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      Greek media deliver early verdict on Anthony Martial as he achieves feat he didn’t manage at Man Utd for three years

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      ANTHONY MARTIAL divided opinion like few others in his nine years at Manchester United.Now he’s transforming the opinions of Greek journalists in just weeks with new club AEK Athens.Anthony Martial is changing the minds of the Greek mediaMartial joined AEK Athens in September after an erratic Man Utd stintThe French striker, 28, has also pulled off an encouraging feat that he last managed for United in 2021.Yet Martial was seen by many as epitomising the Old Trafford under-achievement since Alex Ferguson’s glorious reign ended in 2013.He became the world’s costliest teenager when he joined United from Monaco for £36million – two years after Fergie retired.But injuries and stuttering form plagued his Red Devils’ career.READ MORE TOP STORIESAEK took the plunge in September, handing Martial a contract until 2027 on their largest ever wages of £2.9million a year.And it’s remarkable the way his fortunes have swayed since then – according to the Greek media.The verdict on Martial’s debut against city rivals PAOK in October typified initial negativity.He played just 14 minutes as a sub, touching the ball just four times.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYet that was enough for one journo to label his appearance “colourless, odourless, and tasteless”.However, the media also accepted it was too early to assess Martial properly – and called for patience on the “out of form” attacker.Martial given hero’s welcome by AEK fans with flares as Arsenal icon says ‘can’t remember last time he was real player’Now he’s played five games in all, providing one goal and an assist.More importantly, perhaps, he’s stayed on for 90 minutes in two successive matches, which he failed to do for United in the past three years.Now analysts are highlighting his improvement – and in particular his potential.A Gazzetta journalist wrote Martial has “presented us with some first samples of his undeniable footballing quality” – although he has yet to “put his foot on the gas”.Sport 24 went further by claiming the 30-cap star has made “a big difference in the creation part.” Martial’s attitude has also been praised – with his “body language” and “statements” showing he is “completely satisfied” with his AEK move.Now it’s down to Martial to ram home his short-term progress with the long-term consistency he lacked at Old Trafford. More

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      Jack Grealish slammed Gareth Southgate and annoyed Pep Guardiola – now he must do his talking on the pitch for Man City

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      JACK GREALISH vowed to “prove some people wrong” as he returned to training early following his Euro 2024 snub — but we are still waiting.No doubt the main one was Gareth Southgate – the man who axed him from the squad – and he took aim at the former Three Lions  boss again this week.Jack Grealish is back with England but needs to step up for Man CityCredit: GettyGrealish helped usher in Lee Carsley’s interim reign with the Three Lions by rounding off a 2-0 win away to Ireland in SeptemberCredit: GettyThe Man City ace will hope his recall under Carsley continues with England’s incoming permanent boss Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyThe Manchester City winger is clearly still hurting from what he described as the “hardest moment of his career” back in June.He vowed to use his heartache as motivation, and prove that he should have been on the  plane to Germany despite an indifferent previous 12 months at the Etihad.Yet, despite a couple of goals in the autumn internationals, the £100million man’s season is yet to really take off.And with no more international football for four months, the time has come for him to do some talking on the pitch for City.READ MORE TOP STORIESJust four Prem starts so far, with two cup games,  is not what his employers were hoping for after almost a third of the campaign.What is more, he managed to test the patience of Pep Guardiola yet again by telling him he wanted to join up with the England squad earlier this month.The Etihad chief made it clear Grealish should be staying back at the City Football Academy to work on his fitness after a hamstring issue.But the former Aston Villa skipper insisted he wanted to go — although in the end he was  sent back almost as soon as he put his bags down at St George’s Park.Most read in FootballGrealish will have to wait four months to see if Tuchel picks himCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGrealish could probably see why his club manager was so miffed.He was back in training a couple of days before City’s defeat at Brighton ten days ago,  but has not played any competitive football  since October 20.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotThat was as a second-half sub at Wolves, while his last start came two weeks before that as the champions edged past Fulham.Guardiola said Grealish has had “two or three setbacks” with injuries and has not been able to find any rhythm. This was not what anyone had in mind when he was one of the first to report back for pre-season training in July.Speaking in Orlando on City’s pre-season tour in late July, he opened up on his Euro heartache, saying: “It was the hardest moment for me as a footballer. And I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my career.