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      I played with ‘clever’ Bukayo Saka in Arsenal academy – I can’t wait to face my old mate in Carabao Cup

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      SAM GREENWOOD may have left Arsenal  years ago — but they have never left him.Preston’s attacking midfielder, on loan from Leeds, came through the Gunners’ academy alongside the likes of Bukayo Saka and AC Milan star Yunus Musah.Sam Greenwood (front row, sixth from left) was in Arsenal’s academy at teh same time as Bukayo Saka (front row, third from left)Greenwood (second row, second from right) with his Arsenal academy palsGreenwood scoring for Preston in the epic shootout win over FulCredit: RexAnd after leaving the North Londoners in 2020, he faced them in the Carabao Cup at the Emirates almost three years ago to the day with Leeds.Then he made his Premier League debut against his old team soon after.He gets another chance tonight as Mikel Arteta’s men visit Deepdale, in another Carabao Cup last-16 clash.Greenwood, 22, said: “I was shocked to get Arsenal again. I didn’t expect that. I’m excited having been there as a kid — it’s going to be nice to play against them, even though it will be  a huge challenge.”The North End ace came through the youth ranks at his home-town club Sunderland — but Arsenal snapped him up, aged 16, for £500,000 in 2018.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite the transfer fee, Greenwood did not get weighed down by the expectations and enjoyed mixing with some of the game’s future stars.He said: “While at Sunderland, I was always playing up a few years. I was in their Under-18s when I was 14-15 so got scouted by Arsenal as I was  scoring goals and getting assists.“After watching me at a certain game, they told my agent they wanted me. I progressed from there.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Sunderland had just dropped down to League One and needed the money — and when a club like Arsenal come in, you cannot say no.Most read in Football“And it was a good decision because I loved my time there.“I always believed in myself so the price tag never worried me.  And my dad used to come down every week from Sunderland to watch my games.”The forgotten Arsenal wonderkidsSaka was the standout player in his team and Greenwood says the Arsenal winger was always expected to progress to the top of the game.Greenwood said: “We had so many players who’ve made it as pros. Ipswich’s Harry Clarke, Mark McGuinness at Luton, Wrexham keeper Arthur Okonkwo and Crawley’s Tyreece John-Jules.“But the standout player was Saka with his power and pace.  It was always expected for him to reach this level.“He deserves great respect for how he dealt with his penalty miss in the Euros final for England in 2021.“I knew he’d bounce back from that and become the player he is today.“Bukayo is a good guy. He’s got a bubbly personality and is very clever, passing all of his GCSEs. He got an A-star in most of them.“At home, I’ve a framed Arsenal shirt of his from when I faced him at Leeds. Yunus Musah was similar to Bukayo — so bubbly and an all-round good guy.”Greenwood also trained with the first team under Unai Emery towards the end of his two-year Gunners stint.And the midfielder remembers how ridiculous the talent was around him.He said: “I did a few sessions before Covid came and it was an unbelievable experience. These guys were top quality. Players like Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.“The first time I met these guys I was nervous — but I began to get used to seeing them every day.“The lads who came through the Arsenal academy, like Reiss Nelson, were brilliant and always looked out for me, making me feel welcome and comfortable.”The standout player was Saka with his power and pace…  it was always expected for him to reach this level.SAM GREENWOODReflecting on his time at Arsenal, he added: “Playing with better players made me better and being there made me a better person, too.“It was the first time I’d moved away from home, it built up my character and they taught me to be humble. I grew up quicker because of Arsenal.”Greenwood got snapped up by Leeds in 2020 for a fee of around £3million and he ended up playing against his former club twice in the space of a couple of months in 2021.He came on for Rodrigo in a 2-0 Carabao Cup loss at the Emirates — and then got his first crack on the Prem stage in a 4-1 defeat at Elland Road as a sub for Mateusz Klich.Greenwood said: “To play at the Emirates was a wonderful experience but to make my Premier League debut against them is something I’ll never forget.THE INVINCIBLES… vs ARSENALARSENAL fans love to bring up their Invincibles team of 2003-04 but Preston pulled off the feat more than 100 years earlier.The legendary North End side of 1888-89 (above) not only went unbeaten in the league but also lifted the FA Cup that season, too!“I always thank Marcelo Bielsa for giving me that opportunity and Jesse Marsch and the ones that followed.“Just to get my first goal in the Prem during a 4-3 win against Bournemouth was a nice feeling.