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      Ruben Amorim gets immediate Man Utd injury boost as forgotten star plays for first time in SEVENTEEN MONTHS for u-21s

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      TYRELL MALACIA has finally made his long awaited return from injury after SEVENTEEN months.The left-back featured for Manchester United Under-21s in their Bristol Street Motors clash with Huddersfield.Tyrell Malacia has made his return from injury after 17 months outCredit: GettyHe featured for Man Utd Under-21s against HuddersfieldCredit: RexMalacia started alongside United’s youngsters but lasted just 45 minutes in the 3-1 defeat, which knocked the Red Devils out of the competition.For Malacia, 25, it was his first appearance in 17 months.He returned to training in September and was given a hero’s welcome by his team-mates after being sidelined for so long.His last competitive fixture came for the Netherlands in a June 2023 Nations League game before he went under the knife for a knee injury a month later.READ MORE ON MAN UTDComplications following the surgery meant he was forced to undergo a second procedure that kept him out of action for even longer.He has been training for the past few weeks with United first releasing footage of Malacia jogging.After more than a year out of action, he was given a player tunnel initiation where he ran through a crowd of team-mates and had his head playfully slapped.Malacia could still take a while to get back up to speed but his return is a boost for incoming boss Ruben Amorim.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Portuguese started in his new post on Monday and was seen alongside sporting director Dan Ashworth at Carrington.And it has not taken him long to make an impact as he has already axed assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy.Forgotten Man Utd star slapped on the head by team-mates as he returns ‘like a new signing’ after 15 MONTHS outThree 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. More

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      David Coote facing highly unusual FA charge for use of word ‘German’ in furious Jurgen Klopp tirade

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      REFEREE David Coote may face an unusual FA charge after his furious tirade towards ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.The shocking clip, which appears to be at least two years old, emerged showing Coote, 42, branding Klopp a ” German c**t” and Liverpool as “s**t”.Referee David Coote may face an unusual FA charge due to “reference to nationality”Credit: GettyCoote may be charged after his furious tirade towards ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen KloppCredit: APDavid Coote admitted the viral video of him slamming Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool is authenticCredit: XWithin a couple of hours of it first being circulated publicly, it was announced the ref had been “suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation” by the PGMOL.Now, according to The Times, the FA will make their own separate probe for the use of the word “German” and that could lead to an aggravated misconduct charge.That is because references to a person’s nationality can lead to stiffer sanctions.FA rules state that an “aggravated breach” includes a reference “whether express or implied, to race and/or colour and/or ethnic origin and/or nationality”.Read More on FootballAn FA spokesperson said: “We are aware of the matter, and we are investigating.”The clip could prove to be the end of Coote’s refereeing career.SunSport understands Coote “cannot recall” abusing Klopp in the video rant.But the Nottinghamshire official is not denying the accuracy of the footage.Most read in FootballIn the video circulated online, Coote also said: “Aside from having a right pop at me when I was refereeing them against Burnley in lockdown, he accused me of lying and then had a right f*****g pop of me.”I have no interest in speaking to someone who is f*****g arrogant. Moment Jurgen Klopp had penalty meltdown at David Coote before video that’s likely to KO referee’s careerShocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.””So I do my best not to speak to him. James Milner is alright, I get on with him.”You can see me there with a ‘mask’ on. But, my God, German c**t, f**k me.” More

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      Rodri breaks silence on Real Madrid snub after Man City ace beat Vinicius Jr to Ballon d’Or

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      MANCHESTER CITY star Rodri is not bothered by Real Madrid’s claim that their star player Vinicius Jr deserved to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or instead of him.Real boycotted the prestigious ceremony in France last month after finding out Vinicius wouldn’t be winning the esteemed award, claiming the decision was a sign of “disrespect” to the club.Manchester City star Rodri isn’t bothered about Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or snubCredit: RexReal boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony after finding out Vinicius wouldn’t winCredit: RexRodri was ultimately named the best male player of the year- with the Brazil international finishing as runner-up – after winning the Premier League with City and Euro 2024 with Spain.Vinicius has not yet congratulated the star midfielder and has instead vowed to put in 10 times the effort to win it himself next year.However, the Spain international insists Real and the forward’s reaction do not offend him.Rodri told Cadena Cope: “All the Spanish clubs would have to congratulate me and they haven’t.Read More on Football“I care about my family and my club. They must have their reasons; I wouldn’t have done it that way and there’s no point in going over it. “The mistake is giving so much attention to a club that hasn’t decided to participate.”Rodri is expected to miss the rest of the season after sustaining a knee injury.The Spaniard suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus damage in his right knee in September during Man City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, the ex-Atletico Madrid star is confident he will be back this term and teased he could actually play in this summer’s controversial Club World Cup despite criticising it a few months earlier.Rodri said when asked whether he will be back this season: “Yes, yes. Rodri and Harry Kane lead footy stars and Wags arriving for lavish Ballon d’Or ceremony despite Real Madrid ‘boycott'”Plus, seasons are longer now, the Club World Cup finishes on July 13. I want to have that mental challenge.” More

