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      Graham Potter locking horns with sacked Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag for major European job

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      GRAHAM POTTER is in line for a shock call from RB Leipzig.Potter is keen on a return to work and the Bundesliga giants may come for him soon if results fail to improve under Marco Rose.Graham Potter is finally tipped to return to management soonCredit: GettyErik ten Hag is also in contention for RB LeipzigCredit: GettyThe former Brighton and Chelsea boss, 49, has been a free agent since leaving Blues in April 2023.He has always had one eye on a foreign role and Leipzig may be an attractive option  — although former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is also linked with the job.Potter is also on the radar of Prem strugglers West Ham and Wolves — who play each other on Monday night — and has long-term admirers at Ajax.In the meantime he’s been providing TV analysis as a Sky Sports pundit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut speculation over a return to management has spiralled.Leicester were said to be keen in April 2023 on their way out of the Prem. But he’s understood to have turned them down.Instead Enzo Maresca got the job at the end of the season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd after taking the Foxes back to the top flight, the Italian landed the Chelsea job over the summer.Leicester then reportedly rekindled their interest in Potter following the sacking of Steve Cooper in November. ‘It doesn’t come for free’ – Graham Potter reveals shock reason for 18 months of unemployment since Chelsea axeHowever, the boss job went to ex-Red Devils’ caretaker chief Ruud van Nistelrooy.However, Potter is arguably more in demand than ever.And although the Hammers have given Julen Lopetegui a stay of execution, Monday’s home clash with second-bottom Wolves could yet be another indicator towards Potter’s future. More

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      Man Utd player ratings: Bruno Fernandes involved in everything positive but Andre Onana has absolute shocker

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      MANCHESTER UNTED slipped to another defeat with goalkeeper Andre Onana coming under fire again. The United stopper was at fault for Morgan Gibbs-White’s riffler that wrong-footed Onana.Nottingham Forest beat Man Utd 3-2Credit: AFPChris Wood got the deciding third goal for Forest despite Bruno Fernandes pulling one back. Here is how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated United’s players from Old Trafford. ANDRE ONANA – 3Had an absolute shocker. For the second Forest goal Morgan Gibbs-White shot is straight down the middle along the floor. READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt maybe swerves a foot at most and he somehow couldn’t stop it. For the third he just let it loop over his head. He cannot command his area. LENY YORO – 6 The 19-year-old was making his first start for United and immediately looked unphased. Ruben Amorim has high hopes for someone he calls ‘a special talent’. He is easing him into the team after his summer injury and subbed him just past the hour. Most read in FootballMATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5 Amorim has tasked him with bringing the ball out from the back to set United moves going. Looked good in the first balf but what was he doing for Forest’s third as he let Chris Wood’s header go thinking it was going wide. Lisandro Martinez lack of height was on show at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersLISANDRO MARTINEZ – 4 It was said his lack of height would not be a problem but it was after 80 seconds here as Nikola Milenkovic headed home on 80 seconds.Then for Forest’s third he didn’t known what to do as the ball went over him at the far post.AMAD DIALLO – 7 Looking more and more like a United star with his positive forward runs from his new wing-back role. Had a couple of good chances himself but shots were weak, then made a great run and cut back before setting up Fernandes for United’s second. MANUEL UGARTE – 7 Looked constantly concerned with his defensive duties and understandably. Is a solid presence on the pitch though and a decent buy compared to plenty of others. Ugarte constantly concerned with his defensive duties and understandablyCredit: ReutersKOBBIE MAINOO – 6 Ugarte was having a good game in front of the back three allowing Mainoo to get further forward in the second-half when he became more of a threat. DIOGO DALOT – 6 Compared to Amad on the opposite flank did not have much of an influence. Got forward a lot more in the second-half. BRUNO FERNANDES – 7 Was always involved. But does the captain really have to contest every single decision the referee makes against his team. Made up for his loose pass that gave away possession for Forest’s second by scoring a fine goal himself. Bruno Fernandes pulled one back for UtdCredit: GettyRASMUS HOJLUND – 6 That’s three goals in three games after his pair against Bodo Glimt but there is still not enough movement from the front man. ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5 Not his best game and looked far from happy when he was hauled off early in the second-half for Marcus Rashford.Alejandro Garnacho looked far from happy when he was hauled offCredit: RexSUBSTITUTIONS:MARCUS RASHFORD (for Garnacho, 58) – 6 These are the games he should be starting and starring in but that’s just not the case. MAZRAOUI (for Yoro 66) – 6 One of those the recruitment team did at least get right.HARRY MAGUIRE (for De Ligt 65) – 6 When Amorim decides on his best starting eleven Maguire should be in it. JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (for Ugarte 76) – 5 Not surprisingly failed to have an impact. READ MORE SUN STORIESMASON MOUNT (for Fernandes 76) – 6 Amorim has high hopes for him but he is still to convince the United faithful. Needs a long injury free run. Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85 More