“I’m always grateful for that — and hopefully I’ll still get  back there.”Greenwood is at Preston for the season but harbours ambitions to return to Elland Road and break into the team — not having had much of a chance since German boss Daniel Farke took charge in July 2023 and spending last term at Middlesbrough.He said: “There were a lot of people there in my position but I still believe if I was there, I could play.“It’s just having that opportunity the manager will give me. I just wanted to play games and get experience.”And having played in an epic third-round clash that saw Preston win a record-breaking League Cup shootout 16-15 against Fulham, Greenwood would love penalties tonight.Grinning, he said: “I’d take that. We know how good they are.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That shootout was crazy. The lads were relaxed and that is what helped.“We picked our spot and didn’t change our mind. It went on forever but what an experience.”Liverpool impressed at Arsenal, but it was a match Jurgen Klopp probably would’ve wonBy Jordan DaviesON the face of it, Liverpool continue to go from strength to strength with Arne Slot’s tenure still in its infancy.Away at Arsenal as title contenders — with a formidable record at the Emirates having won four of their last six there — the Reds fought back, not once, but twice to earn an impressive point to remain four clear of the Gunners.Nine games in, Liverpool have seven wins, 22 points collected and sit in second in what is one of the club’s best ever starts to a Prem campaign.Nothing to sniff at there, and that is without mentioning three straight wins in the Champions League and a 5-1 Carabao Cup third-round thumping of fellow top-flight side West Ham.So to even attempt to pick flaws in Slot’s start with a run that solid would come across needlessly pedantic, deliberately nit-picky.But, and there is a but, given the standards Liverpool have set in these early months, it needs to be said: this draw in North London was a massive missed opportunity.And to go one step further, maybe this is a game Jurgen Klopp would have found a way to win?It has been a long time since Arsenal have gone into a game feeling so vulnerable defensively with world-class centre-back William Saliba missing through suspension.Full-back Riccardo Calafiori was also out injured, usual right-back Ben White began the game at centre-half and midfielder Thomas Partey started on the far right side of the defence.And then, in a chaotic second half, both Jurrien Timber and Gabriel limped off, forcing Gunners boss Mikel Arteta to swap around his back line THREE times by the 76th minute.And yet, despite all of that, a Liverpool side boasting attacking talents like Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo were hardly making the home fans sweat with a peppering of the Arsenal goal.It was not until a Klopp-style counter-attack from back to front in the 81st minute did the visitors properly test the home defence.But even that finish was a tame one — Salah tapping in past David Raya into an almost empty net.And with nine minutes left plus seven minutes injury time, the expected onslaught for another, to nick all three points — the tally-ho approach — never came.Not Klopp’s heavy metal style, more pleasant folk music with a ukulele in a country pub.You get the impression that Slot was delighted with this outcome.For large parts, Liverpool were defensively sound, gave very little away and snuck away back to Merseyside with a point tucked under their arm and a bloody nose avoided.Yet it was in these sorts big blockbuster matches that Klopp and Liverpool thrived over their nine-year romance, full of excitement, thrills and last-gasp wins that earned them a Prem trophy in 2019-20 and plenty more down-to-the-wire chases with Manchester City.And with Arteta’s Arsenal on their knees — quite literally in some cases — and hanging on for dear life, these are the moments in title races that require a bit of crazy, not caution.A Klopp team of the past would have gone completely and totally Kloppy, throwing men forward at will, blasting their opponents away and forcing the ball into the net through passion and thunder alone, regardless of how open it left them at the back.Slot is not this sort of coach.He is measured, considerate, calm. Good qualities, but not always needed in do-or-die matches that ultimately determine where you finish in May.It is hard to say if this will come back to haunt Slot, who still insists on avoiding any use of the phrase ‘title contenders’ despite clearly being title contenders.With Aston Villa and Manchester City visiting Anfield over their next five Prem outings, we will see whether the Dutchman can loosen the leash and let his team grab games by the scruff of the neck instead of playing it safe.Because as we have seen in this league, going for broke often rewards you — just ask the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola.Fortune favours the brave.Slot needs to discover his own version of that if he is to truly emulate Klopp and transform this Liverpool side into one capable of seizing moments when they matter most. More

