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      I used to cry at the thought of playing football – now I’m a Premier League star known as the ‘Guernsey Grealish’

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      ALEX SCOTT is a Guernsey boy living the Premier League dream.Bournemouth’s 21-year-old midfielder has had a unique rise to the top, having not wanted to play football and being axed by Prem academies.Alex Scott stars in Bournemouth’s midfield and has featured in every game so far this seasonCredit: RexHe is capped four times by England Under-21sCredit: GettyPep Guardiola has compared Scott to Jack GrealishCredit: GettyNot long ago, Scott saw playing as a frustrating distraction from a limited social life that included nailing scooter tricks at a local skate park with his friends.And when football did get in the way, the youngster was often left in tears.Until, that is, he moved from non-league Guernsey to Bristol City in January 2020 aged 16 and the scooter was “put to one side”.Cherries boss Andoni Iraola will be pleased to hear that, especially after forking out £25million in August 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Scott’s scootering obsession came during a tough time in his early footballing career.He was let go by the Southampton and Bournemouth academies by the age of 14 and forced into an “embarrassing” return to his Channel Island birthplace.Scott admitted: “Once you get released, it’s like, where do you go from here?“It is embarrassing. Back home, I was the kid that was going to be pro.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s tough to get back into academy football but I wasn’t playing well and I wasn’t enjoying it. I lost the love.“I never really had a life outside of football. From the age of eight to 14, I would be at school then flying over every weekend and playing games in the UK and then back to school.Is Man Utd star Harry Amass the next Luke Shaw?“When I got home I was more interested in other hobbies. I was big on scootering, at the skate park.“It was ahead of football for about a year, two years. Even when I was  playing for Bournemouth at 13, I never wanted to go.“There were times when my mum and dad would say, ‘Right, you can take your scooter’. I would go to the skate park and then play football on the Sunday.“I didn’t want to tell my dad I wanted to scooter instead of football. “He saw it as a missed opportunity because he knew the talent I had.“It was hard. The number of times I would just be in my room crying, knowing I’d got to fly over to play football.”But then Scott says something just “clicked” between the ages of 14 and 16.He added: “I had a few years playing football at home in Guernsey, getting my confidence back, spending time with my friends. I enjoyed growing up as a normal kid.“And then when I was 16, I got the chance to go back to England and it was a dead cert that I would try the career again. It’s been a whirlwind. I never expected any of this to happen.”Others would disagree, Guernsey manager Tony Vance saw the potential, making him the club’s youngest ever player in the Isthmian League as a 16-year-old.Bristol City then took a punt after watching Scott score a hat-trick in a trial match against their Under-17s and Ashton Gate boss Nigel Pearson handed the teenager his first Championship start in May 2021.Following a 3-0 FA Cup defeat by Manchester City in February 2023, Pep Guardiola labelled him an “unbelievable player” and the “Guernsey Grealish” nickname stuck — teeing up Scott’s Prem switch to Bournemouth just six months later.Since then, however Scott’s mentality has continued to be tested. He was sidelined with a knee injury for 12 weeks after signing and missed another seven weeks with an ligament strain.The England Under-21 international — who idolises Jude Bellingham —  admitted: “That second injury was the hardest time I have had in football.”Unsurprisingly, though, he has bounced back and come off the bench in all seven of Bournemouth’s Premier League games this term.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “There are times when I’m not starting and it’s hard, keeping that confidence. But I like to watch clips of myself to remind myself what I can do.“I’m always going to be grounded and humble.” More

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      Romantic moment David Raya gets engaged to glamorous partner Tatiana just days before Arsenal’s clash with Bournemouth

