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      Italy vs France: Get £60 in football free bets and bonuses with William Hill

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      THE Nations League has thrown up a beauty of a fixture on Monday night when Italy host France.And brand new William Hill customers who register an account and stake a tenner will be rewarded with a colossal £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..William Hill £60 bonusVisit the William Hill website on your mobile device HERE*Register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60Place a bet of at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greaterAfter settlement – win or lose – William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonusesWilliam Hill: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Not got a William Hill account? No problem!It’s really easy to register an account and you can get your hands on that generous £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the footy!Simply register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60After that, stake at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greater.After settlement — win or lose — William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football and in the casino!Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

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      Rugby ace Joe Marler left stunned as ex-footballer and Soccer AM star Jimmy Bullard reveals his biggest wage of career

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      RUGBY star Joe Marler was left gobsmacked when he found out how much Jimmy Bullard was earning in his heyday as a Premier League footballer.Two of the UK’s most popular sports, rugby and football, have got drastically differing wages.Jimmy Bullard has revealed the biggest contract of his football careerCredit: TIKTOK/ thingspeoplepodRugby star Joe Marler was left shocked by the huge numberCredit: TIKTOK/ thingspeoplepodMarler, who retired from international rugby this month, has played for one of rugby union’s top teams, Harlequins, for his entire career.But despite always being at the top of his sport, he was shocked to learn how much mid-table journeyman Jimmy Bullard was pocketing as a Premier League footballer.Bullard, 46, spent his career playing for the likes of Hull City, Fulham and Wigan Athletic.But when asked by Marler how much he was earning in his heyday, Bullard revealed a stunning number.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on Marler’s Things People Do podcast, he said: “My biggest contract was £50k-a-week”.Marler was in disbelief at the hefty salary, that would have meant Bullard was earning £2.6MILLION per year.Bullard was asked to give an estimate on what kind of money a “top Premier League footballer” would be earning these days, with the former midfielder retiring in 2012.He said: “I’d have to say a few of the Man City boys must be on £350k a week”. Most read in FootballJimmy Bullard’s careerA brief look at Jimmy Bullard’s playing career…1998 – 1999: Ebbsfleet1999 – 2001: West Ham2001 – 2003: Peterborough2003 – 2006: Wigan Athletic2006 – 2009: Fulham2009 – 2011: Hull City2011 – 2012: Ipswich Town2012: MK DonsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFootball salary site Capology claims that Man City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland are the Prem’s two top earners.It’s said that De Bruyne is pocketing a whopping £400,000-per-week, while Haaland makes £375,000 every week himself.Top 10 highest paid footballersBy comparison, previous England captain Owen Farrell is the current highest-paid rugby union player in the world.Farrell is understood to be earning £1.2MILLION-per-year at Racing 92, the equivalent of £23,077-a-week.That means Kevin De Bruyne earns Farrell’s annual salary every 21 DAYS.Owen Farrell is rugby union’s top earnerCredit: GettyKevin De Bruyne is the Premier League’s top earner, and makes over 17 times more than FarrellCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd star Tyrell Malacia opens up on injury hell that sparked wild conspiracy theories