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      Inside Ruben Amorim’s inner circle, from his £4m backroom staff to well-connected wife, as he closes in on Man Utd job

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      RUBEN AMORIM is closing in on the Manchester United job.The 39-year-old Portuguese manager is now planning his backroom staff – with three trusted coaches set to join him in swapping Sporting Lisbon for Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim is closing in on the manager job at Man UtdThat includes his trusted assistant manager Carlos Fernandes, assistant coach Adelio Candido, and goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital.So important are they that Manchester United are understood to be coughing up £4.1m in compensation so they can join Amorim in England.Amorim has made no secret of his biggest mentor in the game – Jose Mourinho.While wife Maria Joao Diogo is related to former PSG sporting director Antero Henrique, who famously brokered deals for Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.Read more Man Utd newsSunSport looks at Amorim’s inner circle and closest confidantes.Carlos FernandesFernandes has been a constant by Amorim’s side, all the way throughout his management career.The 29-year-old didn’t play pro, but began coaching when he was just a teenager.Carlos Fernandes has been with Amorim every step of the way in his coaching careerFernandes shows off the Portuguese league titleHe came through Benfica’s ranks, and was an assistant at the tender age of 18 when Amorim was playing for their first team.Most read in FootballWhen Amorim took on the Casa Pia job, Fernandes joined him.Then, the pair went to Braga B, Braga, and Sporting Lisbon for the past four years.’Ruben Amorim feels like Erik ten Hag all over again – Man Utd missed out on the perfect coach who’s done it already’ says Paul Scholes “My number two is Carlos Fernandes, he’s been my right-hand man right from day one. He’ll be a much better coach than me,” Amorim said of Fernandes in the past.”I often say if I become Bobby Robson, then he’ll be my Jose Mourinho! But there’s plenty of time, we’ve signed a 15-year deal!”Adelio CandidoIncredibly, Candido is even younger than Fernandes.The 28-year-old assistant coach is tipped to follow Amorim and Fernandes to Manchester.Assistant coach Adelio Candido is also expected to join Amorim at Man UtdCandido poses next to Jose Mourinho with the Sporting coaching staffLike Fernandes, he’s followed a similar career trajectory as a loyal stooge to Amorim.Candido was already a youth coach with Casa Pia, when they all crossed paths.A role with Braga soon followed, then he jumped to Sporting where he’s been for the past four years.Again, he didn’t have a playing career at the top level.Jorge VitalBringing the age up is 63-year-old Vital, a goalkeeping coach who did play pro.In the 1980s and 1990s, the shotstopper starred for clubs including Sporting and Gil Vicente in a career that spanned two decades.Jorge Vital, second from the left, is a highly rated goalkeeping coachAt 63, Vital brings up the ages of Amorim’s favourite coaching staffHe is now passing on his expertise to a younger generation, with distribution a huge focus of his training.Vital and Amorim met at Braga, and he was soon taken to Sporting.His appointment could spell the end of current goalkeeper coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar, who only joined United in July.read more sport featuresJose MourinhoThe Special One is somewhat of a mentor for Amorim.He had an internship at Mourinho’s High Performance Football Coaching course.In 2018, just before he took the Casa Pia job, Amorim was an intern on Jose Mourinho’s coaching courseAmorim and Mourinho have since become firm friends in the gameAnd he has previously cited the Fenerbahce manager as his “reference point” in coaching.He has played down any comparisons between the pair, saying of his idol: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”Mourinho has already given his backing publicly to United’s potential appointment in the past.When Amorim was linked with the West Ham job back in May, Mourinho revealed: “It’s also a question I shouldn’t answer, but what can I tell you? I like him [Amorim] as a person, I like him as a coach.”I think he has the conditions to be able to coach in any league and he has the conditions to be able to coach in any club.”But he’s in a good league and he’s in a big club.”The decision is his and it will be up to the clubs that want him or not, to convince him with more or less arguments.”What is clear from my side is that I like the person and I like the coach.”Maria Joao DiogoAmorim is married to Maria, and the pair share one son together.Maria has built her own business in interior design with an academic degree in telecommunications engineering.The couple got married in 2013 in front of 160 guests at a beautiful ceremony at the Palácio de S. Marcos church in Coimbra.Players like Nuno Gomes, Miguel Vítor, Hugo Viana, Luís Filipe and Quim were all present. As was Maria’s brother, Antero Henrique.Antero was famously the former Sporting Director at PSG – and was a Man Utd target – before the Red Devils switched their attention to Dan Ashworth.He was responsible for the most expensive transfer ever – bringing Neymar to the Ligue 1 giants in a record-breaking £198million from Barcelona.READ MORE SUN STORIESAntero also managed to convince Kylian Mbappe to snub Real Madrid, when he moved from Monaco.While Dani Alves, who was fielding several offers from Premier League clubs, was persuaded that his future belonged in the French capital in 2017.
      Her brother Antero Henrique worked as a sporting directer at PSG for club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi More