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      ARSENAL shot-stopper David Raya has certainly found a keeper.The Spain international dropped the knee to propose to long-term partner Tatiana Trouboul on Wednesday.David Raya and his partner Tatiana Trouboul have got engagedCredit: X formerly Twitter / @DavidRaya_22 / Instagram / @d.raya1The pair sealed the moment with a kissCredit: X formerly Twitter / @DavidRaya_22 / Instagram / @d.raya1Raya dropped the knee in front of a candlelit dinnerCredit: X formerly Twitter / @DavidRaya_22 / Instagram / @d.raya1A photo on social media showed off the stunning engagement ringCredit: X formerly Twitter / @DavidRaya_22 / Instagram / @d.raya1The happy couple looked overjoyedCredit: X formerly Twitter / @DavidRaya_22 / Instagram / @d.raya1Raya and Tatiana have been together since 2021Credit: X formerly Twitter / @DavidRaya_22 / Instagram / @d.raya1Raya took to social media to share the romantic moment with his followers.The 29-year-old posted a carousel of photos to Instagram alongside the jubilant caption: “SHE SAID YES”.The intimate proposal took place by a candlelit dinner with a photographer capturing the moment Raya dropped to one knee and popped the question.The pair both appeared over the moon and shared a kiss after Tatiana had agreed to marry the football superstar.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnother picture showed off Tatiana’s impressive new engagement ring.The comments of the post were flooded with congratulatory messages, including well wishes from the official Arsenal account and Gunners teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko.Tatiana and Raya have been together since 2021, however they left it until June 2022 to go public with their relationship. Tatiana, 29, heralds from Barcelona but has since moved her life to London to be alongside Raya – having previously divided her time between the capital and Spain.Most read in FootballTatiana is always supporting RayaCredit: instagram/t.trouboulThe soon-to-be newlyweds are regularly jetting away on holidayCredit: Instagram @t.trouboulThe pair both herald from BarcelonaCredit: Instagram @t.trouboul @d.raya1The pair don’t have any children yet but are the owners of an adorable – now banned – XL Bully dog.Raya is said to have obtained an exemption certificate for pet Goku in the hope that the dog will help protect their North London mansion.Watch Micah Richards’ hilarious reaction after Arsenal hero David Raya reveals favourite CBS pundit in awkward interviewTatiana reportedly used to work in a nightclub before she met Raya and has since picked up multiple modelling gigs.The Spanish wag has also built an impressive social media presence over recent years too, now boasting 19,600 Instagram followers.Tatiana took to her Instagram to tell her fans that the incredible news of her engagement still hasn’t settled in.She wrote: “It’s been two days since the news and I still can’t believe it.”Her and Raya will be sharing a surname in the near future, but already share some impressive ink.The pair have got matching lightbulb tattoos on their arms.READ MORE SUN STORIESRaya will be hoping he can put a cherry on top of an amazing week with three points against Bournemouth in the Premier League this afternoon.The Gunners travel to the south coast to take on Andoni Iraola’s side in a bid to continue their strong start to the season.Tatiana reportedly used to work in a clubCredit: Instagram @t.trouboulNow she has built an incredible following on social mediaCredit: Instagram @t.trouboulRaya and Tatiana show off their matching lightbulb tattoosRaya will be hoping to seal a week to remember with three points against BournemouthCredit: Instagram @t.trouboul More

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      Inside tragic George Baldock’s final hours as he told team-mates ‘it’s s*** I’m not there’ for son Brody’s 1st birthday

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      GEORGE BALDOCK told team-mates he was devastated to miss his son’s 1st birthday just a day before he tragically passed away.The footballer was found dead at his home in Athens, Greece on October 9 after drowning in his pool.George Baldock was set to fly home for his son’s birthday the day after he passed awayCredit: GettyBaldock was found dead at his home on October 9Credit: PASheffield United fans have left tributes outside Bramall LaneCredit: GettyHis finacee Annabel raised the concern after not hearing from him on the night he diedCredit: Facebook/ Annabel DignamOn the day of the 31-year-old’s sad passing, Baldock reported to his club Panathinaikos’ training ground for treatment on a minor injury.His team-mate and close friend Hordur Magnusson was also there and remembers getting a warm embrace from him.After doing some light jogging, he joined players Erik Palmer-Brown and Alexander Jeremejeff in the sauna.The pair teased Baldock about being “father of the year” – an inside joke they shared – which had extra meaning that day as it was his son Brody’s first birthday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPalmer-Brown told The Athletic that his last memory of the ex-Sheffield United star was him admitting: “But it’s a bit s*** I’m not there.”Baldock then told his team-mates he was thrilled to be flying back to England the next day to visit his little boy and fiancee Annabel.Unfortunately, he never made it and died later that night.After his sauna, the right-back was dropped home by fellow defender Bart Schenkeveld, who was one of the last people to see him.Most read in FootballAnnabel soon became worried that night as she had unusually not heard from her husband-to-be just hours before he was set to come home.She reached out to his landlord and he visited the property – only to find Baldock dead in his pool.Greece star’s classy gesture to tragic footballer George Baldock caught on live TV after shock win over England Medics were called but they were unable to save him. News quickly spread and several Panathinaikos players went to Baldock’s house that night.Magnusson was there, explaining: “I went to try to help because I didn’t believe that George was dead.”But when I saw 20 police guys on motorbikes outside his house, and the ambulance as well, the club staff members and the investigative police going inside, then I realised: ‘F***. He’s gone.’”Palmer-Brown reveals he has been struggling to sleep, saying: “It was one of the darkest days of my life.”I don’t see myself just moving on and playing football happily ever again. I’ve never felt like this before.”Baldock’s death has also hit his former Sheffield United pals hard.Little Brody is going to grow up and never know what a top man his dad was.Oli McBurnieOli McBurnie said: “George loved his missus and his little boy so much. They’re the people in this that I really feel sorry for. “I know how hard it’s been for me and some of the other boys who love him, but little Brody is going to grow up and never know what a top man his dad was. “Me and the boys have said that it’s our duty to be part of his life and try to remind him at every opportunity how much of an amazing person his dad was.”Baldock’s death came on the eve of Greece’s 2-1 win over England.He played for the Greek national side as he was eligible via his grandparents and was only not in the squad because of his minor injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESPolice are investigating his death but have ruled out any criminal activity.Toxicology reports could take as long as 45 days to come back.Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to. More

