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      ‘Ruben Amorim feels like Erik ten Hag all over again – Man Utd missed out on the perfect coach who’s done it already’

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      PAUL SCHOLES is not convinced Ruben Amorim is perfect for Manchester United – and claims the club missed out on a better target. The Red Devils are searching for a new manager after sacking Erik ten Hag on Monday. Sporting Lisbon head coach Rúben Amorim has been approached by Man UtdCredit: GettyFormer Red Devils star Paul Scholes believes the club have already missed out on the perfect coachCredit: AlamyUnited have agreed to pay Amorim’s £8.3million release fee with Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon. But Scholes believes the board should have acted sooner to secure the services of new England boss Thomas Tuchel.He told The Overlap Fan Debate: “I think Thomas Tuchel was the right one to coach Manchester United, but obviously he’s gone now with England. “He’s someone that can manage an elite football club and win big games. He’s been there and done it.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDAmorim has twice won the Portuguese Primeira Liga with Sporting.He boasts an impressive 71.85 win percentage since joining the club in March 2020.But Scholes can’t help but feel there are comparisons with Ten Hag after he arrived from Ajax two years ago with similarly impressive numbers. Scholes continued: “I agree on Ruben Amorim – [the hype] feels a bit like Erik ten Hag [joined Manchester United].Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He’s coming from the Portuguese league which is a bit better than the Dutch league. “What he’s done there has been good – he looks charismatic, and he has a bit about him.Ruben Amorim jets in for Man Utd talks with Sporting boss set to be in charge for Chelsea clash on Sunday“I know he’s meant to sign in the coming days and hours, but Sporting play Manchester City next week, and Arsenal in the next three or four weeks.”It might be a chance to give him a public interview, and see how he handles the media, see how his team plays.”Despite his reservations, Scholes is excited to see Amorim’s potential impact on a shot-shy United team.The Red Devils have scored just 8 goals in 9 Premier League games this season, the third-lowest in the division. Thomas Tuchel was announced as England boss earlier this monthCredit: SplashRuben 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.He continued “In England, we don’t watch a lot of Portuguese football, so we don’t know too much. “We see them a bit in European football, and all the things we hear about him are good – exciting football, three at the back and possession-based – something United don’t really do. READ MORE SUN STORIES”If he comes in to do that, it could be exciting.”Paul Scholes was speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet. More

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      Tottenham vs Man City: Get £30 in free bets for League Cup this week with talkSPORT BET

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      MANCHESTER CITY travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a spot in the next round of the League Cup up for grabs.And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a fantastic £30 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the cup tie.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..talkSPORT BET offerVisit the talkSPORT BET website HERE*Create your account via mobileOpt-In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any football market at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOn settlement of your qualifying bet, you will receive £30 in free bets to spend on selected marketstalkSPORT BET: Get £30 in free bets – Claim here*No talkSPORT BET account? No Problem!Simply register an account, deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater. Once that’s settled – your account will be credited with £30 in free bets!You could decide to use your free bets on Wednesday’s League Cup between Tottenham and Manchester City!*18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Spurs vs Man City: Back our 14/1 Bet Builder predictions and get £50 in free bets with Betfred

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      TOTTENHAM and Manchester City meet in a juicy last-16 League Cup clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Our team of betting experts have selected a Bet Builder for Wednesday’s tie, which Betfred have priced up at a generous 14/1.Not just that! New Betfred customers who register an account with Betfred and stake a tenner on football will receive £50 in sports free bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Spurs vs Man City tipsOur Bet Builder selections: Man City to win, both teams to score and Matheus Nunes to score – ADD TO YOUR BET SLIP HERE!Back our 14/1 Bet BuilderHere’s why we’ve made those selections..Man City to win: Yet to taste defeat this season and record here has improved, particularly in both trips this calendar year. Spurs defeat at weekend a sore one for them, inconsistency issues.Both teams to score: Enough in their attack though, Spurs and can trouble whatever back four Guardiola puts out.Matheus Nunes to score: Scored in previous round and has seen plenty of game time as midfield injuries and struggles continue. Can make mark if given opportunity.Back our 14/1 Bet BuilderRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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      Tottenham vs Man City prediction: Free betting tips, odds and preview for League Cup tie

