Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sporting 3-1 Nacional LIVE RESULT: Viktor Gyokeres fires hosts to victory on Ruben Amorim’s potential farewell

      by

      SPORTING have beaten Nacional 3-1 to secure their spot in the semi-finals of the Taca de Liga.The win is expected to be Ruben Amorim’s final game in charge of the Portuguese champions before he makes the proposed switch to Manchester United.On Tuesday, Sporting revealed that the Red Devils will pay the 39-year-old’s £8.3million release clause to all-but confirm Amorim as the man to replace Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat.United are reportedly keen to have the Portuguese coach in charge for their crunch Premier League clash against Chelsea on Sunday.Match result: Sporting 3-1 NacionalSporting team: Kovacevic, Fresneda, Esgaio, Inácio, Reis, Catamo, Morita, Hjulmand, Araújo, Edwards, HarderNacional team: Franca, Gomes, Ze Vitor, Ulisses, Aurelio, Reis, Dias, Penha, Esteves, Macedo, IsaacFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…That’s all, folks!Sporting are into the semi-finals of the Taça da Liga but it remains to be seen if Amorim will be in charge by the time the next round rolls around.Man Utd are said to be willing to trigger his £8.3m release clause, so we could see him at Old Trafford sooner rather than later.Copy linkCopiedAmorim discusses futureThe Sporting boss was asked about links to Man Utd after the match.He responded saying: “Nothing is decided yet… I don’t know if it’s the farewell game or not.”Copy linkCopiedFT Sporting 3-1 NacionalIf that was Amorim’s Man Utd job interview he passed with flying colours.Sporting offered 22 shots and the boss made astute changes which won his side the game – thought it always helps to have someone of Gyokeres’ quality to bring on.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT Sporting 3-1 NacionalGyokeres was the two-goal heroCredit: EPACopy linkCopiedFull-time Sporting 3-1 NacionalSporting are into the semi-finals!Amorim is a happy man as he shakes hands with his opposite number before quickly heading down the tunnel.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional90. Gyokeres is named Man of the Match for his second half impact.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional89. Quenda sparks a move again after winning the ball on the edge of his own box.Sporting win a corner which is easily cleared.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional87. Hjulmand this time. Quenda is caughing all kinds of problems down the right.A cross is cleared only as far as Hjulmand again but this time he fires wide from outside the box.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional86. Sporting close to a fourth as a cross flashes across goal before reaching Araujo.The keeper was scrambling but he couldn’t get his shot away.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional83. Sporting counter quickly from a corner and Harder is played down the left.He creates an opening and flashes the ball just wide of the post. Good effort.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional81. Substitute Quenda shows pace down the right and works his way into the box before firing his shot straight at a defender.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional78. Chance missed! The corner is whipped in and Gomes is free at the back post but can only head wide.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional77. Nacional work the ball really well – their best move of the match – and win a corner as Penha’s shot is blocked.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional73. Sporting continue to attack as they look to put the game to bed but a move down the left comes to nothing.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional70. Gyokeres has changed the game.He showed brilliant technique to whip that ball into the corner. It was on the keeper’s side but he was left helpless between the sticks.Copy linkCopiedGoal Sporting! 3-1!70. Trincao wins a free-kick in a dangerous area after his ankles are clipped.Gyokeres lines it up and fires spectacularly into the far corner. Nothing the keeper could do.Copy linkCopiedSporting 2-1 Nacional67. The referee checks for a possible offisde but VAR finds no infringement.Game on!Copy linkCopiedGoal Nacional! Sporting 2-1 Nacional66. That came out of nowhere! Esteves shoots from distance at the ball is delfcted by his own team-mate and into the back of the netCopy linkCopiedGoal! Sporting 2-0 Nacional64. Gyokeres converts! There was never any doubt there as the striker fires straight down the middle.Copy linkCopiedSporting 1-0 Nacional63. Penalty Sporting! Gyokeres is fouled in the area.Copy linkCopiedSporting 1-0 Nacional61. Sporting keeper Kovacevic is forced into a good save low down to his right. Penha’s curling effort looked destined for the bottom corner.Copy linkCopiedSporting 1-0 Nacional56. Sporting try to build on their opener as Harder’s cross is met by Gyokeres.But the former Coventry man was stretching and he couldn’t direct the ball towards goal.Copy linkCopiedSporting 1-0 Nacional53. Morita breaks the lines and is just played onside.His cut back is cleared half-heartedly only as far as Hjulmand who drives the ball into the far corner.Copy linkCopiedGoal! Sporting 1-0 Nacional53. And there’s the breakthrough! Hjulmand finds the bottom corner.Copy linkCopiedSporting 0-0 Nacional52. Nacional break and Isaac makes one of the worst attempts ever at scoring from inside his own half.Copy linkCopied More