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      How Levi Colwill became new-look Chelsea’s key man before setting up perfect goal in Premier League clash

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      LEVI COLWILL has become a crucial cog in Enzo Mareca’s new-look Chelsea side.The Blues have looked a completely different side since the Italian arrived in SW6 this summer and Colwill is no small reason as to why.Levil Colwill has been a revelation for Chelsea this seasonCredit: GettyHe is the perfect defender for new manager Enzo Maresca’s tacticsCredit: GettyColwill, 21, has played every minute of every league game for Chelsea so far this season.And you can tell why Maresca is such a big fan of the England international, given that he is the perfect centre-back for the former Leicester boss’ system.Colwill made it crystal clear that he’s the right man for the job against West Ham earlier in the season when he started off Maresca’s idea of a “perfect goal”.Always on the ballColwill has been racking up an extraordinary amount of touches for the Blues this term – more than any other Chelsea player with an average of 79 touches per game.READ MORE ON CHELSEABut it’s not just about how often he’s on the ball, but rather what he does with it.Colwill has been designated as the ball-player for Chelsea’s centre-half pairing with Wesley Fofana used as the more physical presence of the two.The Cobham graduate’s passing ability is helping Chelsea become a far more direct team under Maresca – something they struggled with under Mauricio Pochettino.Colwill is always getting on the ball for Chelsea and had some 124 touches against Crystal Palace earlier this seasonColwill has taken more touches than any other Chelsea player in the league this seasonCredit: RexBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPass-masterColwill’s passing is all about breaking the lines and allowing Chelsea to push forward in the blink of an eye.Most read in FootballWhen the centre-back gets on the ball and gets his head up he is always looking to bypass the crowded midfield of the high press and create space for his team.Chelsea introduce their 2024-25 Academy scholars Nobody has passed the ball forward more than Colwill in the Chelsea team this season, in terms of yards.Chelsea’s “tension-ball” tactics mean that Colwill can take advantage of the spaces being created by their midfield overloads and break the lines to start attacks for the Blues.Colwill made 73 passes last time out, with many of them long line-breaking passesThe perfect goalThat way of starting attacks was exemplified during Chelsea’s 3-0 win over West Ham last month.Colwill picked the ball up in a deep area and immediately looked forward to try and progress the ball up the pitch.He fired a 30-yard pass into Enzo Fernandez, bypassing three West Ham players in doing so.That pass then allowed for some quick movement by the Chelsea midfield with West Ham’s middlemen now scrambling to get back into the right position.Just two passes later and Nicolas Jackson was one-on-one with the goalkeeper and tucked it home to put Chelsea two goals to the good.Colwill began Chelsea’s attack against West Ham with a piercing passEnzo Fernandez was able to pop the ball off to Moises CaicedoCaicedo played Nicolas Jackson through on goal and the striker buried the chance More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s distraction ploy saw me go on TV to defend the media – now Ten Hag is following suit at Man Utd