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      Man Utd 2 Notts Forest 3: Ruben Amorim gets brutal reality check as visitors expose defensive woes to end 30yr hoodoo

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      NEVER mind running around like mad dogs – it’s the defending like headless chickens Ruben Amorim needs to worry about.The Manchester United gaffer has demanded his side put in the hard yards if they want to be part of his Red revolution.Chris Wood celebrates bagging the decisive goal for ForestCredit: AFPBruno Fernandes cracked the goal of the game, albeit in vainCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim saw Man Utd suffer a rollercoaster defeatCredit: ReutersBut it won’t matter how far, how long and how much effort he gets, if the boys at the back drop the schoolboy clangers that gifted Nottingham Forest a win.Andre Onana was the chief culprit, the Cameroon keeper coming up with TWO absolute howlers early in the second half.Yet Bruno Fernandes had a hand in one of the away-day goals, while Matthijs de Ligt didn’t exactly cover himself in glory for another.Throw in the fact that Lisandro Martinez was comprehensively outmuscled and outjumped for Forest’s quickfire opener, and it really was a rude awakening for Amorim.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLIf last week’s loss at Arsenal was a reality check, this was a boot in the you-know-whats. For all Forest have gone to Anfield and won this season, United gift-wrapped this for them.Nikola Milenkovic is admittedly a man mountain of a centre back, but the challenge on him to meet Elliot Anderson’s early corner was non-existent, never mind powder puff.The Fernandes pass behind team-mate Leny Yoro that gave Forest possession and began the move for their second was shocking as well.Yet nowhere near as bad as Onana’s cock-up in letting Morgan Gibbs-White’s fizzing strike scoot past him.Most read in FootballWood powered home the decisive goal for ForestCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd worse still was the keeper’s laughable effort in watching Chris Wood’s looping header float past him for the third.If at first you don’t succeed, cock it up again and again and again, clearly, as far as the clowns in United shirts were concerned on Saturday.David Beckham’s Heartfelt Farewell to Kath PhippsBarely a minute had gone when they were joining Wolves by leaking a seventh goal from a corner this season, the joint worst record in the Premier League.Milenkovic couldn’t believe the space he had in thumping home his header. Well Amorim DID admit United were no longer a massive team.They certainly looked like small fry when the giant Serbian centre back leapt to thud Forest ahead.It was a lead which should have been cancelled out within a couple of minutes, as Alejandro Garnacho curled in such a gift-wrapped cross it should have come wrapped in a bow.Yet inexplicably Rasmus Hojlund had over-run the ball and failed to make a connection from six yards. You could see fans all around Old Trafford scratching their heads at that.They did draw level on 18 minutes through the Danish striker, although it WAS pretty impossible to miss, mind you.Manuel Ugarte slid a perfect pass through to Alejandro Garnacho, and when Matz Sels blocked his point blank effort, Hojlund tapped into an unguarded net from ten yards.Now United would cut loose, you thought. Now they would make the most of their monopoly of possession. But then again…because it was Forest who went closest.First Jota headed across the crossbar from Ryan Yates’ nod back, before de Ligt deflected a shot from the same player over the top.And when another corner caused yet more chaos – will United ever learn? – Milenkovic was a foot away from bagging his second goal in a Forest shirt with a snapped sidefooter.Fernandes gave Man Utd hope but their fine home run endedCredit: ReutersNikola Milenkovic enjoyed his quickfire breakthrough for ForestCredit: PAMilenkovic rose to head the visitors in front early onCredit: ReutersRasmus Hojlund pounced on a rebound for United’s 18th minute levellerCredit: RexNot that United didn’t have moments of their own, mind, like the Fernandes free kick that clipped the crossbar.But really it doesn‘t matter how good you are at one end, if you’re a laughing stock at the other. And on Saturday, frankly, United were on too many occasions.It’s why they were chasing the game again two minutes after the break, when another flying Forest start brought another Forest goal.This time it ended with the Gibbs-White shot that totally bamboozled Onana, even though it was only a foot away from him.The way he reacted suggested the low strike had bent like a Roberto Carlos free kick, but in truth moved no more than six inches. It was a shocker.There have been plenty of them in the Cameroon keeper’s time at Old Trafford. Yesterday we got two for the price of one – the only debate was which was worse.For barely three minutes after coughing up one goal to Forest, Onana was handing them another – quite literally.Wood’s looping header at the far post was decent, but really should have posed little threat. Not to a keeper of any standing, anyway.De Ligt watched it arc past, no doubt expecting Onana to scoop it out of the air. Instead the United stopper watched it float just inside the opposite post. It was genuinely unbelievable.Oh, and just for good measure, Onana also fluffed a clearing kick so badly that really should have led to yet another goal.It was like a throwback to the days of Massimo Taibi, the Italian who was a byword for joke goalkeeping at one stage of the Fergie era.READ MORE SUN STORIESThank Heavens, then, for the right boot of Fernandes, whose sweeping strike from the edge of the box gave United half an hour to find an equaliser.The fact they never looked like doing so tells you everything. Amorim is indeed painfully spot on…United really aren‘t a massive team any more.Hojlund hails a goal he wrongly hoped would be a turning pointCredit: PA More