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      TYRELL MALACIA has responded to wild conspiracy theories that emerged online during his lengthy injury lay-off.The Manchester United left-back, 25, has not featured for the Red Devils since the final Premier League game of the 2022/23 season in May last year.Tyrell Malacia’s last Manchester United game came in May 2023Credit: RexHe has been plagued by a recurring knee problem, but returned to the pitch earlier this week in an U21s game against Huddersfield in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.Dutchman Malacia posted very little on social media during his 17-month absence, leading fans to speculate about his whereabouts.Outlandish theories were dreamt up by conspiracy theorists on social media, including that he’d entered witness protection.But Malacia has now quashed any of those suggestions.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking to The Athletic, he said: “No, nothing was true. No, no. I’ve just been doing my rehab.”Especially when I was in Holland, I was close to my family — so just training, family, sleeping; training, family, sleeping. The only thing I’ve done.”He continued: “First of all, I’m not really a guy who’s on social media a lot.”If it wasn’t my cousin or my mum sending me this, I wouldn’t even know. Most of the time, a week after I’d find out they were saying this or that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”As long as my family and I know I’m good, it’s enough. The most important thing is that I know I’m good.”During his time on the sideline, Malacia’s dad fell ill and his grandmother – who he describes as “my second mum” – passed away.Forgotten Man Utd star slapped on the head by team-mates as he returns ‘like a new signing’ after 15 MONTHS outAmid this difficult time, he kept a low profile and remained very private.On his dad, he said: “It’s a bit difficult, because I’m not like a guy who talks about these types of things, but my dad got sick.”He wasn’t able to walk anymore. For my family, it was a big, big impact. It’s still difficult sometimes.”But social media discussions about where he was still got back to him through friends when he was in Holland.He said: “People were saying ‘are you not worried or don’t want to say anything’, especially friends around me, because other people were asking them because they couldn’t get through to me.”They were asking me, ‘Don’t you want to say something publicly about it?'”I was like, ‘No, because I’m not on the internet a lot, I don’t get all this information. If you guys didn’t tell me, I wouldn’t even know. I’m fine’.”Malacia’s imminent return is an early boost to new manager Ruben Amorim as he looks towards his first game in charge away at Ipswich on November 24.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe played 39 games during his first season but did not feature at all in the 2023/24 campaign.He has revealed Casemiro gave him his FA Cup winner’s medal after they triumphed at Wembley last season. More

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      Ruben Amorim’s replacement ‘not recognised as Sporting manager’ and must ‘pretend not to be the boss’