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      FOR A MAN who seems to be taking a long walk to the gallows every time he attends a press conference, Erik ten Hag keeps on smiling.It is an old trick with managers under severe pressure, trying to show the world that there is no problem.Erik ten Hag doesn’t come across as under pressure during his press conferencesCredit: GettyIndeed, Sir Alex Ferguson himself would often be more chatty in press conferences in his rare times of crisis.He would arrive with an agenda to take the focus fully away from his team’s ­performance that midweek if it had raised headlines.Like when after one European exit in December 2005 he began a week-long debate as to whether the national press “hated” Manchester United, which the Scotsman claimed.They never have but Fergie got the debate raging anyway — and I was interviewed by Sky on the matter, vehemently defending our industry.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSky were then contacted by Manchester United asking why they had put me on the telly.Strangely enough, the group-stage exit following the 2-1 defeat at Benfica earlier in the week was suddenly forgotten.Quite what Ten Hag will be able to do if another home defeat, this time at the hands of Brentford, befalls him at Old Trafford this afternoon is another thing.Sir Alex had plenty in the bank to ride out times of trouble.Most read in FootballSir Alex Ferguson used to use similar tactics in his press conferences to shift the limelight away from his playersCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTen Hag would like to think his two trophies in two years as manager have given him the same. Doubtful.United are currently 14th in the Premier League with just two wins from seven games. While in Europe they have drawn with FC Twente and Porto.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd But the Dutchman took a leaf out of Fergie’s book at Carrington yesterday, turning the whole debate around on the media over stories going into the international break that he was on the brink of getting the boot.Ten Hag said: “The only noise is only coming from the media. Bringing up stories, creating stories, making fairytales, because we are all on one page this club.“I said that before the break, and several journalists didn’t believe me, I see the reports but in the club it’s quiet.”There are seven games before the next international break but Ten Hag insists even they will not decide his future.He said: “We are calm but we’re not happy. That is also for sure. No one, not the players and staff, not the leadership, not the board is happy with this position but we know what we’re doing.“We know also the reasons why we have to change. But we are calm in our strategy and we are convinced that we are getting to where we want to be and we can make the season a success.“That is independent to what will happen in the next seven games.“We stick to the plan and we are convinced we will make it a success.”The support Ten Hag believes he has behind the scenes from the new “management team” under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s part-ownership of the club is certainly not replicated in public.The most damning statement recently came when Sir Jim washed his hands of any decision on Ten Hag’s future.Ratcliffe said: “I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day it’s not my call, it’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe has spoken about Ten Hag’s futureCredit: PAAt least Thomas Tuchel was taken out of the equation this week after he became England manager — a decision Ten Hag seemed pleased with.He said: “I think it’s a very good choice from the FA. He is a top-class manager who has proved himself, creating top teams, creating teams who win.”The England post has been called the “impossible job” but is still a far easier one than anyone faces at Old Trafford.Which is why there was nobody tripping over themselves to take it in the summer when Sir Jim and his right-hand man Sir David Brailsford did a supermarket sweep of available bosses in Europe.The new contract Ten Hag signed wasn’t really new, just an extension of the old one. So he was in a tenuous position from the off.Still, he has remained admirably stoic, claiming things are on the right path ahead of today’s visit of Thomas Frank’s Brentford.United go into the game without Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire, the England pair are both sidelined for a fortnight by injury.But there is good news on Moroccan full-back Noussair Mazraoui, who is available after a procedure on his heart.That is good for the defence but it is the other end of the pitch which is the problem — with United netting just five goals in their seven top-flight games.Ten Hag said: “In general, the players do perform well and we have to start scoring.“That part is the most important part in football if you want to win games.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That part we have to improve. We are entering the final third, the box, we are coming in good positions to score but now the most important part is to net.”It would certainly help, Erik.Man Utd have struggled to find the back of the net in the Premier League this seasonNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      ‘It’s nice people are talking about us but we need to improve’, says Brighton’s Guro Bergsvand.