    • 213 Shares128 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘face further chaos and could be forced to wait WEEKS before Ruben Amorim takes charge’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED may have to wait a number of weeks before Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim takes charge as their new manager, reports claim.Sporting all but confirmed United will poach Amorim after announcing the Premier League giants are willing to pay his £8.3m release clause.Manchester United may have to wait ‘a number of weeks’ to sign Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben AmorimCredit: PATalks between Man Utd and Sporting have reportedly hit a snag regarding Amorim’s notice periodCredit: APThe Lisbon giants did not confirm whether they had accepted the Red Devils’ advances in a letter to the Portuguese stock exchange but reports suggested it’s only a matter of time until a deal is finalised.According to The Mail, however, talks have hit a snag regarding the Portuguese tactician’s notice period, which will last several weeks.United are happy to meet the 39-year-old head coach’s clause but are currently negotiating when he can start.Amorim may now not be in the dugout when the Premier League giants host Chelsea on Sunday.Read More on Man UtdIn fact, the Sporting boss may not take charge until Man Utd visit Ipswich on November 24.Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will be in charge against Leicester in the Carabao Cup last 16 on Wednesday at Old Trafford.Van Nistelrooy may also be in the dugout for the game with Chelsea, the Europa League encounter at home against PAOK and the Premier League clash with the Foxes on November 10 at Old Trafford.Amorim may not assume his new position until after the international break, meaning club chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe may not get his man for another four weeks.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSporting issued the following statement: “Manchester United has expressed an interest in hiring coach Ruben Amorim, with the Board of Directors of Sporting SAD referring to the terms and conditions set out in the employment contract in force between the Company and the coach, specifically the respective termination clause and the amount of 10m Euros.”Manchester United has expressed an interest in paying Sporting SAD the amount of the aforementioned clause.”How ‘Mourinho 2.0’ Ruben Amorim can revive Man Utd after being overlooked by Liverpool in summerAmorim broke his silence on the likelihood of taking over at Old Trafford during a press conference on Monday.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd] and 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.”United sacked Erik ten Hag after the club’s worst ever start in the Premier League era.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

    • 250 Shares168 Views

      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho jokes that he could become Millwall manager as he says ‘it’s just across the bridge from my house’

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO has joked he could become the manager of MILLWALL after exclaiming “it’s just across the bridge from my house!”.The Special One has made no secret of his desire to return to English football one day, having managed three clubs in the Premier League.Jose Mourinho has jokingly suggested he could eventually manage MillwallCredit: GettyMourinho enjoyed two spells in London with Chelsea, where he won three Premier League titles.The Portuguese boss then led Manchester United to Europa League glory.And he later returned to the capital for a spell with Tottenham.Mourinho is now in Turkey with Fenerbahce, having also managed Roma since leaving Spurs in 2021.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is endearing himself to fans in Istanbul, especially with last week’s 1-1 Europa League draw against former side United.But Mourinho jokingly admits he could end up coming back to London as manager of Chelsea and Tottenham’s rivals Millwall, who sit just outside the Championship play-off places.When asked by Sky Sports about whether he’d manage teams fighting relegation in the Premier League, Mourinho answered: “Millwall. Millwall. I just cross the bridge from my house! Millwall.”He continued: “I’m never going to a team fighting relegation. It’s too hard.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s more difficult than playing for titles. It has to be very hard emotionally because it’s something that changes lives.“I think it’s brave guys that do it. I had three clubs in England, four different periods and I love it.Jose Mourinho makes cheeky dig at the referee after being sent off against old club Manchester United“My family lives in London. London is home so one day I have to be back unless no one wants me.“But don’t get me wrong, for the next two years no one will take me from Fenerbahce.” More

    • 188 Shares168 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League cult hero, 38, appointed manager of Ayia Napa FC in shock career move