“I felt like I should have been in the squad. “But I want to try and use it as motivation now, going forward into this season, and hopefully prove some people wrong.“I just need to regain my form and fitness and after that I know what I can do on the pitch.”He has shown glimpses of what he can do since then — for his country at least — with goals in the away wins over Republic of Ireland and Finland. But he has just one assist in seven Prem appearances for City so far this term. And not many of the Etihad faithful will be surprised either, given the way last season ended for him.He appeared in just one of their last five matches as City swept to a fourth straight Prem title and that was a brief cameo off the bench.City chief Pep Guardiola was unhappy Grealish went with EnglandCredit: ReutersGareth Southgate omitting him for Euro 2024 hurt GrealishCredit: GettyOver the course of last season, he started only ten Premier League matches.Then, when City desperately searched for  a goal in their FA Cup final defeat to United, the most expensive signing in the club’s history stayed on the bench.Guardiola admitted after that game that Grealish had “struggled” for much of the campaign.The signs were promising as Grealish impressed during City’s four-match summer tour of the US.His manager said in August: “From what I’ve seen so far from Jack,  I’ve loved it. It’s his commitment in every session.“Hopefully he can sustain it until  the end of the season and compete for a place, but it depends on him.”Fast forward three months and Pep had a face like thunder when he  discussed Lee Carsley’s call-up of Grealish for this month’s internationals — and the player’s decision to accept it.The pair might have to patch things up a bit when training resumes ahead of Saturday’s visit of Tottenham.And Grealish, who turned 29 in September, will know he needs to get that form and fitness back quickly.It does not matter if Southgate, Carsley or Thomas Tuchel is boss,  if you are not performing well for your club, you cannot expect to play for your country.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd after his summer heartache, Grealish knows that only too well. More

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      Chelsea legend John Terry reveals moment that ‘broke me’ three days after Champions League final penalty slip vs Man Utd

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      JOHN TERRY has revealed the moment that “broke” him three days after his infamous slip in the 2008 Champions League final.Terry, 43, was a victim of the elements when he slipped as he took the decisive penalty in the Champions League final against Manchester United in Moscow.John Terry has revealed the moment that ‘broke’ him three days after his Champions League final slipCredit: UP FRONT PODCASTTerry slipped while taking the decisive penalty in the 2008 Champions League final, handing the win to Manchester UnitedCredit: PA:Press AssociationDespite 16 years passing since that moment, Terry claims he’s “still not over it today” and doesn’t think he “ever will be”.His slip handed Man Utd the trophy that night and snatched it away from the travelling Chelsea support and his SW6 teammates.But it wasn’t the slip itself that left Terry “broken”, but rather a game at Wembley just three days later.The central defender scored a bullet header from the edge of the box as the Three Lions beat the USA 2-0 at the Home of Football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Terry revealed on the Up Front with Simon Jordan podcast that he would have traded that moment for the penalty if he could.He said: “I just remember standing looking over Moscow in my hotel, I was on about the 25th floor, just looking out.”Just asking ‘Why? Why then? Why did it start raining? Why did I slip?’. All of these things that go over [in your head].”Probably the hardest thing was that three days later we met up with England. We had a friendly at Wembley against the USA.Most read in FootballWho are these famous footballers?FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I ended up scoring a header from outside the box and that was probably the hardest moment.”Because if I could swap any goal in my career it would be that. I scored a header from 18 yards and after the game it f****** broke me.”Chelsea legend John Terry plays golf on luxury course after private jet trip Fortunately for Terry he was able to do way with those demons when he returned to the Champions League final with Chelsea in 2012.The Blues beat Bayern Munich on penalties at the Allianz Arena to lift club football’s most prestigious trophy.Terry was suspended for the match, but had helped his side to the final with eight solid performances throughout the tournament.Despite his suspension, Terry previously admitted that he felt just as much a part of the Champions League winning squad as anyone else.In 2014, he said: “People like to have their digs and their pops, but I know I played a huge part, in the dressing room and on the field as well, so I count myself to have won it. “No one speaks about the other 10 players who weren’t on the pitch that night in Munich as well. Maybe that’s me and that’s where I am at as a player.”Terry claimed that his goal vs the USA three days after the final ‘broke’ himCredit: GettyThe centre-back said he would swap the headed finish for the penalty if he couldCredit: AFPTerry won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012Credit: Getty More