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      RUBEN AMORIM’S replacement Joao Pereira has been caught up in red tape after NOT being “recognised” as the new Sporting manager.Pereira must reportedly therefore PRETEND not to be boss for now and cannot give instructions during matches.The ANTF have declined to recognise Joao Pereira as a Liga Portugal head coachIt comes after Sporting announced Pereria as Ruben Amorim’s permanent successorThe 40-year-old signed a three year deal on MondayPereira doesn’t hold the necessary Uefa Pro licence to manager in the top-flight, according to the Portuguese Football Coaches Association (ANTF).ANTF president pointed to a complaint made about his lack of “necessary qualifications” for the mandated role.The 40-year-old has completed his Level III coaching course and is awaiting certification.However, he still lacks the Uefa Pro licence, which would enable him to manage top-flight teams.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile Pereira cannot be sacked from his new role, he will be listed as an assistant coach, as he was with Sporting’s B team competing in Liga 3.His staff member Tiago Teixeira, who has a Pro licence, will be formally recognised as the first team head coach for now, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola.Pereira was recently denied official recognition as a coach by the ANTF and must “pretend” not to be manager in front of TV cameras.According to the Association’s statement: “The formal certification process for Liga Portugal coaches has specific requirements which, in this instance, were not fully met by Mr Pereira.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”There is a legal discrepancy; he is not qualified as he lacks the required certification for the role. As has been customary in such cases, we will report this situation to the relevant authorities.”New Manchester United boss Amorim, 39, was caught up in the same predicament several years ago.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourHe was given a suspended one-year ban from management in the early days of his coaching career at Portuguese third-tier side Casa Pia in 2018.Amorim was punished for giving instructions during a match without the required coaching qualifications and the club were threatened with a points’ deduction.The now-Red Devils man was forced to hand in his notice before the end of the campaign as they faced further punishment for his mishap.The strict coaching criteria and prolonged process has been criticised by many in Portuguese football. The ANTF even blocked Amorim from joining Sporting in 2020.Portuguese journalist Vitor Pinto told Record: “If club chief Antonio Salvador had let himself be intimidated by the ANTF, Amorim wouldn’t have be able to bring success back to Sporting.”Amorim would not have had that path and wouldn’t be at Manchester United now.”This is one of the most serious situations, most incomprehensible and most stupid in Portuguese football. “The ANTF originally tried to block Amorim from becoming Sporting coachPereira could only step into coaching once he retired from playing in 2021 while Amorim was his manager.Players are not permitted to enter coaching courses while still playing professional football in Portugal.Rival club Arouca’s captain David Simao considered the complaint a “sad” moment as he stepped in to defend Pereira.The Liga Portugal midfielder wrote on Instagram: “How long will they say that players should prepare for their post-career careers and then not give them access to that same preparation?”It is impossible these days for a player in Portugal to be ready to be a coach straight after finishing his career. “It is time to stop with the nice words and move on to good deeds, let the players take the courses, don’t make it difficult and HELP THEM.”Pereira was announced as Amorim’s permanent successor on Monday, after maintaining a 100 per cent record with Sporting’s B team this term.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite no formal recognition as boss, Pereria has been spotting working with players at the club’s Academia Cristiano Ronaldo training base. The move has ignited debate within Portuguese football circles, with many arguing for clearer, more accessible certification processes.Former Sporting star Pereira only retired from playing in 2021Ruben Amorim leaves Sporting on a highBy Charlie WyettRUBEN AMORIM would have preferred to leave Lisbon in a blaze of glory after winning a third Primeira Liga title.Yet football does not work like that. And in what was surely his final game before taking charge of Manchester United, Amorim prepared to say his goodbyes at a half-empty Estadio Jose Alvalade in a League Cup quarter-final against Nacional.Sporting won 3-1 thanks to  second-half goals by captain  Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled back for Madeira-based Nacional.The stadium  will be a good deal more lively on Tuesday when Manchester City are here for  a Champions League match — although Amorim should by then have his feet firmly under his desk at Old Trafford.Liverpool and Aston Villa were both interested in Europe’s most sought-after coach. Even City could have been a possible destination post-Pep Guardiola.Yet the United job is one Amorim, 39,  could not turn  down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting last night.There is clearly a huge split in the Portuguese club’s fan base over their coach leaving at this stage of the season with many believing he should have seen the job through.Yet Amorim, along with the three-man coaching team who are expected to follow him, leaves a club in a much better state than when he arrived here in 2020.Inside the stadium, there was applause — albeit muted — when his name was read out before the game along with the line-ups.And there did not appear to be any jeers when Amorim shuffled out from the tunnel awkwardly towards the dugout.So, while his departure is hard to take for some, none of the fans will forget his legacy.This is a club which is back as the dominant force in Portugal. Even this term, Sporting have won their first nine league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two.They are also eighth in the Champions League table, which is one hell of an effort.In contrast, Lisbon was not exactly hit by League Cup fever last night.Amorim made lots of changes, which saw Sporting’s star man Gyokeres, the former Coventry striker, start on the bench.There was, however, a first appearance in six weeks for former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards. He is certainly one player who has been transformed by Amorim since arriving at the club from Vitoria in 2022 and will be sorry to see the coach leave.While he changed his team, Amorim stuck with his tried and trusted formation of a back three.It will certainly be something Manchester United’s fans will have to get used to over the  coming months.But looking at the Premier League table, none of them will be complaining about the change. More

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      Newcastle star Joelinton’s home broken into AGAIN as midfielder begs for ‘safe space for his family’

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      NEWCASTLE star Joelinton’s home has been broken into again – with the midfielder begging for a ‘safe space for my family’.The Brazilian footballer said thieves have targeted his home for a second time after an earlier raid in January.Joelinton has asked burglars to leave his family in peaceCredit: InstagramJoelinton with his partner Thays Gondim and their daughterThe star in action for NewcastleCredit: GettyJoelinton revealed the latest burglary in a Twitter postHis post came just a day after he shared several snaps of his family on holiday in Dubai.Posting on Twitter, Joelinton asked the burglars to leave his family in peace.He said: “Our home was broken into again. To anyone considering doing this – please know that there is nothing valuable left here!”What we care about most is our family’s safety and our kids growing up without fear. Read More Sport”We hope for a community where our children, and everyone’s children, feel safe. “We ask that our home be respected as a safe space for our family. We simply want to live in peace.”Joelinton’s home was first targeted by thieves in January – while he was watching Newcastle take on Manchester City.The star called cops from St James’s Park after getting a security alert about the thieves mid-game.Most read in FootballBy the time officers arrived at the multi-million pound home the attackers had fled.No one is understood to have been inside the property when the home invaders struck.Footie ace theftsJoelinton’s home was first targeted by thieves in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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      Alan Shearer ‘signs new BBC deal’ days after Gary Lineker’s MOTD exit and it may rule out potential replacement