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      Fiorentina star Edoardo Bove not allowed to play in Italy again after suffering cardiac arrest on pitch

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      FIORENTINA ace Edoardo Bove is facing the end of his career in Italy after suffering a cardiac arrest.The horrible incident took place during last week’s Serie A clash with Inter Milan at the Artemio Franchi Stadium during the 15th minute of the match.Fiorentina ace Edoardo Bove may never play in Italy again after his cardiac arrestCredit: RexBove may be fitted with an ICD but Italy bans players from competing with the deviceCredit: GettyBove, 22, was seen bending down and tying his laces before standing up and after taking a few steps forward, he suddenly collapsed.Devastated players and staff from both sides formed a wall around the midfielder while the medical teams tended to him.The Italian was then taken off by stretcher before being placed in an ambulance and taken to Careggi hospital, while the match was called off.Thankfully, though, Fiorentina general manager Alessandro Ferrari confirmed that Bove’s recovery is progressing well and he has moved out of intensive care to another unit of the hospital.Read More on FootballAccording to The Mail, the Roma loanee will now be fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).The ICD is connected to the heart by several wires and sends an electrical pulse in order to correct irregular rhythms.That is the same device Manchester United star Christian Eriksen has had since also suffering a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark against Finland at Euro 2020.Girona ace Daley Blind was fitted with an ICD as well after being diagnosed with heart muscle inflammation in 2019 at Ajax.Most read in FootballHowever, Italy bans players at both amateur and professional level from competing if they have any significant heart issues.More specifically, Serie A rules prevent players from competitive games with a defibrillator.Kind-hearted Moise Kean’s touching gesture for young fans backfires as supporters troll him after cruel video editThat means Bove is almost certain to leave both Fiorentina and Roma.Nevertheless, if everything goes well then the ex-Italy youth international can continue playing abroad.Eriksen also left Inter after Euro 2020, but went on to stand out for Brentford and earned a move to United. More

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      Who is West Ham striker Michail Antonio’s ex-wife and how many kids do the pair have?