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      England’s path to World Cup 2026 becomes clear with qualifying pots confirmed and chance of tricky meeting with rivals

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      ENGLAND are set to be among the top seeds for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after securing their return to Nations League A.But new boss Thomas Tuchel could potentially face a nightmare encounter with a Home Nations rival as he prepares to guide the Three Lions to the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.Thomas Tuchel will guide England through the World Cup qualifiersThe Three Lions have been placed into Pot 1 for the World Cup qualifying drawEngland could be grouped against rivals Scotland next monthAfter a successful Nations League campaign under interim boss Lee Carsley, England have since been placed into qualifying Pot 1.Each of the Nations League quarter-finalists have also earned an automatic spot in Pot 1. That means Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal and Euro winners Spain will be among the highest-seeded teams.They have been joined by the four next highest ranking sides in the Fifa Men’s world list: England, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria.READ MORE ON ENGLANDSo, for now, England will avoid being grouped with all of the top-listed sides in Pot 1, as no two teams from the same pot can end up in the same group.However, Tuchel faces being placed in the same qualifying group as some of England’s closest rivals.Wales will be in Pot 2 after topping their Nations League group to earn promotion to League A.And England could also be grouped with one of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland in Pot 3.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Three Lions will be among those drawn into 12 groups of four or five teams on December 13.As group winners – and having avoided Nations League play-offs – they are likely to be in a five-team group that starts in March.Lee Carsley hailed for ‘best football England have ever played’ as fans say ‘can we rip up Tuchel’s contract-‘England face a 25 per cent chance of being in a four-team group, which means they are more likely to be placed in a five-team group.The latter is the worse of the two scenarios for Tuchel because it means starting qualifying in March.The German wouldn’t be able to ease into the job with a couple of friendlies during that March international break as his first two games would count towards qualifying for the World Cup.Carsley successfully led them back into the Nations League’s top tier with two convincing victories, over Greece and Ireland, in his final games in charge.By finishing top of Group B2, England are extremely likely to have a World Cup play-off spot banked, with the same situation facing Group B4 winners Wales.Following England’s 5-0 win over Ireland, Tuchel has avoided a Nations League promotion play-off as his first assignment.This means he will embark on a fresh Qualifying campaign for the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States in 2026.What are the World Cup European Qualifying pots?Pot 1SpainGermanyPortugalFranceItalyNetherlandsDenmarkCroatiaEnglandBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaPot 2UkraineSwedenTurkeyWalesHungarySerbiaPolandGreeceRomaniaSlovakiaCzech RepublicNorwayPot 3ScotlandSloveniaRepublic of IrelandAlbaniaNorth MacedoniaGeorgiaFinlandIcelandNorthern IrelandMontenegroBosnia and HerzegovinaIsraelPot 4BulgariaLuxembourgKosovoBelarusArmeniaKazakhstanAzerbaijanEstoniaCyprusFaroe IslandsLatviaLithuaniaPot 5MoldovaMaltaAndorraGibraltarLiechtensteinSan MarinoBest-case scenario for England’s qualifying group of fiveAs per the current world rankings and pot positions, England could face Pot 2 side Serbia in their qualifying group when it’s drawn in 23 days time.Another best-case scenario grouping would come against Pot 3 outfit Iceland.But that hasn’t been an entirely easy fixture in English football as Gareth Southgate’s side found out when they lost 1-0 to Iceland in their final warm-up game before Euro 2024 in June.England were also memorably, and embarrassingly, dumped out of Euro 2016 in a 2-1 defeat to Iceland in the Round of 16.The Three Lions will be hoping they were freak results, as they did beat their bogeyteam from the volcanic island in their two games in-between.Meanwhile, another best-case match-up would be against the Faroe Islands, who are in Pot 4 and have never qualified for the World Cup.England suffered their worst humiliation when they lost to Iceland in 2016Worst-case scenario for England’s qualifying group of fiveOut of all the teams in Pot 2, England will want to avoid being grouped with regional rivals Wales.While England beat Wales in their World Cup group in Qatar, Tuchel will want to avoid any embarrassing defeats to the Welsh, who under the new leadership of Craig Bellamy, will be hell-bent on causing an upsetBut the difficulties in Pot 2 doesn’t stop there. England will also face difficult fixtures against Erling Haaland’s Norway and Sweden.The worst case scenario from Pot 3 would be Georgia, who shocked everybody with strong performances at Euro 2024.The Georgian’s boast Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia among their ranks, with England