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      PREMIER LEAGUE leaders Manchester City are in cup action this week, traveling to face Spurs in a tasty fixture.SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest – and carefully selected our best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses for the League Cup encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesSpurs vs Man City previewAnge Postecoglou was raging after defeat to toiling Crystal Palace on Sunday and needs to pick his players – and himself – up for a tough cup tie at home to Manchester City.Spurs have won their last four at home and seven of their last nine games home and away – their only two losses coming in both of their last two away.Their issue? They’re coming up against an unbeaten machine in Manchester City, who’ve now moved back to the top of the table.This ground and this away fixture proved to be a bogey trip for Pep Guardiola’s side, losing five on the spin before winning both of their last two trips here – both in 2024.Tottenham vs Man City latest oddsManchester City at 8/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.William Hill new customer offerWilliam Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Tottenham vs Man City prediction and betting tipsGoals showThere have been 15 goals scored in City’s last four games. Might not sound too many, but that includes Saturday’s 1-0 win.Spurs’ high line here will be put to the test and with it being a one-off cup tie, someone needs to win.And you know for a fact both managers will go out to win it. Could be entertaining.Over 4.5 goals at 5/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERECity slickHaving said that both will look to win, City come into this favourites.They’re yet to taste defeat this season and easy to see why.Won this cup four times on spin from 2018 to 2021 but not since. Will want to set that record straight.Man City to win and BTTS at 5/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Jarrod Bowen joins exclusive club of players to get THREE Premier League managers sacked after penalty cost Ten Hag

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      JARROD BOWEN has joined an exclusive club after his penalty got Erik ten Hag sacked as Manchester United manager.West Ham were awarded a controversial spot-kick in the 92nd minute against the Red Devils, which the Irons skipper scored to secure their 2-1 win.Jarrod Bowen’s late winner proved to be Erik ten Hag’s last moment as Man Utd bossCredit: PATen Hag was axed the morning after the defeatCredit: RexThe goal burst Ten Hag’s bubble and he was axed the following morning.Man Utd are languishing in 14th in the Premier League table after the club’s worst ever start to a season.If bosses want to keep their jobs, they should avoid conceding to a special list of players that have a knack of getting managers sacked.Bowen has now scored to register the final hammer blows for three Prem gaffers in their last games before being dismissed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBruno Lage at Wolves, Frank Lampard at Everton and now Ten Hag have all been hit by the England star’s curse.Only seven other players have scored in three different managers’ final matches in charge – Chris Wood, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, Xherdan Shaqiri, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Salomon Kalou and Darius Vassell.Only Nottingham Forest striker Wood and Bowen remain in the Prem and can add to their stunning runs.And they could catch James Ward-Prowse and Andy Cole, whose goals have been the last straw for four and five coaches respectively.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGoals from JWP saw Claudio Ranieri axed at Fulham, Quique Sanchez Flores leave Watford, Chris Wilder sacked by Sheffield United and Antonio Conte get his marching orders at Tottenham.Strikes from Cole have ended the tenures of David Pleat at Sheffield Wednesday, Attilio Lombardo at Crystal Palace, Jacques Santini at Spurs, Velimir Zajec at Portsmouth and Graeme Souness at Newcastle.Erik ten Hag angry with VAR for ‘interfering’ as West Ham penalty wounds Man Utd More

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      Arsenal and Liverpool in three-horse transfer race to sign Brentford star who’s scored same amount of goals as Man Utd