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      Premier League club ‘axe majority of scouting team’ in shock transfer overhaul as rivals left ‘intrigued and surprised’

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      BRIGHTON have reportedly axed the majority of their scouting team in a huge overhaul.The Seagulls have earned acclaim for their recruitment in recent years, finding obscure gems like Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Marc Cucurella and turning them into big-money players.Brighton have shaken up their recruitment departmentCredit: GettyOwner Tony Bloom is said to trust data over humansCredit: AFPIt has also seen Brighton become not just an established Premier League team, but one pushing for European qualification.However it is understood Brighton have revamped their model and got rid of the majority of their scouts, according to The Telegraph.Three full-time scouts have been axed with others redeployed as owner Tony Bloom switches focus to a secretive data-driven model, with the Brighton owner said to trust the numbers more than humans.Brighton work with Jamestown Analytics, an offshoot of Starlizard – Bloom’s company which specialises in betting and sporting predictions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJamestown are believed to work with several Prem clubs but their agreement with Brighton grants the south coast club exclusivity with regard to certain data.One source explained to Telegraph Sport: “Scouting is far more than just spotting good players. “It’s looking at a player live in terms of his leadership, willingness to run when the team is losing, finding out what kind of personality he has and talking to people about him. “Is he on time every day or late to training? Data cannot pick all of that up and it’s hugely important when investing in players.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“It is also often the scouts who develop relationships and build networks that lead to recommendations and tips about various players that, again, data may not be able to provide. Ideally, clubs use data alongside scouting and both can complement one another.”Brighton have reportedly retained one scout to carry out intelligence and background checks on players.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problem More

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      Alejandro Garnacho told ‘football isn’t for you’ after Man Utd star’s ‘self-indulgent’ non-celebration against Leicester

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Alejandro Garnacho was slammed by Troy Deeney for refusing to celebrate his “unbelievable” goal against Leicester.Garnacho, 20, rounded off a stunning 3-0 win over the Foxes with an immaculate curling shot from long range on 82 minutes.Manchester United ace Alejandro Garnacho scored a stunner against LeicesterCredit: APGarnacho refused to celebrate Man Utd’s third goal against LeicesterCredit: GettyGarnacho didn’t hail his goal as he felt he is ‘losing faith of some Man Utd fans’Credit: AlamyTroy Deeney slammed Garnacho’s refusal to celebrate and didn’t hold back on his criticismCredit: SplashBut the winger wasn’t in much of a celebratory mood as he preferred to just walk back to United’s half in front of a jubilant Old Trafford.This comes after the Argentina international was goaded by a supporter outside Old Trafford prior to Thursday’s Europa League win over PAOK.United captain Bruno Fernandes spoke to Garnacho on the pitch after the game with Leicester and revealed the Argentine refused to celebrate because he was upset about “losing the faith of some fans”.But Deeney, 36, was having none of it and blasted Garnacho, even suggesting “football is not for him”.Read More on Man UtdThe Watford legend and SunSport columnist insists anyone who plays for a club as great as Man Utd needs to build an immunity against criticism.Deeney told talkSPORT: “I said it last night on Match of the Day, and I’ll repeat it. It goes twofold.“One, it says what players are like nowadays, where their skin is so thin that one gentleman can say what he wants to say and everyone sulks.“And secondly, if he’s getting affected by that, I would say to him, just as an older pro: ‘[I] don’t think this football game is for you, big man’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Because you play for the biggest club in world football. If you play poorly, you’re going to get people to get on your case.”If you play really well, you’re still going to get people to get on your case. You play for Man Utd.Manchester United vs Leicester City: Player Ratings (1)“It’s called jealousy and that’s part of the game. So, disappointed that he didn’t celebrate. It’s an unbelievable goal.“But this will be the making or breaking of him, because if he can’t handle that from one gentleman with an iPhone in his face, then I don’t think this is the game for him, unfortunately.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo tipped to ‘follow in the footsteps of Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham’ by former Man Utd team-mate