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      BRIGHTON being as entertaining as Barcelona would appeal to Albion centre-back Guro Bergsvand.Certain aspects of the Seagulls’ play have prompted comparisons between their approach and the Catalan giants’ playing style.Guro Bergsvand and her team-mates hope seal Brighton’s first win in the WSL against Manchester United since April 2021Credit: AlamyThe Seagulls have registered three wins from their first four WSL games this termCredit: AlamyManchester City boss Gareth Taylor, whose team beat Barcelona in a Champions League clash ten days ago, talked of both sides being similar in “trying to overload the midfield”. While Bergsvand, 30, takes that as a compliment, she thinks there is room for improvement for Dario Vidosic’s side who host Man United at the Amex today. She said: “It’s nice people are talking about us but we need to improve a bit more. “We want to play entertaining football. Read More Football Stories “That’s something that Dario has been saying and we want people to come and watch and enjoy watching us play. “Barcelona play entertaining football and that’s what we want to do”While Brighton lost the services of star striker Elisabeth Terland, who sealed a Red Devils free transfer in July, goals have not been too hard to come by. The permanent additions of trophy-winning forwards Nikita Parris and Fran Kirby and striker Keiko Seike, who won September’s WSL Player of the Month award, have helped boost the team’s attack. Most read in FootballLoan swoops for Arsenal and Barcelona starlets Michelle Agyemang and Bruna Vilamala have also contributed to 12 goals scored in five games in all contests with the team currently fourth. Underpinning recent results is the defensive graft of Bergsvand, her centre-back pal Maria Thorisdottir and full-backs Poppy Pattinson and Jorelyn Carabali. Two clean sheets in four league games and three wins have contributed to their best-ever start to a WSL season at this stage.A stark contrast to the struggles of the past two seasons with Albion at times dragged into scraps for top-flight survival before finishing eleventh and ninth.Bergsvand, who joined last January, from Norwegian side SK Brann, added: “It’s nicer to win than to lose. Hopefully, we’ll keep this going. “I’ve enjoyed the season so far but I know that things can change, that’s why it’s so important to be on top of your game and we want to improve. “This league is so competitive so you need to be on top, if not your rivals are going to beat you.”Bergsvand and Thorisdottir will need to be at the top of their game when they come face-to-face with their Norway pal and former Albion team-mate Terland. The ex-Seagulls striker, who has been likened to Erling Haaland by United boss Marc Skinner, visits her old side for the first time in the league since her Manchester move. And the Red Devils chief has backed Terland to display what he describes as a Terminator-style instinct in front of goal.Skinner said: “If you look at the way the Terminator would see in the movie, and it is like you’re narrowing down the angle. “That’s how I see Lizzie’s brain working because she’s so ruthless in those moments.”Bergsvand adds: “She is a good player, a good finisher and as a friend I want her to do well. “Hopefully she is not scoring his time, let’s just put it like that.Last term Terland finished as the WSL’s joint second-highest scorer with 13 goals in 22 games And last Sunday, she scored her first league goals in a Red Devils shirt netting twice against Tottenham. However, Vidosic, 37, believes his Norwegian defensive duo will be fully prepared for the test.The Brighton boss, who took charge of the Seagulls in July, said: “I think they’ll be very ready for Terland having played together, and knowing each other from being in the (same) national team.  “We have to be aware that she needs just one chance to score.”Brighton are winless in their last six games against Man United with their last victory occurring in April 2021. However, Bergsvand is hopeful she, Thorisdottir and their backline can shut out their visitors today. Elisabeth Terland will face Brighton for the first time in the league since her July move from the Seagulls to Man UnitedCredit: AlamyShe adds: “We’re happy with the three points and the clean sheet (at Crystal Palace last Sunday).READ MORE SUN STORIES“But we want to show at the Amex that we’re better than how we performed last weekend. “It’s going to be a big game, we’re playing a big team and it’s a different opponent. They will give us other challenges.” More

