand”.Di Maria told Infobae: “I already know him [Ronaldo], I was with him for four years. “I’m not surprised by Cristiano’s statements, he always made those statements, he wanted to impose what he wants to be , what he always tried to be, to be the best.”He was born in a generation… at a bad time when another one was born who was touched by the magic wand.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It shows in numbers, it shows in everything. One having eight Ballon d’Ors, the other five, there is a very big difference. “Having been world champion is another very big difference, one having two Copa Americas and the other only one Euro Cup is also a big difference.How Sir Alex Ferguson ‘refused to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave stadium until he signed for Man Utd’ “There are many differences, many. And then, you see it in the games, do you understand me? “You see it in every minute of the game that one makes an effort in everything and the other plays as if he were in the backyard.”Everyone knows what Leo is going to do and he hits the same goal as always and keeps doing it. “He’s been doing the same thing for 18 or 20 years and everyone says, ‘You know what he’s going to do’. “Well, go mark him if you know what he’s going to do. And he does the same. “And he’ll still be 40 years old and he’ll still be doing tiki taka, tiki taka. That’s how it is, but Cris is like that too, he always declared himself that way, he was always the same. “For me Leo is the best in the world and the best in history without a doubt and then we’re at Benfica and he [Cristiano] is from the rival [Sporting Lisbon].”Ronaldo recently stated his assertion that he’s the best of all timeCredit: APDi Maria is adamant Messi is the greatest of all timeCredit: Alamy More