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      Carabao Cup quarter-final draw: Date, start time, TV channel, FREE live stream and ball numbers

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      IT’S almost that time again when football fans cross their fingers and hope for a kind tie as the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw takes place TONIGHT!Last year’s losing finalists Chelsea will need to beat Newcastle for a second successive time in just a matter of days to put their name in the hat.Chelsea thrashed Barrow in the previous roundCredit: APManchester United fired seven past Barnsley during the fourth roundCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy takes charge of Manchester United after Erik ten Hag’s sacking, facing Leicester City at Old Trafford for a spot in the quarters.Injury-hit Arsenal make the trip to Preston with the last-8 firmly in their sights, while the pick of the bunch sees Tottenham welcome Carabao Cup serial winners Manchester City to North London.Southampton and Brentford are already into the hat after winning on Tuesday night.SunSport can tell you everything you need to know about the upcoming draw.Read more on Carabao CupWhen is the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw?The Carabao Cup quarter-final draw will take place TONIGHT – Wednesday, October 30.It is scheduled to begin after the conclusion of Tottenham vs Manchester City, which kicks off at 8.15pm GMT.Meaning that the draw is likely to proceed from 10.15pm GMT, as long as there are no penalties.What TV channel is the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw on and can it be live streamed?The Carabao Cup quarter-final draw will be shown LIVE on Sky Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football in the UK.Subscribers can live stream the draw via NowTV and the Sky Sports app.Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.How can I watch the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw for FREE?For football lovers who do not have a Sky Sports subscription, the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw will be shown for FREE via the official Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.When will the Carabao Cup quarter-final ties take place?The Carabao Cup quarter-final ties will be played in the week commencing Monday, December 16.Most read in FootballFixtures will likely be on Tuesday, December 17 and Wednesday, December 18.What are the ball numbers?1 Brentford2 Southampton3 Aston Villa or Crystal Palace4 Brighton & Hove Albion or Liverpool5 Manchester United or Leicester City6 Newcastle United or Chelsea7 Preston North End or Arsenal8 Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester CityCarabao Cup fourth round schedule/resultsTuesday, October 29Southampton 3-2 Stoke CityBrentford 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday (Brentford win 5-4 on pens)Wednesday, October 30Brighton vs Liverpool – 7.30pm – Sky Sports+Newcastle vs Chelsea – 7.45pm – Sky Sports+Man Utd vs Leicester – 7.45pm – Sky Sports+Preston vs Arsenal – 7.45pm – Sky Sports+Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace – 7.45pm – Sky Sports+Tottenham vs Man City – 8.15pm – Sky Sports Main Event More

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      ‘I write this with a huge mix of emotions,’ says Ruud van Nistelrooy ahead of replacing Ten Hag as Man Utd interim