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      ALAN SHEARER has reportedly signed a new deal with the BBC following Gary Lineker’s bombshell announcement.The Match of the Day presenter will be stepping down after two decades in the role.Alan Shearer has reportedly signed a new deal with the BBCCredit: PAGary Lineker is leaving Match of the DayCredit: PALineker, 63, will leave the flagship show at the end of the season but will present coverage of the FA Cup in 2025/26 and the World Cup in 2026.However, it appears that Shearer will be staying on the show for the foreseeable future.The Daily Mail have claimed that Shearer has put pen to paper to continue on MOTD.It is suggested that the deal will keep the Newcastle legend on the panel as one of the “key on-screen experts”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBBC figures released in the summer revealed that Shearer pocketed £380,000 last year.However, this figure was down from the £445,000 the prior year.The report claims that the 54-year-old took a reduced paycheck as the BBC cut their costs.The all-time Premier League goalscorer started working on the show back in 2006.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt is also suggested that the broadcaster and Shearer have been in negotiations for some time.It says that the two parties were talking before Lineker decided to leave after 26 years.Video emerges of Roy Keane throwing ball at Alan Shearer’s head amid Erling Haaland debateThe pair will continue to work together on The Rest Is Football podcast.Shearer has made a public statement over his future on MOTD.He joked that he would also not be signing a new contract if pundit Micah Richards was named as the host.He joked: “That is a f***ing massive concern by the way.”I’m not signing my new contract if you’re a presenter by the way.”Paul Gascoigne claimed that Shearer would make a good host for the show simply because he “loves a bit of money”.READ MORE SUN STORIESMark Chapman is one of the favourites to be named the new host of the show.However, it is believed that he has refused the chance to share the job with Kelly Somers.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More

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      Man Utd star reveals Casemiro gave him FA Cup winner’s medal despite polite protest Real Madrid legend should keep it

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      TYRELL MALACIA has revealed that Casemiro gave him his FA Cup winners’ medal and refused to take it back.The Manchester United star, 25, has not played since the 2022/23 campaign after suffering a knee injury.Casemiro gave his FA Cup winners’ medal to Tyrell Malacia after last year’s finalCredit: GettyCrocked Malacia tried and failed to return the medal to CasemiroCredit: GettyMalacia was a £13million signing from Feyenoord over two years ago.And with 39 games under his belt in his first season, the Dutch left-back looked set to become a vital member of the side.However, his recovery from surgery saw Malacia miss the entirety of last term.It meant he was only a spectator as Erik ten Hag masterminded United’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Malacia still ended up with a winners’ medal after being given the one belonging to Casemiro.United’s veteran midfielder, 32, struggled for form last season.He was expected to start in the Wembley showdown against City.But Casemiro was dropped to the bench at the final moment due to a mysterious “late injury issue.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Brazilian then skipped United’s FA Cup party later that night, instead opting to jet off for a family holiday.And Malacia has now revealed that Casemiro even gave up his winners’ medal on the day, insisting the defender take it despite his protests.Sky Sports pundits announce never-before-seen broadcast for huge Arsenal vs Man Utd clash Malacia has opened up over being included in celebrations despite not playing due to injuryCredit: GettyMalacia told The Athletic: “I wanted to be there (at the final) to support everyone.“But the most difficult part was to be up there with the guys (for the trophy), because I wasn’t part of the team during the whole process.“I was like, ‘I’m staying down here then I’ll see you in the dressing room’. Casemiro was like, ‘Nah you have to go up there as well’.“And if someone with that kind of experience tells you that, you’re listening. They (the squad) said, ‘At the end of the day you’re still part of the team’.“They know how hard I’ve been working to come back so they said you deserve it as much as we do.“(Getting Casemiro’s medal) Like I said before, if he gives you that, you just listen!”Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want? More