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Jason Puncheon has made a shock move into management with second-tier Cypriot side Ayia Napa FC.The former Crystal Palace forward spent the best part of a decade in England’s top flight.Former Premier League star Puncheon has joined the second-tier Cypriot sideCredit: GettyHe scored 24 Premier League goals and came off the bench in the 2016 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.Prior to his seven-year spell at Selhurst Park, he had enjoyed stints on loan at Millwall, Blackpool and QPR while with parent club Southampton.And after his time at Palace came to an end, he moved to Cyprus for the final four years of his professional career.Now he has taken to management with second division side Ayia Napa – having previously coached Peyia 2014 and AEZ Zakakiou.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA club statement read: “Agia Napa Athletic Club announces the start of its partnership with coach Jason Puncheon.”Jason has previously been the coach of the PEGEIA team and also of Sa Zakakiou. The agreement with him is until May 2025.”A member of the technical team will also be Christos Tsapatsoulis, who will be the direct partner of our new technician.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJason Puncheon enjoyed seven years at Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty Images – Getty”The board of directors wishes both of them every success with our team.”Most read in FootballAyia Napa is a tourist resort on the southern coast of Cyprus and is famed among Brit partygoers for its thriving nightlife.Football icons’ strange hobbies More

    • 250 Shares178 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Ten Hag’s humiliation of Cristiano Ronaldo with dressing room ban so strict youth player had to get his trainers

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO reportedly had to send a youth player to retrieve his trainers after being banned by Erik ten Hag from Manchester United’s dressing room.The Red Devils parted ways with their Dutch manager on Monday after a disastrous start to the new season.Cristiano Ronaldo sent a youngster to get his boots after being banned from Man Utd’s dressing room by Erik ten HagCredit: AFPTen Hag won just four of his 14 games following last term’s shock FA Cup final win.And Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim now looks set to take charge at Old Trafford.Ten Hag’s time at the club saw him clash with several players including Jadon Sancho, who was offloaded to Chelsea over the summer.But his biggest battle came against Ronaldo in 2022.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pair failed to see eye-to-eye before things came to a head in a major bust-up.Ten Hag banished club legend Ronnie from first-team affairs.And ESPN now claims that even the dressing room was off-limits for the iconic striker.Indeed, he was once barred by staff from entering the area to retrieve a pair of trainers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Ronaldo reportedly asked a youth player to go inside and get the offending shoes on his behalf.This exile apparently did not go down well with United players, who felt Ten Hag went “too far” with his punishment.Erik Ten Hag SACKED by Man United – here are the SIX candidates to replace himRonaldo left the club soon after when his contract was terminated.It came as he spilled the beans on Ten Hag’s management style in an explosive interview with The Sun columnist Piers Morgan.Last month, Ronaldo once again hit out at the Dutchman over his time in the United hotseat.Ronnie told Rio Ferdinand: “As I told you, Manchester, they need to rebuild everything, in my opinion.“The coach, they say they cannot compete to win the League and Champions League.“(As) Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the League or Champions League. “You have to be, to mentally say, listen, maybe we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that. We’re going to try. You have to try.”Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8m More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Moment Sporting fan bursts into tears live on TV after question about Ruben Amorim leaving to join Man Utd

      by

      A SPORTING fan burst into tears when asked about Ruben Amorim’s potential switch to Manchester United.The Portuguese has emerged as the favourite to take over at Old Trafford following Erik ten Hag’s sacking.A Sporting fan could only muster a few words about Amorim’s potential departureHe broke down in tears at the thought of the manager leaving Sporting for Man UtdMan Utd are closing in on the appointment of AmorimCredit: GettyUnited are reportedly looking at several candidates including Thomas Frank and Gareth Southgate.But Amorim is their No1 choice and United are willing to trigger his £8.3million release clause.Amorim is said to be open to the switch too, which is not good news for Sporting fans.Supporters flocked to the Jose Alvalade Stadium ahead of their game against Nacional and some were asked about Amorim’s future.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne elderly fan burst into tears when asked about the prospect of the 39-year-old leaving the club.He was only able to muster a few words before clasping his hand his hand over his mouth, before wiping away tears from his eyes.Amorim is a popular figure amongst fans after leading Sporting to their first league title for 19 years.He followed up that success by winning the Primeira Liga again last season, and this term he has a 100 per cent record from nine games.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAmorim has built a reputation for improving players while handing opportunities to young players – which bodes well for United’s young talent.While he is described as a “master trash-talker” in press conferences – a genius in getting his message across, creating a narrative while deflecting pressure away from his players.How ‘Mourinho 2.0’ Ruben Amorim can revive Man Utd after being overlooked by Liverpool in summerAs one source told SunSport: “There is no one like him.” More