facing a 2,000 mile trip to the edge of Europe.Wales are in Pot 2 after topping their Nations League group to earn promotion to League AThe worst-case scenario from Pot 4 would be a long journey to the border of West Asia against Azerbaijan, while Moldova are the best ranked Pot 5 side.Being in a five team group could mean games in March and June.This could cause added headaches for Tuchel as several high profile stars are set to play in the Fifa Club World Cup that starts on June 15.England stars who play for Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich will be expected to play for their club teams.Clubs wouldn’t be able to block players from playing for England, that’s against the rules, but players could drop out themselves.Just last week, nine England stars withdrew from Carsley’s final camp citing fitness issues.How do the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers work?A total of 16 Uefa nations will compete at the tournament – an increase of three from the previous edition in 2022.The European Qualifiers are scheduled to begin in March 2025 and end with the play-offs precisely a year later.Teams will play each other home and away. Nations drawn in groups of five will start Qualifying in March and sides drawn in groups of four start their campaigns in September. All groups conclude in November 2025.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 12 group winners qualify directly, with the four remaining berths determined by play-offs involving the 12 group runners-up.Due to the Nations League play-offs in March, it means only four groups will be complete as of December 13.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. 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      ‘Time is short for footballers. You want to play in these big games’, says Celtic’s Saoirse Noonan

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      HELPING Celtic make Women’s Champions League history by reaching its group stage for the first time has been more than a wow moment for Saoirse Noonan. The midfielder and lifelong fan of the club has viewed this as a chance to prove the team’s doubters wrong. Celtic Women will take on Chelsea tonight at Stamford Bridge following their 2-1 loss to the Blues in their third group stage game.Credit: GettyThe team are currently bottom of Group B after three defeats in the group stageCredit: GettyIn a group featuring Chelsea, Real Madrid and Dutch side FC Twente, the Hoops have been the underdogs. While results have so far not gone their way with Celtic bottom after three defeats, they gave a decent account of themselves last Wednesday against Chelsea. A slick first-half strike from Murphy Agnew at Celtic Park put the Scottish Women’s Premier team in the lead before the Blues battled back to a 2-1 victory. Tonight Noonan’s side face Chelsea away at Stamford Bridge and aim “to put their best foot forward”. Read More Football StoriesThey face a tough challenge with their opponents yet to be beaten in the WSL or Europe this term. The Blues have so far claimed ten wins across the board, including a 2-0 defeat of Manchester City on Saturday in the English top tier. Noonan, who has made three Champions League appearances this term, said: “We have a big run of games.”We treat every game the same regardless of whether we’re playing Chelsea or another teamMost read in Football”These fixtures coming up are huge for us. We’re going to put our best foot forward for the next few and see what happens. “As a footballer your time is short and you want to be enjoying it and playing in these big games. “These are unbelievable occasions and we’re definitely the underdogs, but we believe in ourselves and in our abilities. “It’s 90 minutes so why not go and give it a bash and put everything we have, our heart and soul, into the game and see what we can do?”For Noonan, whose senior club career began at Cork City in 2015, playing Champions League football has been since her days playing for Shelbourne. During a loan move from Durham two years ago she was part of the Shelbourne side that qualified to play in the contest’s Champions Path rounds held in June 2022. But her return from loan to the Women’s Championship side meant she would miss out on playing in the competition that year. Noonan adds: “I actually never got to play in the Champions League with Shelbourne because I left that summer so I was only on the team that qualified for the competition. Playing in the Champions League is one thing. Doing it for a club that you’ve always known growing up is something different.”Battling Chelsea in the elite competition for women’s football clubs in Europe is an experience that Noonan has relished: She said: “Playing a team that you watch weekly, and I’m not afraid to say I watch the Women’s Super League week-in, week-out. “I admire all those girls, how athletic they are, how professional they are and what they’re doing for everyone in the women’s game. “To be playing a part in that sometimes you have to take a step back and say, ‘wow I am there and I am playing against the best in the world’. “We did really well to get this far. No one expected us to get here and no one expects us to win. Hopefully we can prove people wrong.”Celtic etching their names into the history books by reaching the tournament’s group stage in September came two months after Noonan’s switch from Durham. The versatile midfielder joined the club on a permanent three-year deal in July. And she netted twice on her debut against Dundee United on August 10. For the Republic of Ireland international who grew up in a family of Celtic fans, her move was an emotional moment. Noonan adds: “When it was all happening before there were no papers signed, it was like ‘keep it hush hush’. “They were asking, ‘is it definitely happening?’