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      World Cup 2026 will be battle of ex-Premier League stars with NINETEEN set to be managing countries – can you name them?

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      NINETEEN former Premier League stars could end up battling at the World Cup in 2026.The USA, Canada and Mexico will host the next edition of Fifa’s supreme tournament.New England boss Thomas Tuchel could be one of 19 ex-Premier League aces manager at the World CupCredit: APAnd there will be plenty of aces on display once qualification is sorted.Argentina are the current holders after victory in Qatar nearly two year ago.But Euro winners Spain will certainly fancy their chances.While the likes of France, Germany and Portugal are also likely to be challengers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEngland could even make a splash after securing Thomas Tuchel as their new manager.Of course, everything hinges on whether these nations make it to the finals.Other smaller countries are also ready to compete for a place in North America.And should realistic nations be in the group draw, there could be as many as nineteen former Premier League stars taking charge of World Cup teams.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFirst and foremost is USA boss Mauricio Pochettino, whose side are already guaranteed to be there.He took charge this month after leaving Chelsea, and is best remembered in the Prem for his time at Tottenham.Five things you may not know about Thomas Tuchel from younger Brazilian girlfriend to former modelling careerInside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.England also have an ex-top flight ace at the helm, with Tuchel another former Chelsea manager.And the list of former Prem aces continues with France’s Didier Deschamps, who played for the Blues towards the end of his career.Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman once took charge of Southampton and Everton.While Portugal’s Roberto Martinez enjoyed spells with the Toffees and Wigan.Moving on, Scotland’s Steve Clarke had six months at West Brom.And Sweden’s Jon Dahl Tomasson played briefly for Newcastle.Elsewhere, Ukraine’s Sergei Rebrov turned out for both Tottenham and West Ham.Wales’ Craig Bellamy made a splash with a ton of clubs including Liverpool and Man City.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.While Austria’s Ralf Rangnick took charge of Manchester United on an interim basis.Norway’s Stale Solbakken had a short playing career with Wimbledon in the late 90s.And Turkey’s Vincenzo Montella spent time on loan at Fulham.Outside of the European nations, ex-Man City title winner Roberto Mancini will be hoping to qualify with Saudi Arabia.In Africa, former Reading man Emerse Fae leads Ivory Coast.While Senegal’s Aliou Cisse played for both Birmingham and Portsmouth.In North America, Jesse March is looking to lead Canada to the World Cup after his time at Leeds.While former Newcastle and England boss Steve McClaren is now in charge of Jamaica.READ MORE SUN STORIESFinally, South American fans have ex-Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa in charge of Uruguay.While Argentina World Cup winner Lionel Scaloni was once on loan at West Ham. More

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      Mbappe ‘rape accuser’ got hospital treatment after ‘attack in star’s hotel’ as Swedish media ‘100% sure’ he’s a suspect’