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY admits he is experiencing a “huge mix of emotions” after replacing Erik ten Hag.Manchester United sacked Ten Hag on Monday following the 2-1 defeat at West Ham.Ruud van Nistelrooy broke his silence on Erik ten Hag’s sackingCredit: GettyThe former striker will lead his side as interim boss against LeicesterCredit: GettyHis No2 Van Nistelrooy – who was brought in as assistant in the summer – was placed in interim charge while the club searches for a permanent successor. And he will take his first match in charge of United when they host Leicester tonight in the Carabao Cup.Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in 219 games for the Red Devils between 2001 and 2006, broke his silence on his appointment and Ten Hag’s exit.Writing his manager’s notes in the club’s official matchday programme for the Foxes clash at Old Trafford, he expressed his gratitude to his departed compatriot and addressed the fans.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLVan Nistelrooy said: “As I am sure everyone can imagine, I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotions. “Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer and, while I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity, and I am saddened to see him leave.“Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so. “I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Despite our results, I am loving being back at Old Trafford and working with the team and staff every day. “We’ve seen the squad’s potential at times this season, but clearly not often enough. Sporting fans give verdict on Ruben Amorim ahead of move to Man Utd“Now is the time for everyone at the club to work together, give everything and turn this season around while we have time. “From my experiences as both a player and a coach here, I can say for sure that when players, staff and supporters pull together, Manchester United can be unstoppable.”Van Nistelrooy went on to reference the visit of Steve Cooper’s newly-promoted side – who sit just one place and two points behind United in the Premier League table. And the interim gaffer insisted this was the ideal chance to return to winning ways. He added: “Thankfully, we have time on our side and with fixtures coming so regularly now, we also have plenty of opportunities to build up some positive momentum, starting with tonight’s visit of Steve Cooper and Leicester City in the Carabao Cup. “It will not be easy, of course. Leicester are Premier League opposition and they will also be highly motivated by the prospect of moving into the quarter-finals. “However, every game we play is also an opportunity for us to remind everyone – ourselves included – of what this great club stands for.“When I returned in the summer as Erik’s assistant, it was because I believe that Manchester United can climb back to the levels that I knew here as a player. “I still have that belief, but it will take time and a lot of hard work. “The first step is to restore the winning habit, starting at Old Trafford this evening. “I know first-hand the positive effect that our wonderful fans can have on the team, so please get behind the players as we fight together to move a step closer to Wembley.”Van Nistelrooy was touted as a possible permanent appointment when the news of his interim role was first confirmed.However, it has become clear very quickly that Ruben Amorim is United’s No1 choice.His current club Sporting announced on Tuesday that the Red Devils had made contact and were ready to trigger his £8.3million release clause. 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.Talks are understood to have begun and Amorim is expected to fly to Manchester to finalise a deal – which will also include his backroom staff. Amorim oversaw a 3-1 Taca da Liga win over Nacional in Lisbon last night in what many expected to be his farewell match.But after the game, the manager remained tight-lipped on his future – but fielded various questions about a possible move to Old Trafford.Amorim said: “There is interest from Manchester United, there is the payment of a clause and then, when I have something more concrete, I will come here and take over the situation, because it is always my choice.”As long as you don’t have everything decided, for one side or the other, it’s not worth saying anything, it’s just going to create noise.”I just say that I will take on whatever I want to do, as I have always done.”What I control is the decision that takes place from now on. And I will be here to tell you what I want to do and how it will be done. At this time, no decision has been made.”There is an intention of the club. They are in talks with Sporting. Then, it will also be my decision.”But everything is time and I will explain everything that happens next. To be talking now is just creating noise and confusion even more for the situation.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIf a deal is not done this week, Van Nistelrooy will remain in the dugout for Sunday when United take on Chelsea at home.It remains unclear whether or not the former Dutch international striker will be kept on as a coach at United if and when Amorim arrives. Ruben Amorim is expected to take over as the new Man Utd bossCredit: GettyRuben 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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      Glam footballer Madelene Wright sends fans wild as sexy cop for Halloween in low cut top as they say ‘arrest me’