.”Then we all went for dinner and it was on my birthday and I told the family that day. “Everyone, including my granny, were a bit emotional because it meant a lot. Noonan and her team-mates will play Montrose in the SWPL next following their clash with ChelseaCredit: Sportsfile”Football is a tough game and things can go right and wrong. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve had my ups and my downs, it was just a really nice moment for everyone.”I don’t think my uncles have called around my house so much when I’m home to see me just because I play for Celtic.” More

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      Meet Cole Palmer’s stunning nail artist girlfriend who joined the Chelsea star at the GQ Men of the Year event

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      COLE Palmer and his stunning girlfriend Connie Grace appear to be official.Palmer, 22, was first pictured holidaying in Ibiza with the blonde beauty in August.Meet Cole Palmer’s stunning girlfriend Connie GraceCredit: instagram @conniegrace_The pair were first spotted on a boat off the coast of IbizaCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Connie Grace shows off her enviable curves and amazing bikini bodyCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Palmer and Connie went public officially for the first at the GQ Men of the Year eventCredit: RexThe pair were all smiles as they relaxed on a boat and rode the waves on a paddleboard together for a summer getaway.And their romance has moved on somewhat since.They were snapped as he held his hand at the PFA Young Player of the Year award in September.Now, beautiful Connie has joined Palmer at the GQ Men of the Year event at the Kensington Roof Gardens – making it their first photographic debut at a specific public event.READ MORE ON WAGSShe dazzled with the Blues midfielder in a daring cut-out dress.They were joined by Palmer’s mum, Marie at the bash in London.Who is the girl that stolen Palmer’s heart? Find out more below. Local girlShe is from Palmer’s home town of Manchester – where she works as a nail artist and manicurist.Most read in FootballThe stunner operates from a Stockport beauty salon, where a full set of acrylic nails in a plain colour would set you back a reasonable £35.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelOn Instagram. Connie is hugely popular. She has over 18,000 followers.And she loves to share photos of her travelling the world – from Bali to Dubai.Well traveledA quick glimpse through her social media shows she loves going overseas.Palmer clearly whisked her off her feet in August, when she took a private jet to Ibiza for their break.Then in September, she shared photos of a trip to Rome.While they have kept their romance private on Instagram, with the odd like shared by Palmer on some of her glam photos, Connie revealed herself as a true fan.She recently shared a photo sat in a box at Stamford Bridge.read more sport featuresShe is a nail artist and manicuristCredit: instagram @conniegrace_She has 18,000 followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramConnie enjoyed getting close to PalmerCredit: instagram @conniegrace_She was seen smiling and riding a paddleboard with himCredit: InstagramConnie hails from Manchester like PalmerCredit: InstagramThe beauty is often seen on glam holidays on her Instagram pageCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Most recently, Connie showed off her view at Stamford BridgeCredit: instagram @conniegrace_ More

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      How every Man Utd manager fared in first Premier League game as boss as Ruben Amorim prepares for Ipswich clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are preparing for yet another new era at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim becomes the latest manager tasked with bringing back the glory days since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.Ruben Amorim is preparing for his first match as Manchester United managerCredit: GettyThe Portuguese gaffer replaced Erik ten Hag and begins away at IpswichCredit: GettyAmorim had to wait until the international break to leave Sporting and officially replace Erik ten Hag, who was axed after two years on October 28.But nearly a month later and following Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim spell, the wait is virtually over for Red Devils fans to see Amorim take charge of their side.His United travel to Portman Road on Sunday afternoon to face an Ipswich team who beat Tottenham last time out – while Van Nistelrooy signed off with a comfortable 3-0 win over another newly-promoted side in Leicester.The pressure will be on the new Portuguese arrival to get off to a winning start.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut how did Manchester United’s previous bosses get on in their opening Premier League matches in the dugout? RUUD VAN NISTELROOY, 2024Van Nistelrooy began and ended his four-match stint with wins over Leicester.But his first league clash in the dugout was a home tie against Chelsea, which finished 1-1.Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot but Moises Caicedo cancelled it out to share the points at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRuud van Nistelrooy earned a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in his first Premier League game in chargeCredit: GettyThat would be the only game Van Nistelrooy did not win in charge as he masterminded a 2-0 victory over PAOK in the Europa League as well.ERIK TEN HAG, 2022One could say it was doomed from the beginning for Ten Hag after his absolutely abysmal start.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsUnited lost 2-1 at home to Brighton in his debut match as Pascal Gross grabbed a double.And when the Red Devils were thrashed 4-0 at Brentford in Ten Hag’s next match, there was genuine fears he would be sacked after two matches.Erik ten Hag started with a 2-1 defeat at home to BrightonCredit: APRALF RANGNICK, 2021The German was not exactly the most popular appointment as interim manager when he took over in December 2021.There were definitely plenty of complaints about his spell at Old Trafford – but in fairness, he did make a solid start.Rangnick led United to a 1-0 home win over Crystal Palace with Fred getting the only goal 13 minutes from time.Ralf Rangnick had plenty to cheer about on his Prem debutCredit: GettyMICHAEL CARRICK, 2021Van Nistelrooy is not the only temporary boss to face Chelsea in his first match – and not the only one to draw 1-1.Carrick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer briefly in 2021 when the Norwegian was axed after the 4-1 defeat to Watford.The former midfielder had a tough pair of Prem fixtures – Chelsea away and Arsenal at home.But he took four points, thanks to Jadon Sancho’s goal in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge then Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo inspired a 3-2 win over the Gunners before Rangnick stepped in.Michael Carrick oversaw a 1-1 draw with Chelsea first up in the leagueCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunOLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER, 2018Solskjaer’s first Premier League match was a visit to one of his former clubs – Cardiff City.And he got off to the best start imaginable when Marcus Rashford fired United ahead in the third minute.Things got better and better with Ander Herrera, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard scoring twice in a 5-1 victory.The Norwegian went unbeaten in his first 12 league games, winning ten to help him land the job on a permanent basis.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got his interim reign off to a brilliant start at CardiffCredit: APJOSE MOURINHO, 2016Like Solskjaer, Mourinho also got off to a fantastic start in the Premier League.He won his first three games, including an opening day victory at Bournemouth, winning 3-1 with goals from Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.The Red Devils shot to the top of the table after the win but would be no match for Manchester City in the title race that season.Jose Mourinho also started well but could not maintain his early successCredit: PALOUIS VAN GAAL, 2014It was a disaster for Van Gaal in his first game – a 2-1 defeat to Swansea City at Old Trafford.And things did not get better soon after for the Dutchman with draws against Sunderland and Burnley before he finally got his first Premier League win over QPR.In fairness, he did have to start a back three of Tyler Blackett, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling against the Swans, with Lingard and Javier Hernandez also being forced off with injury.Louis van Gaal is one of just two United managers to lose his first Premier League game in chargeCredit: PARYAN GIGGS, 2014The legendary winger stepped in to finish off the ill-fated 2013-14 season, replacing David Moyes for the final four Premier League games.That started with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Norwich at Old Trafford with Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata grabbing two each while Carrick started in midfield.Player-manager Giggs then lost 1-0 at Sunderland, beat Hull 3-1 and finished his brief tenure with a 1-1 draw away to Southampton.Ryan Giggs saw off Norwich in his first match as player-managerCredit: AFPDAVID MOYES, 2013David Moyes showed Van Gaal how to mastermind a win over Swansea, beating the Welsh side 4-1 away.Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck both scored twice for a star-studded United side which included Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Carrick.But the Red Devils’ Premier League form under Moyes quickly unravelled with defeats against Liverpool, Manchester City and West Brom in his first six matches.After beating Swansea David Moyes failed to build on his dream startCredit: GettySIR ALEX FERGUSON, 1992A 2-1 loss to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane kicked off a new era for English football as the first-ever Premier League match.Brian Deane had the honour of scoring the first-ever Premier League goal in the fifth minute and added a second via the penalty spot before half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESMark Hughes pulled one back after the break but it was not enough to prevent defeat.Despite the setback, United went on to win the league that season – although it would take something remarkable for Amorim to follow suit come MaySir Alex Ferguson’s Premier League era kicked off with a shock defeat at Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty More