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      THE woman accusing Kylian Mbappe of rape reported the Real Madrid star after she got medical help at a Swedish hospital.The woman visited a hospital ward for rape victims in the city following the alleged attack, local media report.mbappeKylian Mbappe has been accused of raping a woman in a Swedish hotel room last weekCredit: AFPThe Frenchman, far left, was in Sweden for a two-day trip with his entourageCredit: RexMbappe was seen leaving the Bank Hotel on Friday before the complaint was filedCredit: RexMbappe, 25, is yet to be officially named as a suspect despite Swedish media being “100 per cent sure” he is the focus of the investigations.The France captain has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Swedish hotel room last week by the country’s media.He has slammed the serious claims against him as “fake news”.Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet first reported that the French forward is being looked at by cops over allegations of sexual abuse last Thursday.read more in MbappeA complaint was reportedly sent to police in Stockholm on Saturday after the alleged victim sought medical attention.The woman visited a hospital ward for rape victims in the city, reports TV4.It is unclear what injuries she may have suffered. Cops then launched an investigation and have been conducting searches of the Bank Hotel where the alleged rape took place.Most read in FootballThey seized several items of clothing from a room including a pair of underwear, black trousers and a black top to analyse, say Expressen.Officials are yet to confirm the clothes being seized or who they belong to.Mbappe hasn’t been formally named in the case as of today and is yet to be spoken to by officialsThe footballing superstar is said to have no idea what he is being accused of, according to his lawyer.Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard told TF1 news that Mbappe is “calm” in wake of the allegations due to believing he is completely innocent.The World Cup winner is said to have been on a two-day trip to Sweden with his entourage at the time of the claims.On the night of the allegations he dined at the Chez Jolie restaurant before going to the V nightclub in Stockholm with pals.Before they headed back to the Bank Hotel.His lawyer said he was around a group of his closest friends and security at all times during the trip.She said: “He is never alone. He is never exposed to a situation where he would be taking a risk.”And so, this totally excludes the fact that there could have been reprehensible actions on his part.”Mbappe responded to the allegations on X, slamming the reports as ‘fake news’Credit: XCops have reportedly seized clothes from the Bank Hotel where the alleged rape is said to have taken placeCredit: EPAMbappe left Sweden Friday on a private jet before the complaint had been filed.The entourage with the football ace has since shot back at the allegations, telling AFP: “A new slanderous rumour is starting to spread across the web from the Swedish media Aftonbladet.”These accusations are completely false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable.”In order to put an end to this methodical destruction all necessary legal actions will be taken to re-establish the truth and pursue any person or media involved in the moral harassment and defamatory treatment that Kylian Mbappe is suffering repeatedly.”The former Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco star also scolded the Swedish news outlets for allegedly spreading “fake news”.He put out a statement on X saying: “FAKE NEWS !!!! It’s becoming so predictable, just before the hearing as if by chance.”Mbappe also included a winking emoji at the end of the message.The tweet seemingly referred to a hearing Mbappe is set to face over unpaid wages he is disputably owed by PSG.Mbappe claims he deserves 55million Euros (£45million) by his former club in unpaid wages from his seven-year stint at the club.He is never alone. He is never exposed to a situation where he would be taking a riskMarie-Alix Canu-BernardMbappe’s lawyerThe footballer was also due to get a signing bonus in February but PSG have refused to pay up and follow the ruling by France’s football governing body LFP, according to the claims.A source close to PSG hit back at Mbappe by telling French newspaper L’Equipe they would “ignore” his claims the two incidents may be linked.The source said: “Honestly, it’s a shame. PSG is responsible for everything with him.”PSG are now making up stories in Sweden. We will ignore it and keep our class.”Mbappe’s club side Real Madrid have also reportedly edited their star man out of a charity promotion just a day after the allegations were made.Two almost identical images posted to Instagram appear to show the French striker in and out of a photo for the club’s Artist Pack promotion.The first image was posted by English midfielder Jude Bellingham and showed him, Roberto Carlos and Mbappe with a group of artists.But Bellingham swiftly deleted the group snap.Real Madrid then posted an almost identical image to its main Instagram account on Tuesday – but now with Mbappe missing.France’s manager Didier Deschamps, 56, was even made to respond to the allegations against his captain.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe warned people to avoid spreading “anything and everything” in regards to Mbappe.He told reporters after France’s clash with Belgium on Monday night that the reports have led to a “negative atmosphere” in the dressing room.Real Madrid have seemingly edited Mbappe out of a picture on Instagram with a gap left behind the sofa where the star originally was standingCredit: InstagramThe footballing superstar is said to have no idea what he is being accused of, according to his lawyerCredit: Getty More

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      Why Man Utd are set for more disappointment this weekend against Brentford as stats lay bare awful record

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could add to their dismal record after the international break when they host Brentford on Saturday.Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure at Old Trafford following The Red Devils’ worst ever start to a Premier League campaign.Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure after a dreadful start to the seasonCredit: GettyBrentford boss Thomas Frank is eyeing a victory at Old Trafford this weekendCredit: RexEight points from seven games sees them languishing in 14th place in the table.They are also without a win in two Europa League matches.And the stats do not suggest things will begin to turn around this weekend.According to sports betting site BetVictor, Man Utd have won just THREE of their last 10 games after the October international break stretching back to 2014.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat is the worst record of the so-called “Big Six” – and even below the likes of Newcastle and Aston Villa.It is yet more damning news for Ten Hag – who faces an injury crisis ahead of the Brentford game.Due to a host of defenders being unavailable, Jonny Evans could be set to start at left-back.Noussair Mazrouai, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro are all sidelined.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSelected clubs’ records after the October international break since 2014Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo also face fitness problems.And new signing Manuel Ugarte has worried Man Utd fans by coming off during Uruguay’s goalless draw with Ecuador on Tuesday.A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him’Brentford have won just one of their last 11 meetings with Man Utd.That came in Ten Hag’s first away game in the Premier League as his side were thrashed 4-0 in West London. More

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      Tuchel slammed over what he wears on touchline as former Premier League star says England manager should be ‘smart’