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      MADELENE WRIGHT has sent fans wild with a raunchy Halloween post on social media.The footballer has amassed an enormous following due to her stunning pictures and talent on the pitch.Madelene Wright is in the Halloween spiritCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightShe shared these stunning pictures on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightAnd Madelene, 25, has now got in the Halloween spirit with her latest post.She shared two snaps of herself dressed as a sexy cop in a tight-fitting outfit.She posed in front of a spooky backdrop filled with skeletons and ghoulish features.She captioned the post: “Trick or treat.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHer 323k followers went wild for the post as they flooded the comment section.One posted: “Omg this is insane.”A second wrote: “Absolutely a trick honey, then the treat.”One commented: “Gorgeous.”Most read in FootballWhile another quipped: “She can arrest me.”One more added: “Best copper ever.”Glam footballer Madelene Wright shows off her new glasses with smouldering video before sharing cheeky bum pic Last year she dressed up as an angel for HalloweenCredit: InstagramLast year, Madelene dressed up as an angel and was labelled “naughty but nice” by her followers.She also recently shocked fans by leaving Leyton Orient Women after less than a year.She then announced in August that she would join Chesham United Women.Alongside her time on the football pitch, Madelene works as an OnlyFans model.She has previously boasted that her side hustle earns her a whopping £500,000 per year and helps fund her lifestyle away from the beautiful game.Inside Madelene’s glamorous life as influencer, footballer and OnlyFans star…Wright lives a glamourous lifestyleShe often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: InstagramMadelene has over 300k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightShe recently celebrated her 25th birthdayCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightThe football also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightShe claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightThe footballer has recently signed for Leyton OrientCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wrightShe has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadeleneShe often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: InstagramMadelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright More

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      Ruben Amorim to Man Utd a ‘DONE DEAL’ but Sporting ‘won’t let boss join Red Devils until the international break’

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      SPORTING LISBON believe that Ruben Amorim’s switch to Manchester United is a done deal, according to Sky Sports.Amorim looks set to fill Erik ten Hag’s seat at Old Trafford after the Dutchman was sacked on Monday.Ruben Amorim has reportedly told Sporting he wants to move to Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, was made the number one target for Man Utd earlier this week and now it seems as though he wants the deal just as much.According to Sky Sports, Amorim has told his current employers that he wants to leave and take up the job with the Red Devils.Sporting are also said to believe that Amorim has agreed terms with Man Utd.United have already agreed to pay the £8.5m release clause to get their man.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd could have to pay another £4.1m on top of that to get hold of Amorim’s coaching staff too.The Portuguese giants want extra cash to release three trusted members of Amorim’s backroom staffThe tactician wants to take Sporting’s assistant manager Adelio Candido, assistant coach Carlos Fernandes and goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital with him to Old Trafford.Man Utd execs are understood to be hopeful that Amorim will be the manager for their clash with Chelsea this weekend.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited play Leicester City in the Carabao Cup tonight, before hosting Chelsea in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday.However, it’s not yet known if Amorim will be in the dugout for the game against the Blues.Watch Sporting Lisbon fan reveal how you’ve been pronouncing incoming Man Utd manger Ruben Amorim’s name all wrongThe Portuguese gaffer could watch on from the stands while interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy takes charge in the technical area.However, reports in Portugal claim that Amorim will complete a 30-day notice period before joining Man Utd.Portuguese outlet Record have suggested that Amorim will remain as the Sporting boss until the next international break.That would mean that he is still in charge of the Lisbon club for another three games – including a Champions League clash with Manchester City.While it would mean his first game as United boss wouldn’t come until November 24, when the Red Devils travel to face Ipswich Town.Amorim was in the dugout for Sporting’s 3-1 win over Nacional in the Portuguese league cup quarterfinal last night.Sporting fans gave their gaffer a mixed reception with supporters split on the rumours of his potential exit from Lisbon.The tactician headed straight down the tunnel at full-time, not acknowledging the support.While he refused to open up on his future in his post-match press conference.He said: “Nothing to say yet, no announcement to make. Now I have nothing to say, we are here carrying out analysis.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Everything I say will only create more noise. There is nothing to say about the matter. There is the statement, everyone knows. It was said by the club.”Besides, we don’t know the details for sure. We’ll see. It will go through my decision as the statement said. But saying half things now doesn’t seem best to me.”Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      ‘I’m spending a night with a player from every Premier League club.. I already have a hat trick, 17 to go’