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      Three winners and three losers as Ruben Amorim immediately makes his mark on Man Utd ahead of first game vs Ipswich

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      RUBEN AMORIM has sparked a lot of excitement before he has even taken charge of his first game as Manchester United manager.The two-time league winner with Sporting Lisbon saw his team beat Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League before departing at the start of the international break to take over at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim has been getting to grips with his new Man Utd squad in their first training sessionsCredit: GettyKobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford are among those who Amorim has already worked withCredit: GettyRashford is set to be one of the big winners under the Amorim regimeCredit: RexBut the new change of coach could be bad news for Joshua ZirkzeeCredit: GettyThe 39-year-old has drawn many similarities to ex-Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho, particularly in his demeanour.This is something which SunSport revealed has left stars “blown away” even before he took his first training session at Carrington with stars who are not on international duty.However, to add to the excitement before the Portuguese tactician makes his bow on Sunday against Ipswich, the club released a video of him taking training that has gone viral on social media.But we actually don’t need a video to know what players will benefit and who may find themselves out in the cold. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThroughout his career so far at Casa Pia, Braga and Sporting, Amorim has favoured a 3-4-3 shape with two so-called No 10s rather than wingers.Below, we consider which three players are likely to benefit from the new tactical approach and which three players will find playing time hard to come by under Amorim.Winner: Bruno FernandesBruno Fernandes joined Man Utd from Sporting in January 2020 only months before Amorim arrived in Lisbon, and has been a talismanic figure at Old Trafford since.The 30-year-old has made no secret of the fact he still considers himself a fan of the Portuguese club.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis means that out of all of the squad at United, he is the one who probably best understands what Amorim is all about from a tactical point of view.When Amorim was first announced as the new coach at United there was an immediate sense that Fernandes would be one of the players most at threat from a tactical perspective. Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsAfter all, he does not fit as one of two deeper midfielders and there was an initial understanding that Amorim favoured wingers as the main support for the main striker. Instead, given Amorim prefers to use two narrow 10s behind the striker who have freedom to drift and move, this suddenly feels like the perfect role for Fernandes to fill at United.Bruno Fernandes will be able to get into zones where he is most effective like he managed against LeicesterA free role in the final third of the pitch is where Fernandes has thrived since arriving in England, with his maverick approach to attacking too unpredictable for defenders to read.We fully expect to see Fernandes continue to be one of the most important attacking players at United going forward.Winner: Manuel UgarteIf Fernandes is likely to benefit from an understanding of Amorim’s game mode, then arguably Manuel Ugarte has an even bigger benefit in that he previously played for Amorim in Lisbon.He made the initial move to Paris Saint-Germain following his time in Portugal and then moved to United this summer after struggling to adapt to life in Ligue 1 – though still had the most tackles per 90 from anyone in the league with at least 900 minutes played.Amorim has a clear preference for playing a two-man double pivot in the midfield with two players who are combative but comfortable covering a lot of ground. This is essentially the perfect role for Ugarte who is not the most progressive passer or most attacking of midfielders.Manuel Ugarte will be expected to cover a lot of ground, which he is used to from his time at SportingInstead, he is at his best when working to break up play and cover space before playing it simply when he does take possession of the ball.Ugarte has shown more of what he can do paired with Casemiro in a two-man midfield under Ruud van Nistelrooy, and more of the same can be expected doing forward as he will likely become the key midfielder enforcer for United under Amorim.Winner: Marcus RashfordWhile the more central positions the two most advanced midfielders will take under Amorim will be beneficial to the likes of Fernandes, it is less clear how this will affect Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, Antony and Marcus Rashford. The aforementioned training video appeared to show Rashford leading the attack as a central striker in a training drill.With neither Rasmus Hojlund nor Joshua Zirkzee really impressing so far this season, the positioning of Rashford as a true No 9 may be a move of genius.While Rashford is not the most comfortable when playing with his back to goal and looking to link the play and bring others into the game, he is dangerous with his movement when looking to make runs to attack space in behind. 