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      DANNY Mills has challenged Thomas Tuchel to upgrade his wardrobe after landing the England job. The FA officially unveiled the 51-year-old as Three Lions manager on Wednesday morning. Thomas Tuchel’s casual threads have been called out by ex-Three Lions star Danny MillsCredit: GettyThe German is known for wearing tracksuits and caps on the touchlineCredit: PAMills questioned if Tuchel should smarten up for his new £5m roleCredit: GettyTuchel takes over from Gareth Southgate who departed following Euro 2024. Former England full-back Mills spoke to Sky Sports News after the German’s new position was confirmed.But he had a bizarre take on the matter, calling out Tuchel for his casual touchline threads. Mills said: “Often we see him in a hoodie and a cap on the sidelines. READ MORE ON ENGLAND”Will that be his managerial stance as an England manager?”That’s not really something that we’re used to. It’s really always a suit and looking very, very smart.”Tuchel will officially take over on January 1, with interim boss Lee Carsley in charge of the team for November’s international camp.The German is England’s first foreign coach since Fabio Capello, who left the role in 2012. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMills continued: “[Tuchel] is an exceptional coach. There are a few surprises. “[But] I don’t understand why he starts in January.Five things you may not know about Thomas Tuchel from younger Brazilian girlfriend to former modelling career“Who is going to be picking the team in November? Will Tuchel be at the games? Will he have any input? “And the FA need to answer why not an Englishman? Why have they gone down a foreign route again?He added: “But Tuchel is a fantastic coach and will do very, very well.”Tuchel has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich earlier this year. Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.He said in a statement: “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team. “I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already. “To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.”ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England jobTuchel put pen to paper on an 18-month, £5million-a-year deal on October 8.But the former Chelsea boss was not the first choice of Mills’ BBC colleague Gary Lineker.The former England striker told the Rest Is Football podcast: “I’d have given the job to Lee Carsley. “I have seen enough to suggest to me the players really trust him.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And he is imaginative enough to produce something that is a joy to watch, is entertaining and front-footed football. “I’d have gone for Lee Carsley [but] it is not my job to pick people like that.” More

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      Who is Anthony Barry? Thomas Tuchel’s assistant coach for England

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      ANTHONY BARRY has been named as Thomas Tuchel’s assistant coach for England – and SunSport can tell you all what we know about him.England revealed that Tuchel will take control of the senior side from January, 1, 2025 despite signing the contract on Tuesday, October 8.Anthony Barry and Thomas Tuchel first worked together for ChelseaCredit: PAThe 2021 FIFA coach of the year stated: “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team.”I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already.And Tuchel will feel right at home as he is set to be reunited with highly-rated assistant coach Anthony Barry.But fans want to know exactly what makes Barry so special.Read more on Thomas TuchelWho is Anthony Barry?Born in Liverpool, Anthony Barry openly admitted that he did not enjoy his footballing playing career as it was blighted by injury.The Englishman dislocated his kneecap at just age 24 while playing for Yeovil.And despite returning to action 17 months later, Barry had lost the passion to play, which then led to him doing his coaching badges.He got his first taste of coaching action with Accrington Stanley’s Under-16 side and then a year later, Barry worked alongside Paul Cook at Wigan.Most read in FootballBarry blossomed at Wigan and it was there where he worked with a young Reece James who spent the 2018/19 season on loan at the club.Fast forward 12 months, the pair were reunited at Chelsea after the Blues legend brought Barry into his backroom team.The English duo studied together on their UEFA Pro License course along with Jody Morris.This is where Barry developed his eye for detail as his dissertation project at the end of the course was on throw-ins – he looked at 17,000 throw-ins and was quickly labelled a set-piece specialist.Barry was still at Chelsea when Tuchel replaced Lampard and the pair maintained a good partnership which is why Tuchel brought Barry with him to Bayern.Furthermore, Barry has a mass amount of international pedigree as he most notably worked with Belgium and Portugal at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 respectively.What has been said?”Our relationship is very respectful and friendly,” Barry told club media after Thomas Tuchel’s appointment at Bayern. “I admired Thomas from the first day. We have a lot of parallels – how we work and how we see football.”We try to push each other and to improve. That allows us to work at a very high level because we can be completely honest with each other. We talk very openly, discuss our ideas and always try to find the best solution.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBarry was a specialist set-piece coach at Bayern, having written a dissertation on throw-ins as part of his Pro Licence course. “As a top team, you need to be top at set pieces. It’s an important area for us that we want to work on,” he explained.Tuchel added: “The whole package is right for him: his personality, the love of the game, the love of his job, his passion and his quality. He brings a lot of energy. His work with set-pieces at Chelsea was on a whole new level for me.”ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More

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      Thomas Tuchel could throw forgotten England pair lifeline with ex-Chelsea boss a big admirer