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      Man Utd ‘keen to poach Man City’s top target to replace Pep Guardiola but may have to keep Ten Hag for season’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are already lining up a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag, according to reports.The Red Devils could be set to battle it out with neighbours Manchester City to secure the services of in-demand manager Ruben Amorim.Manchester City and Manchester United are reportedly eyeing Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben AmorimCredit: ReutersErik ten Hag is under increasing pressure at Old TraffordCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, is in charge of Sporting Lisbon and has helped the Portuguese side return to being a dominant domestic force and a competitive European club.His work at Sporting attracted the interest of Liverpool over the summer in their search for a replacement for Jurgen Klopp, before they ultimately brought in Arne Slot.And now it looks like the Premier League’s two Manchester giants could be battling it out for his services.According to Sky Germany, Amorim is on the list of potential new managers for both United and City.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCity have been linked with the former Portugal international as a potential replacement for Pep Guardiola, should the Catalan tactician leave the Etihad when his contract expires this summer.While they are also set to replace their sporting director, Txiki Begiristain with Sporting’s director of football Hugo Viana.Should Viana join the four-in-a-row champions then that could increase City’s chances of convincing Amorim to make the jump.But they will have competition from rivals Man Utd with Sky Germany’s report claiming that the Old Trafford outfit have made “specific enquiries” about Amorim and his situation at Sporting.Most read in FootballSporting’s director of football Hugo Viana is set to join Man City as sporting directorCredit: GettyViana will replace current sporting director Txiki Begiristain at the EtihadCredit: PAPep Guardiola’s current Man City deal is set to expire this summerCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited are caught in a limbo with current manager Erik ten Hag, who has been under mounting pressure for seemingly months but is still in his post despite a shocking start to the season.Should they push ahead with luring Amorim as his replacement, United would likely have to keep Ten Hag as boss until the summer.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd That’s because its claimed Amorim does not plan to leave Sporting this season due to his ambitions with the club.However, his contact, which is valid until 2026, includes a release clause that is active from next summer.United will be boosted by Amorim’s recent comments too, which seemed to rubbish the idea that he would simply follow sporting director Viana to Man City.In an interview with Cabine Desportiva, he said: “Hugo Viana and me, we have different and separate paths. “His appointment doesn’t mean that I’m going to Man City. We have a very good professional relationship.” More

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      Renee Slegers insists focus is on West Ham as Arsenal target return to winning ways in WSL

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      RENEE SLEGERS describes herself as a coach who prefers to live in the moment. It is an approach she is taking when it comes to being in charge of Arsenal in the interim. Arsenal hope to return to winning ways in the WSL following a loss to ChelseaCredit: GettyTheir trip to West Ham with interim Gunners boss Renee Slegers follows a 4-1 win against Valerenga in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe stand-in Gunners boss insists the permanent job is not on her mind despite guiding the team out of a winless run in the top tier and Europe.Tomorrow Sunday Slegers will be at Arsenal’s helm again overseeing the team for the first time in a Women’s Super League duel.Their trip to West Ham follows the Netherlands-born coach manaing the Gunners in their 4-1 defeat of Valerenga in the Champions League following a loss to Bayern Munich. The match will be their first top-flight game since their former boss Jonas Eidevall resigned on October 15. Read More Football StoriesA draw and a loss from their last two WSL outings saw them drop to sixth and five points off leaders Man City. This weekend they hope to return to winning ways in the top tier ahead of their November 3rd trip to Manchester United after the international break. Slegers said: ”I like to be in the moment in life in general and that’s what’s needed at the moment.“It’s something we talked about with the players as well, can we be as much as possible in the here and now because that’s what we can impact.”Most read in FootballOn whether she knows if she intends to put herself forward for the permanent Arsenal head coach vacancy, Slegers added: “No, that’s not on my mind at all. “It’s a beautiful club and it’s a brilliant squad. We have all the facilities, all the resources, so it’s obviously a very good job to have. “I haven’t had time to reflect on myself that much during these past couple of days.“But I want to believe. I want the best for every individual, to have every individual show their biggest strength and to have the team play really good football. “I don’t think at the moment that’s what I want to deep-dive. At the moment it’s West Ham and to get the three points on Sunday. “I’m happy to be a part of it at this moment in time doing everything I can do to help the team more.”Sunday’s derby will see the Irons and the Gunners battling for maximum points. While West Ham are still chasing their first win in the top tier this term, Arsenal have fared slightly better away from home, narrowly beating Leicester 1-0 in September. The Gunners will be aiming to boost their goal tally having netted just once in their last two WSL games. The last WSL duel between West Ham and Arsenal ended as a 2-1 for Rehanne Skinner’s Irons in FebruaryCredit: GettyAnd Slegers hopes Alessia Russo scoring her first group stage Champions League goal this term will pave the way for more goals for the striker in the WSL this term.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe interim Arsenal chief added: “Alessia is really good at understanding it’s important to get yourself into good positions and then the goals will come and she scored on Wednesday.“That’s the main focus – to keep on getting our forwards in good positions to be able to get the ball into the back of the net.” More