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.This is the role that we are likely to see for Rashford under Amorim. At Sporting, we saw Viktor Gyokeres score an incredible number of goals under Amorim playing as a striker who wants to pull on the shoulder of the last defender and make runs beyond to attack space. With Rashford set to be a more central option going forward, his on-the-shoulder runs should prove effective in Amorim’s systemRashford is likely to have a similar profile as the main striker which may allow him to fully realise his potential and become a key attacking player at United.Being reinvented as a central striker with two close 10s to support him may see Rashford regain his form in front of goal.Loser: Joshua ZirkzeeThis one may come as something of a surprise given the fact Zirkzee only moved to United this summer from Bologna.Zirkzee is a forward who is very much more comfortable when dropping into deeper positions to support in the midfield and link the play in deeper areas. In this regard, he is almost the exact opposite to Rashford or Hojlund who are more aggressive attacking players.Zirkzee has struggled to fully establish himself as an attacking player at United so far this season, with just one goal to his name on his debut against Fulham.Indeed, there has been a lot of talk in recent weeks about the possibility of Zirkzee making a move back to Serie A on loan. For the attacking shape and system under Amorim to work fully he needs a more aggressive striker who will play on the shoulder of the last defender and threaten to attack space behind the defensive line with space. Zirkzee’s style of linking the midfield means he does not fit being the lead striker in Amorim’s systemWith Rashford and Hojlund playing as central strikers it is likely Zirkzee will struggle for game time in that position going forward under Amorim.Although, given Amorim is known to be flexible with the players at his disposal, and may see fit to retrofit Zirkzee as one of his two No10s in an effort to get the best out of him.Loser: Christian EriksenFor this choice we could have gone with either Christian Eriksen or Casemiro. Both are midfielders that are coming closer to the end of their careers than the start and neither are well known, at this stage in their career at least, for their mobility in central areas. The tactical system used by Amorim will often see the two central midfielders outnumbered centrally.Consequently, they will be expected to cover a great deal of space in both the defensive and attacking phases of the game to compensate for this.This means that the likes of Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo – who showed strong defensive stats before his injury this season – will be more suited to the style of play and the system than Eriksen. The Dane is still a good passer who can progress the play, break lines and bring value in the final third when breaking down teams playing in a deeper block. Christian Eriksen is prone to being exposed in midfield when left isolated to defend spaceThe issue is that the two more advanced midfielders will come inside and play in the areas Erkisen would typically look to occupy as he moved forward.Therefore, Eriksen will likely struggle to force his way into the team regularly, with Casemiro likely to be the first backup to Mainoo and Ugarte as the two midfielders.Loser: Alejandro GarnachoWith the change of system and game model under Amorim we will see a change in expectations and profiles of the players that will thrive under the Portuguese coach. This could mean a high profile player at United will struggle to get regular game time and nail down a specific role across the rest of the season. That player is Alejandro Garnacho. The 20-year-old winger has three goals and one assist in the league this season.But he is much more suited to a more traditional winger role where he is free to play in space and look to stretch opposition defences with his pace.Under Amorim, as we have already touched upon, the likes of Bruno Fernandes fit the profile of advanced and attacking midfielders.But Garnacho is more of an individual player than one who looks to connect and combine with teammates. While Garnacho is likely to be tried in this role we believe that it is unlikely that he will be effective given that he wants to play on the shoulder of the defenders to make runs to attack space, and this is the role of the striker under Amorim. There is an argument that Garnacho could also be used as wing-back but we do not believe that he would be strong here given his lack of defensive instincts.Garnacho is wide on the left against Leicester and has three options to combine with teammates but tries to drive to the line in possession and is easily dispossessedWe believe that under Amorim it is likely that Garnacho will be played in the first instance but given his specific profile we believe that he is likely to drop out of the starting team in the short to medium term.READ MORE SUN STORIESConclusionAt this stage of their career at United, it is likely Amorim and his coaching staff will be painstakingly assessing the squad to decide which players fit what they are looking to do.It will be interesting to see whether Amorim can conjure up any surprises for stars who could become a key part of his system.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