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      NEW England boss Thomas Tuchel could be set to throw a lifeline to two Three Lions outcasts. The incoming German manager will inherit one of the best squads in world football which boasts talent including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden.New England boss Thomas Tuchel could hand a new lifeline to two starsCredit: GettyEric Dier went straight into Tuchel’s team at Bayern MunichCredit: GettyWhile Raheem Sterling was Tuchel’s first signing in the Todd Boehly era at ChelseaCredit: EPAHe will also link back up with skipper Harry Kane, who Tuchel signed for Bayern Munich.But SunSport Online can reveal Tuchel might also be set to turn to a pair of stars who he is known to admire – Eric Dier and Raheem Sterling.Tuchel signed former Tottenham defender Dier for Bayern and put him straight into the starting team.Speaking about Dier, 30, when he was the Bavarians’ manager, Tuchel said: “I am very happy with him. He’s exceeded all expectations. He’s an extremely important piece of the puzzle.READ MORE ON ENGLAND“He’s organised, he’s vocal, we didn’t have that much. He helps the guy next to him, he’s a top character and a very good player. He’s being rewarded for his work at the moment.”And Sterling was one of his favourite players when Tuchel was manager at Chelsea. The 29-year-old winger has since moved on to Arsenal but Tuchel remains a huge admirer of his talents. In fact, he was the first player signed by Tuchel after Todd Boehly became the Chelsea owner in 2022.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSExplaining why at the time he said: “He was the absolute number one for that position. I gave his name to Todd Boehly straight away. “He’s horrible to play against, horrible! The main point is his intensity and the amount of repetition of intensity that he delivers. This is simply outstanding over the last years.Combustible Thomas Tuchel is a short term manager – but he’s the best choice for England“He caused huge trouble when he played against us and once you dig in deeper into his data and not only statistics in his goal involvements, it’s outstanding.”It’s exactly what we need to raise the level of our players. That’s why we are so sure and that’s why he was, for us, top of the list.”Dier impressed under Tuchel at Bayern last seasonSterling was one of Tuchel’s favourites at ChelseaForgotten 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.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel. More

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      Man Utd injury blow as £51m signing limps off to hand Ten Hag selection headache

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      MANUEL UGARTE has given Erik ten Hag another headache after an injury scare while on international duty.The £51million summer signing was subbed after 82 minutes of Uruguay’s goalless draw against Ecuador on Tuesday.Manuel Ugarte limped off during Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with EcuadorIt comes as the latest injury blow to under-fire Erik ten HagUgarte has been used sparingly by Ten Hag, but the injuries in midfield are mountingHe appeared to be in some discomfort and had treatment from one of the medical team before deciding he could not continue.The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is due to fly back to England today and will be checked when he returns to Carrington.But another fitness concern is that last thing Ten Hag needs as he starts preparations for Saturday’s clash with Brentford.It means there are now question marks over TEN United players ahead of a busy run of fixtures over the next three weeks.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFellow new boy Noussair Mazrouai is out of action for a few weeks following a minor heart procedure – after he had heart palpitations in the draw at Aston Villa.Like the Moroccan, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho also pulled out of international duty following the game at Villa Park.And wide man Amad Diallo returned early from a spell with the Ivory Coast squad due to illness.Full-backs Luke Shaw (calf) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) are still sidelined while another defender, Harry Maguire, limped off at Villa with a foot injury which he says will keep him out for a few weeks.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSummer signing Leny Yoro has still yet to make his competitive debut for United – but is understood to be making good progress in his recovery from a broken metatarsal.Meanwhile Mason Mount was ruled out of the final two matches before the break but his injury is not believed to be serious.Tactical analysis of Man Utd star Manuel UgarteTen Hag is due to hold his press conference on Thursday to preview the clash with the Bees and is expected to give updates on some of his absent stars.The Red Devils recorded 75 different cases of injury last term – the most in the Prem.The cost of these injuries was £39.81m spent on players Ten Hag could not select.Manuel Ugarte the next Roy KeaneBy PHIL THOMASNEARLY two decades have passed since Roy Keane led Manchester United into battle for the final time.It left a gap in the engine room that the Red Devils have never really come close to filling in the 19 years that have followed.Many tried and some managed it in flashes and, although the trophies still rolled in for a time, there was no snarling, bring-it-on warrior prowling the midfield.Until now… until the imminent capture of a man who views a 50-50 challenge like a starving Labrador staring at a side of ham.For three months, United have licked their own lips at the prospect of a midfield marshalled by Uruguayan tough guy Manuel Ugarte.Finally, they have their man.Ugarte is pretty much a ball-winner pure and simple.Rarely will you see him pinging 40-yard passes to split a defence.But ending his days with half the reputation of Keane and a fraction of his silverware would still mean a hell of a career. More