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      ARSENAL are engaged in three-way transfer race to sign Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo, reports suggest.Mbeumo, 25, has enjoyed a fantastic start to the season by scoring eight Premier League goals in just nine matches for Thomas Frank’s Bees.Bryan Mbeumo is the subject of a three-team transfer race after scoring the same number of goals as Man UtdCredit: GettyNewcastle are discussing a deal while Arsenal are also interestedCredit: GettyThese eight goals astonishingly put him level with Manchester United’s league tally for the season so far, which sums up the Red Devils’ troubles pretty well.Cameroon international Mbeumo courted interest from some of England’s top clubs over the summer, with Newcastle top of a list including the Gunners and Liverpool, according to the Chronicle.However, the £50million price tag saw them baulk at a transfer.But the winger’s strong start to the season has kept Eddie Howe and co keen on a deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Telegraph report Newcastle are looking to strengthen their forward options and are internally discussing a move for Mbeumo in January.The Magpies were hit with spending restrictions in the summer in order to comply with league Profit and Sustainability rules.This saw them part ways with huge talents in Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, with the pair now doing well at Nottingham Forest and Brighton respectively.Since the takeover of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) in October 2021, the Toon have spent more than £400m on new talent.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, following news that PIF will cut investment from their sovereign wealth fund on international spending from 30 per cent to 18-20 per cent, the Toon may have to deal with tighter pockets a little longer.PIF have assured supporters their backing will not change and will press on with plans for a new stadium, though this will not help with the immediate issues regarding PSR compliance. ‘Watching Arsenal is like watching Netflix… you always have to wait for the next season’, says Man Utd legendStruggles in terms of recouping transfer fees have left their hands tied, which the Telegraph report could restrict their winter plans too.In the meantime, Toon have triggered a one-year extension to Sean Longstaff’s contract.The St. James’ Park outfit tried to land Marc Guehi in the summer with a deal that almost hit £70m, which was rejected by Crystal Palace.Newcastle sit 12th in the league, while rivals Liverpool are second and Arsenal are third after playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Emirates last weekend.Liverpool brought in one player in Federico Chiesa in the summer, with Arne Slot largely using the stars left over from Jurgen Klopp’s reign.This being said, the club did also confirm the signing of Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for next summer in a £25m deal.On the other hand, Mikel Arteta recruited heavily with Riccardo Calafiori the main arrival from Bologna for £42m.READ MORE SUN STORIESMikel Merino was added in midfield for £33m and David Raya’s loan transfer from Brentford was made permanent for £27m.Raheem Sterling and Neto also came in on loan.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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      Vinicius Jr ‘devastated’ by Ballon d’Or snub after ‘inviting 50 friends to Madrid for celebration party’

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      VINICIUS JUNIOR had to reportedly cancel a huge party and has been left “devastated” after missing out on the Ballon d’Or.The Real Madrid star, 24, was convinced he was going to be crowned the best player on the planet at the glamorous ceremony in Paris on Monday.Rodri pipped Vinicius Jr to Ballon d’Or gloryCredit: EPAReal Madrid boycotted the event in support of ViniCredit: ReutersBut just hours before the show got underway, it was leaked that Manchester City’s Rodri was the winner instead.Real Madrid were left furious and boycotted, with his team-mates and club chiefs all missing from the event.Reports from Spanish outlet AS claim Vinicius is heartbroken over the snub.He had to supposedly axe a pre-planned party for around 50 people.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNike have had to scrap the specially designed boots they made to commemorate his success.And they are now forced to adjust plans for him to unveil a new store in the centre of Madrid as the Ballon d’Or winner.Real Madrid TV reportedly had five hours of programming in place to celebrate.Vini even allegedly taunted Barcelona star Gavi in their 4-0 El Clasico defeat on Saturday by telling him: “I’m going to win the Ballon d’Or on Monday.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSReal Madrid claimed Uefa “do not respect” the club in a furious statement.And a defiant Vinicius tweeted: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’Ballon d’Or chief Vincent Garcia has suggested that the Brazilian missed out as his team-mates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal, who came third and fourth respectively, took votes off him.But many of his pals have came out to slam what they see as an injustice.Among those is Brazil and Tottenham star Richarlison, who ranted: “All of us who live football eagerly await the individual awards each season. “Today, all Brazilians who love football woke up expecting to see another player from our country win an award for the best in the world after so long.“Unfortunately, for reasons that no one can understand, the award did not come. “And don’t get me wrong, Rodri is a great player who deserves to be among the best. “But Vini not winning the Ballon d’Or was embarrassing, and the only one who lost today was football.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I remember Vini saying that his dream was to see the whole of Brazil cheering for him. And that day was today.“You are a giant and the best in the world, kid. And no trophy will change that. Keep going and never shut up. We’re together.”Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and Ukraine More