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      HAMMERS striker Michail Antonio met his ex-wife Debbie Whittle in January 2011.The pair formed a strong relationship, growing from best friends to husband and wife, but split up after the birth of their fourth child.On December 7 2024, West Ham United confirmed Michail Antonio was involved in a horror car crash.Who is Michail Antonio’s ex-wife?On July 6 2017, the couple agreed to tie the knot before holding their wedding ceremony at Staffordshire stately home.In January 2024, Antonio appeared on the High Performance Podcast opening up about his recent divorce from his ex-wife and the role of therapy throughout his career. The striker said: “‘I was going through my divorce and stuff, and I honestly couldn’t get my head around it. “After we won, the whole team went out, the gaffer (David Moyes) went out, got steaming, a couple of boys didn’t sleep for two days, just got drunk for two days.Michail Antonio and his ex-wife Debbie Whittle on their fifth wedding anniversary”I was asleep on the coach and went back to the hotel. I was just mentally drained because of everything that was going on outside of my football and then I went back to the hotel and went to sleep while everyone was out partying.”It wasn’t until probably December where I was in a better place where I was like “Oh my God, I’ve won a European championship.”Antonio opened up about the pressure to perform for a new contract at the elite level.Most read in FootballHe said: “As soon as your life depends on it, as soon as you have people constantly berating you and criticising you, it becomes a job.”So, it doesn’t matter how good it is, it doesn’t matter how much you love the game, it becomes an actual job for you.”I started therapy because I was really struggling. And how I grew up, it was never a thing. I thought therapy was for crazy people. But therapy changed my life. “At first it was awkward, I’m not going to lie. You’re sat in the room, someone was there and goes, “How are you?””And your natural response is “Fine”. So, he’s like, ‘So why are you here?’ I was like, “To be honest, like, football, I’m struggling with football, I split up with my missus”.’How many children does Michail Antonio have?The Hammers striker likes to keep his private life out of the public eye but it is known that he has four children with ex-wife Debbie.Junior, Miles and Myla have all featured on Antonio’s social media.In June 2020, the striker announced the birth of his fourth child with Debbie Whittle. During lockdown, Antonio home-schooled his eldest three children whilst juggling the birth of his youngest.The West Ham striker and his family on Christmas eveHe said: “I’ve got three kids and my wife was pregnant until she had a baby on Sunday, so it was difficult home schooling and getting the time to go for runs and stuff.”But knowing that the season was going to get back on, we just needed to get on top of it and ensure we stayed fit because we knew we weren’t going to have much time to get back into it.“Aaaarghhhhh! I feel like home schooling should be a torture! “If someone is doing something wrong, you should send kids to them and go ‘teach these kids!’ because, do you know what, it was the hardest thing I’ve done in my life and it made me emotional. “Teachers, I appreciate you!”Horror car crashOn December 7 2024, West Ham United confirmed the striker had been involved in a horror car crash.In a post on X, they wrote: “West Ham United can confirm striker Michail Antonio has today been involved in a road traffic accident.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with Michail, his family and friends at this time.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The Club will issue an update in due course.”Photographs from the scene showed extensive damage to the front of the vehicle. More

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      Furious Pep Guardiola confronts referee after Man City draw with Crystal Palace and red card that can’t be overturned

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      FUMING Pep Guardiola confronted the referee on the pitch following Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.The reigning champions lost more ground in the title race as they were held to just a point at Selhurst Park by Oliver Glasner’s side.Rico Lewis was sent off for a second yellow card after this challenge on Trevoh ChalobahCredit: ReutersAn angry Pep Guardiola confronted referee Robert Jones after the gameCredit: PADaniel Munoz had given Palace the lead after just four minutes before Erling Haaland looped a header into the goal on the half hour mark.The second half then saw Maxence Lacroix head home a far post corner before Rico Lewis netted the second equaliser for City.But the England international went from hero to zero as he was sent off by Robert Jones with a second yellow card for a challenge on Trevoh Chalobah even though it appeared he had come off worse.VAR could not overturn the decision – which was the first red card of Lewis’ career – due to it being a second yellow card rather than a straight red.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe only time VAR is permitted to intervene for a second yellow card is when there is a belief the card should be upgraded to a straight red.City stars on the pitch were adamant the decision was an error and confronted Jones both at the time and after the game.However, manager Guardiola also took to the pitch after the game to speak to the ref and assistant refs.He was seen with his hands in his pockets saying something to them before walking away.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSpeaking after the game, the Spaniard said: “So proud of the team. I liked everything of the team, how we fought. We have a lot of problems with our squad.”We fought incredible. We came back twice. It’s a difficult place to come. We struggled in the beginning. We gave everything and we take a point.Pep Guardiola responds to ‘sacked in the morning’ chants at Anfield from Liverpool fans “Long balls, second balls, they’re stronger than us. We started the second half a bit sloppy. After 2-1 we reacted well.”We lost another player defensively for the next game for a second yellow card.”With Liverpool’s clash at Everton postponed due to Storm Darragh, City’s point in London moved them to eight behind the league leaders. More