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      A MODEL who has vowed to sleep with a player from every Premier League club – claims to have already scored a hat trick.Model Elsa Thora has dubbed her challenge the “golden bed” and has taken to social media to say she’s already ticked three teams off her list.Model Elsa Thora has claimed she is trying to sleep with a footballer from every Premier League clubCredit: Instagram @elsa.thoraElsa claims she has already succeeded three timesCredit: Instagram @elsa.thoraShe has amassed over 228,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @elsa.thoraShe said on her Instagram account – in which she also says she’d love to one day marry Jude Bellingham: “You’ve heard about the golden boot and the golden glove, but I’m going for a new record. The golden bed.“I’m going to sleep with a player from every Premier League team.“Three down, 17 to go.”One of her 228,000 followers pleaded: “Please extend it to Sunday League footballers!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe model has amassed a fortune thanks to her success on an adults-only website.She has previously made headlines by declaring that she wants to be the first woman to have sex in space.The UK-based model from Sweden has taken to entertaining her fans by posting transfer updates in the style of Italian football reporter Fabrizio Romano.He name-dropped Elsa in a video posted to X and shouted out what has become her catchphrase: “Twist my nips!”Most read in FootballIt got some three million views and Elsa has brought some glamour to the Championship by being one of the highest profile fans of Hull City FC.She often posts sizzling shots of herself posing in black and amber bikinis, much to the delight of fans.Seven sports stars who started an OnlyFans including ex-footballer and British boxing iconElsa has joked that succeeding with her golden bed challenge would mean a world record, though she acknowledges that it is unlikely to be officially recognised.She has claimed that the first three notches on her bedpost come from liaisons with players from Chelsea, Arsenal, and Leicester.The players always want to meet her in London she says, even if they play for a club in the north of England, and says it has been the players that get in touch with her first.Elsa says they get in touch via DMs after she has posted content on Instagram that goes viral.The Swedish beauty says that players have got in touch after content has gone viral on TikTok but none that she fancied much.Her content on X is more reserved and she has revealed that it is mostly the younger players at the start of their careers who tend to contact her.Elsa is a huge Hull City fanCredit: Instagram @elsa.thoraShe is always supporting her clubCredit: Instagram @elsa.thoraThe social media star heralds from SwedenCredit: Instagram @elsa.thoraShe has made a fortune through adult sitesCredit: Instagram @elsa.thoraElsa claims to have slept with players from Arsenal, Chelsea and Leicester alreadyCredit: Instagram @elsa.thoraShe has labelled her quest as the ‘Golden Bed’Credit: Instagram @elsa.thora More

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      ‘I don’t know what I could have done’ says Jurgen Klopp after criticism over ex-Liverpool boss’ new job

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      JURGEN KLOPP has defended his new role with Red Bull after the former Liverpool boss was hit with criticism.Klopp came under fire for taking up a role with the energy drink conglomerate, where he will begin as Head of Global Soccer from January 1, 2025.Jurgen Klopp has defended his new role with Red BullCredit: APKlopp will be the new Global Head of Soccer for the energy drink conglomerate, which owns clubs such as RB LeipzigCredit: EPAThe German coach was criticised for joining Red Bull, given the company’s differing approach to football from the rest of the German leagues.Red Bull clubs have been accused of financial doping, rather than being fan-led organisations with deep history in the leagues.But Klopp has defended the organisation, which controls teams such as RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.Speaking on the Einfach mal Luppen podcast with brothers Felix and Toni Kroos, Klopp said: “I have to say clearly that I have never followed the Red Bull story so critically.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGoing on to explain that Red Bull have helped nurture massive football talents across Europe.Referencing stars such as Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté and Christopher Nkunku as examples of players who have gone on to succeed elsewhere.While he also admitted that there was no way he could keep everyone happy when choosing his new career path.He said: “I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes, definitely not. And I personally love all of my former clubs.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I don’t really know what I could have done to make everyone happy.”Adding: “It was always clear, well, clear to me, that I wouldn’t do nothing.Arne Slot aims dig at Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss says ‘I’m a stupid manager if 12.30pm kick offs are more difficult’ “And then the Red Bull story came up. So for me it’s outstanding, I have to say honestly.”It’s certainly a lucrative offer for the former Borussia Dortmund manager too.Sky Sports reported earlier this month that Klopp will be pocketing between £8m-£10m per year in his new role with Red Bull. More