    • 225 Shares128 Views

      in Soccer

      Jamie Vardy reveals favourite ever wind-up celebration with Leicester ace hoping for legacy as ‘man who caused carnage’

      by

      JAMIE VARDY has revealed his most memorable wind-up celebration… and confirmed what he wants his legacy to be with a brilliant two-word response.The Leicester striker turns 38 in January but is still scoring at the highest level – and already has four Premier League goals this season.Jamie Vardy is known to mock opposition fans after scoring goalsCredit: GettyHe has named his most memorable wind-up celebrationCredit: GettyHe did not make his top flight debut until the age of 27, but in the decade since then he has scored 140 Premier League goals.Vardy is just four shy of Robin van Persie – and could also catch Teddy Sheringham [146], Les Ferdinand [149] and Michael Owen [150] before he hangs up his boots.But along with his goals, the English forward is also remembered for riling opposition fans by goading them with his celebrations.In his first game back in the Premier League this season, he mocked Tottenham’s lack of a title after equalising against them at the King Power Stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 2016 champion has also taunted supporters of Wolves, Burnley, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace.But it was one against West Brom during Leicester’s title-winning season that sticks with him more than the others.Speaking to Men in Blazers, he said: “My most memorable one would have been West Brom away the year we won the league.”There was one guy who sprinted down about 56 stairs to try and get to me on the pitch which is why I stood there in the corner with my arms aloft just smiling.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSVardy was also quizzed about what he wants to be remembered for when he eventually hangs up his boots.He was asked to complete the sentence: “Jamie Vardy, to be remembered as a man who…”Jamie and Rebekah Vardy lead Leicester celebrations as thousands flood onto streets for Championship title paradeTo which he simply replied: “Caused carnage.” Vardy scored in Leicester’s 3-1 defeat to East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest on Friday night.But despite the result Steve Cooper’s side remain five points above the relegation zone.They head to Old Trafford on Wednesday night to face Manchester United in the Carabao Cup – with Ruud van Nistelrooy set to take charge of the hosts following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.Leicester then go to fellow newly-promoted side Ipswich on Saturday, before returning to Man Utd for a league match prior to the international break. More

    • 250 Shares178 Views

      in Soccer

      Sporting ‘to accept offers for Viktor Gyokeres £30MILLION below release clause with boss Ruben Amorim on way to Man Utd’

      by

      SPORTING LISBON will reportedly let star man Viktor Gyokeres leave for a cut-price fee next summer – with some of Europe’s biggest clubs ready to pounce.The 26-year-old has an £85million release clause in his contract, which expires in June 2028.Viktor Gyokeres could be sold for a cut-price fee next summerCredit: GettyIncoming Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim could attempt to lure him to Old TraffordCredit: PABut according to Sky Germany, that will be reduced at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.Gyokeres, who has scored 14 goals in as many games this season, will therefore be allowed to leave Sporting next summer for as little as £50m.Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are among the clubs tracking the sought-after striker.But Manchester United could also enter the race – especially if Sporting boss Ruben Amorim completes a move to Old Trafford.Read More on Man UtdAmorim has been tipped to replace Erik ten Hag following the Dutchman’s departure.United are set to pay his £8.3m exit clause, meaning he will be free to swap Lisbon for Manchester.A statement from Sporting on Tuesday afternoon read: “Manchester United has expressed an interest in hiring coach Ruben Amorim, with the Board of Directors of Sporting SAD referring to the terms and conditions set out in the employment contract in force between the Company and the coach, specifically the respective termination clause and the amount of 10m Euros.”Manchester United has expressed an interest in paying Sporting SAD the amount of the aforementioned clause.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRuud van Nistelrooy has been placed in charge as interim United boss ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie with Leicester.But if things go to plan, he could step aside in time for Chelsea’s visit to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.How ‘Mourinho 2.0’ Ruben Amorim can revive Man Utd after being overlooked by Liverpool in summerRuben 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