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      West Ham vs Wolves: Get £40 welcome bonus when you stake £10 on football with Tote

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      THE battle of the two under pressure managers comes on Monday Night Football when West Ham host Wolves. And bookmakers Tote are celebrating by offering brand new customers a whopping £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the top-flight showdown when you sign up and stake £10!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereWest Ham vs Wolves: Get £40 welcome bonus — claim here*How to claim..Tote special offerVisit the Tote website HERE*Register a brand new account using the Promo Code: B10G40Deposit and place your first bet of at least £10 on either horse racing or football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce your Qualifying Bet is settled you will receive a £40 welcome bonusWest Ham vs Wolves: Get £40 welcome bonus — claim here*West Ham vs Wolves: Get £40 welcome bonus — claim here*Tote have a fantastic promotion available for brand new customers with a colossal £40 welcome bonus up for grabs.It’s easy to claim. Simply visit the Tote website and register a new account using the Promo Code: B10G40Once that’s sorted, deposit and place your first bet of at least £10 on either racing, football or other sports at odds of Evens or greater.Once your Qualifying Bet is settled — win or lose — you will receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza.West Ham vs Wolves: Get £40 welcome bonus — claim here*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*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply. More

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      West Ham issues major health update after star Michail Antonio involved in horror crash

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      WEST Ham star Michail Antonio is “conscious and communicating” after a horror crash.The club issued a major update after the terrifying smash in Epping, Essex, at around 12.50pm today.Michail Antonio is ‘conscious and communicating’ after a horror crashCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe scene of the horrific crashCredit: XThe incident occurred earlier todayCredit: XThey confirmed Michail is in a “stable condition” and is being treated at a London hospital after the single vehicle collision.The dad-of-four is “under close supervision” but is “conscious and communicating”.A witness told The Sun how the footballer was trapped in his Ferrari for 45 minutes before being cut free by fire crews. A source added how the West Ham star’s legs have been “shattered” in the crash.In an update the club wrote on X: “West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area.”Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.”At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family.”The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”Most read in FootballEarlier today they wrote: “West Ham United can confirm striker Michail Antonio has today been involved in a road traffic accident.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with Michail, his family and friends at this time.”The Club will issue an update in due course.”Fans on X were quick to send their best wishes and prayers following the latest update.One said: “Amazing news. Here’s to speedy recovery Michail take all the time you need.”Another added: “Good news! Glad to hear this.”A third said: “Wishing Michail Antonio a speedy recovery. Glad to hear he’s in stable condition.”Thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time. Hoping for a full and quick recovery.”A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Officers investigating a serious collision in Epping are asking for witnesses and dash cam footage.”We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday 7 December to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari.”Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital.”The vehicle has been recovered and we are no longer on scene.”An investigation will be carried out by our Roads Policing Unit.”If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”Please quote incident 605 of 7 December when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”Alternatively, please email the investigating officer, PS Mark Hewitt.”An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: “Crews were called to High Road, Epping, at 1.02pm this afternoon after reports of a road traffic collision involving one car. “On arrival firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm. “The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.”Michail has been at West Ham United since 2015 and played in a range of positions including right back, right midfielder, and as a winger.The forward joined the club from Nottingham Forest and was named as the club’s Player of the Year in 2017. Eventually, he established himself as the club’s main striker and on 23 August 2021 he became West Ham’s top scorer in the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESAntonio has made 15 appearances this season and scored once.He is the club’s all-time Premier League top goal scorer, with 68 goals. More