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      Incredible moment Ruben Amorim gatecrashes Man Utd stadium tour and personally greets every fan

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      RUBEN AMORIM has been hailed by fans for his incredible gesture during a stadium tour.The new Manchester United manager is getting started in his role after replacing Erik ten Hag.Ruben Amorim surprised a stadium tour group at Old TraffordCredit: MUFCHe shook the hands of each fan as he introduced himselfCredit: MUFCAmorim, 39, is now in the country having finished off his duties with Sporting Lisbon.The Portuguese coach spent time getting to know his way around Old Trafford.And in an incredible gesture, he popped in to see the public tour of the historic stadium.The club shared a video in which Amorim joined the crowd in the dressing room and made sure to give each fan a handshake.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHe said a couple of words to the fans in which he joked one would be playing and one would be on the bench.The moment has been compared to Klopp’s politeness to fans during his tenure at Liverpool.Fans have hailed Amorim on social media and are backing to surpass the German’s achievements.One posted: “Already more handshakes and hugs than Klopp during his first week in club. We are so clear!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second commented: “Could be their Klopp if they get their s**t together to be honest.”A third wrote: “What a guy.”Ruben Amorim arrives in Manchester ahead of starting role as Man United managerThree Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro.A fourth said: “May he take the club to new heights.”Another added: “An Old Trafford tour just got even more exciting—never know who you’ll meet!”Amorim started his role with the Red Devils on Monday with the international break to prepare his side.However, he has already been dealt a blow as Lisandro Martinez suffered a hip injury against Leicester City.The defender’s injury is said to be “significant” and he has been added to the club’s treatment room.Amorim will also be without Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.But he has been boosted by the return of Leny Yoro to training this week as he nears full recovery from a metatarsal injury.Ruben Amorim leaves Sporting on a highBy Charlie WyettRUBEN AMORIM would have preferred to leave Lisbon in a blaze of glory after winning a third Primeira Liga title.Yet football does not work like that. And in what was surely his final game before taking charge of Manchester United, Amorim prepared to say his goodbyes at a half-empty Estadio Jose Alvalade in a League Cup quarter-final against Nacional.Sporting won 3-1 thanks to  second-half goals by captain  Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled back for Madeira-based Nacional.The stadium  will be a good deal more lively on Tuesday when Manchester City are here for  a Champions League match — although Amorim should by then have his feet firmly under his desk at Old Trafford.Liverpool and Aston Villa were both interested in Europe’s most sought-after coach. Even City could have been a possible destination post-Pep Guardiola.Yet the United job is one Amorim, 39,  could not turn  down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting last night.There is clearly a huge split in the Portuguese club’s fan base over their coach leaving at this stage of the season with many believing he should have seen the job through.Yet Amorim, along with the three-man coaching team who are expected to follow him, leaves a club in a much better state than when he arrived here in 2020.Inside the stadium, there was applause — albeit muted — when his name was read out before the game along with the line-ups.And there did not appear to be any jeers when Amorim shuffled out from the tunnel awkwardly towards the dugout.So, while his departure is hard to take for some, none of the fans will forget his legacy.This is a club which is back as the dominant force in Portugal. Even this term, Sporting have won their first nine league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two.They are also eighth in the Champions League table, which is one hell of an effort.In contrast, Lisbon was not exactly hit by League Cup fever last night.Amorim made lots of changes, which saw Sporting’s star man Gyokeres, the former Coventry striker, start on the bench.There was, however, a first appearance in six weeks for former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards. He is certainly one player who has been transformed by Amorim since arriving at the club from Vitoria in 2022 and will be sorry to see the coach leave.While he changed his team, Amorim stuck with his tried and trusted formation of a back three.It will certainly be something Manchester United’s fans will have to get used to over the  coming months.But looking at the Premier League table, none of them will be complaining about the change. More