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      Inside England manager Thomas Tuchel’s love life, from messy divorce from wife of 13 years to dating Brazilian Wag

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      THOMAS Tuchel has officially been confirmed as the new manager of the Three Lions.The German tactician, 51, has inked an 18-month contract worth a reported £5million-per-year.Thomas Tuchel, pictured with ex-wife Sissi, has had plenty of questions asked about his love life over the yearsTwo months after divorcing Sissi, Tuchel moved on with Brazilian beauty Natalie MaxHe was announced on England’s X account on Wednesday morning as Gareth Southgate’s successor.Lee Carsley will remain at the helm for England’s final two Nations League games against Greece and Ireland next month.Tuchel, who signed his contract on October 8 before the games against Greece and Finland, will then take over in January.England’s X bio reads: “The Thomas Tuchel era begins in January.”Read more football newsThe 51-year-old will become England’s third foreign manager after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.Tuchel said: “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team.”I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already.”To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.Most read in Football”Working closely with Anthony [Barry] as my assistant coach, we will do everything we can to make England successful and the supporters proud.Five things you may not know about Thomas Tuchel from younger Brazilian girlfriend to former modelling career”I want to thank the FA, in particular Mark and John, for their trust and I am looking forward to starting our journey together.”Away from the game, Tuchel’s love life has drawn plenty of gossip.When he moved to our shores from PSG to coach Chelsea, he was soon followed by journalist, Sissi.However, they divorced in 2022 and it didn’t take long for Tuchel to move on.He quickly found love with Brazilian beauty Natalie Max – 13 years his junior.Tuchel’s romantic life has seemed quite messy.SissiIn April 2022, Tuchel and Sissi announced they were getting divorced.They had been married for 13 years, but it was said they had exhausted all avenues in trying to make their relationship work.It was concluded that there would be no chance of a resolution.Tuchel was married to journalist Sissi for 13 yearsSissi was credited with shaping Tuchel’s remarkable management careerThe pair headed to London’s High Court, where a judge accepted their request a month later.A source told the Mail on Sunday: “Sissi and Thomas have tried to avoid splitting but in the end there was no other way.”It is very sad and now it is all about making sure their daughters are the top priority. Papers were lodged last week to get the divorce under way.”Sissi moved to London some seven months after Tuchel was hired by the Blues.The family set up a home in Cobham, Surrey when he moved out of a hotel.It was reported Sissi gave up her job at the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung to raise their two children.Famously, she was seen running across the pitch at Porto’s Estadio do Dragao, before jumping in his arms when Chelsea recorded a Champions League final win over Man City.She was credited as being an integral part of Tuchel’s inner circle, who helped him become one of the game’s most desired managers.Famously, Sissi jumped into Tuchel’s arms after he won the Champions LeagueTuchel and Sissi share two daughters togetherNatalieTwo months after his divorce with Sissi was finalised, Tuchel was already back on the dating scene.He was spotted with Brazilian beauty Natalie Max, who is 13 years his junior, on board a private yacht in Sardinia.Tuchel and the mother of two went for a dip in the sea together, before heading to a £20,000-per-night villa.One holidaymaker told The Sun: “They looked very much in love. At one stage Natalie ran her hand round the back of his neck and leaned in for a kiss.”They went swimming, chilled on the beach, lunched in the hotel’s restaurant and got a boat to the island of Caprera.”Max, 37, is a director at consulting agency Natexo, a position she’s held since March 2014.Not much else is known about the brunette, who seemingly likes to keep a relatively low profile.Tuchel was spotted on board a private yacht with Natalie in Sardinia two months after his divorce was finalisedSince getting together, Tuchel and Natalie have kept a relatively low profileBut that will change in the coming months now that her other half has accepted arguably the biggest job in world football.Talk of the locker roomTrouble at Chelsea was already brewing in the summer of the 2022, when American businessman Todd Boehly launched his takeover.Tuchel was unhappy with being given extra responsibilities in terms of buying, selling and negotiating for players, according to the Telegraph.The German also publicly revealed he had no involvement in the appointment of a new Sporting Director at the club, which outlined a distance between him and the new ownership.A separate report claimed Tuchel’s romance with Natalie became a hot topic in the dressing room, as per the Independent.It was claimed that the perception of their manager had changed over his split with his wife, so he had ultimately lost their respect.READ MORE SUN STORIESANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England jobTuchel reportedly lost the respect of the dressing room because of his love lifeTuchel was unveiled as England coach on WednesdayHowever, no such issues regarding his private life hindered his role at Bayern Munich.And Tuchel will be taking on the Three Lions job with a clean slate. More