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      Throwback picture shows defender Ruben Amorim watching in horror as Jonny Evans scores AGAINST him for Man Utd

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      RUBEN AMORIM is closing in on becoming the next permanent boss of Manchester United.Reports suggest the Red Devils are willing to pay the 39-year-old’s £8.3million release clause from Sporting CP to appoint him as their replacement for Erik ten Hag, who was sacked on Monday.A stunning throwback picture of Ruben Amorim has emerged of him playing against Man Utd at Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe picture shows Jonny Evans scoring the equaliser against Braga as United came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in 2012Credit: AFPHowever, the ex-midfielder – dubbed the Special One 2.0 – actually shared the pitch with three players he will be coaching at Old Trafford.The first of these is former Benfica team-mate Victor Lindelof, whom he shared the pitch with just three times as the Swede was coming through the ranks.The second was ex-Tottenham star Christian Eriksen, who he faced with Benfica in the Europa League as he saw the Dane score in the second leg of the last-16 tie.The third star is actually returned Man Utd hero Jonny Evans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmorim and Evans, now 36, lined up on opposite sides during a Champions League group stage clash between United and Braga at Old Trafford in 2012.The Portuguese side had gotten off to a perfect start on the night, going 2-0 up inside 20 minutes through Alan, though Javier Hernandez halved the deficit five minutes later.The hosts dominated proceedings, and Sir Alex Ferguson’s side found an equaliser in the 62nd minute as Evans bundled a goal home from a corner.And a picture from that night of Evans celebrating with Amorim with his hands behind his head in horror has resurfaced in light of the managerial links now associating United and the Portuguese manager.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHernandez struck the decisive winner in the 75th minute to seal a remarkable comeback win for United.Amorim himself was subbed out of the game after 80 minutes.Watch Sporting Lisbon fan reveal how you’ve been pronouncing incoming Man Utd manger Ruben Amorim’s name all wrongSpeaking about his links to the Man Utd job following Sporting’s 3-1 win over Nacional in the Portuguese League Cup on Tuesday, Amorim said: “Manchester United is interested. But it’s my choice. Until everything is decided, we won’t be making any noise.”I have nothing useful to say. I will take on whatever I want to do, as I have always done. I’m not going to talk about my contract, it’s a matter between me and Sporting.”In the meantime, Ruud van Nistelrooy will take interim charge of the United squad for their League Cup clash against Leicester tonight, while he may also be in charge for Sunday’s game against Chelsea.Amorim was forced to retire from football at the age of 32 in 2014 due to a career-ending ACL injury.’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”He then went down the path of coaching, attending a course at the Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon with lectures led by Jose Mourinho alongside seven-time Primeira Liga winner Antonio Veloso.He later completed an internship under Mourinho while the Special One was at United, and Amorim has cited the three-time Premier League winner as an idol and a “reference point” in his coaching.While he has played down the comparisons, calling Mourinho “unique”, Amorim’s demeanour has been compared to his old master.Assuming all goes to plan and he does move to United, Amorim is reportedly likely to stick to his 3-4-3 system.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has won the Portuguese league twice with Sporting since taking charge in 2020, ending a 19-year duopoly of Benfica and Porto dominance.When previously managing Braga, he had also led to the club’s first win over Porto for 65 years.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