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO could “follow in the footsteps of Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham”, according to his former team-mate.The Al-Nassr and Portugal forward, 39, is nearing the end of his playing career as he prepares to turn 40 in February.Cristiano Ronaldo has been tipped to go into club ownershipCredit: GettyHollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have owned Wrexham since 2020Credit: GettyThe Real Madrid and Manchester United legend revealed back in September that he would find it “difficult” to be a coach because he “doesn’t have the passion for this generation”.It has left the door open for people to speculate about what he could do when he finally hangs up his boots.Ex-Red Devils striker Louis Saha, who spent four years playing with Ronaldo at Man Utd, believes club ownership could be in the Portuguese icon’s future.And he has cited the success of actors Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in their takeover of Wrexham as something Ronaldo could replicate with his approximate net worth of £600million.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to BoyleSports, Saha said: “Cristiano Ronaldo can follow in the footsteps of Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham and he would be a huge success.”There is no better promoter in the world than Cristiano and that would work wonders at a football club no matter the level.”Social media is a massive machine and nobody can compete with Cristiano, he is the biggest star in the world and whatever he does in retirement, people are going to follow.”He brought 20 million more followers to Al-Nassr in a year and if he decided to buy a club it could be even bigger.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLouis Saha, right, played alongside Ronaldo for four years at Old TraffordCredit: Getty – Contributor”Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney made a huge impact at Wrexham straight away and were able to spend a lot of money on players and we’ve seen the success they’ve had since.”I’d be very happy to be a sporting director if Cristiano Ronaldo does decide to buy a club!”I watched Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al-Nassr, the atmosphere and standard had me shocked… but he didn’t seem botheredMcElhenney and Reynolds have led Wrexham to back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One.And they are challenging for a third successive promotion this season as they sit third in the table, two points off the automatic spots. More

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      I’m football’s biggest waste – I abandoned glory of stadiums to drink to oblivion in the favelas, admits Brazil legend

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      FORGOTTEN superstar Adriano has gone from scoring in a World Cup to drinking himself “into oblivion” in Rio’s favelas. The former Brazilian international has lived a party lifestyle since hanging up his boots nearly a decade ago. Adriano was a goal machine for Inter Milan between 2004 and 2009Credit: PA:Press AssociationThe Rio native won 48 caps for Brazil and was seen as the successor to RonaldoCredit: AFPAdriano was regarded as the future of Brazilian football when he burst on to the scene at the turn of the century.The 42-year-old enjoyed prolific seasons at Parma and Inter Milan before his career went spectacularly off the rails. A native of Rio, Adriano has returned to his roots since retiring in 2016.He hails from the Vila Cruzeiro favela, but currently owns a house in the upmarket Barra da Tijuca.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFollowing a recent trip back to the neighbourhood, Adriano has reflected on his life and describes himself as “football’s biggest waste”.He wrote in the Players’ Tribune: “Do you know what it feels like to be a promise? I know. “Including an unfulfilled promise. Football’s biggest waste: Me. “I like that word, waste. Not only because of how it sounds, but because I’m obsessed with wasting my life. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I’m fine like this, in frantic waste. I enjoy this stigma.”Adriano goes on to say he “drinks every other day,” before adding “and every other day too”.Adriano returns to San Siro for Inter Milan clash and reveals he had his ‘best memories’ there He continues: “I don’t like giving explanations to others. “But here’s one. I drink because it’s not easy to be a promise that remains in debt. And it gets even worse at my age. “A lot of people didn’t understand why I abandoned the glory of the stadiums to sit in my old neighbourhood, drinking to oblivion.”Because at some point I wanted to, and it’s the kind of decision that’s difficult to go back on.”Adriano’s career began to fall apart following the death of his father, who suffered from seizures throughout the footballer’s childhood after being caught in the crossfire of a turf war.Adriano was recently filmed drinking and dancing on the streets of RioCredit: TikTok / nanizin.77Adriano career statsDomestic2000-2001: Flamengo 24 (10)2001-2002: Inter Milan 8 (1)2002: Fiorentina (loan) 15 (6)2002-2004: Parma 37 (23)2004-2009: Inter Milan 115 (47)2008: Sao Paulo (loan) 29 (17)2009-2010: Flamengo 32 (19)2010-2011: Roma 5 (0)2011-2012: Corinthians 7 (2)2012: Flamengo 0 (0)2014: Atletico PR 1 (0)2016: Miami United 1 (1)International1999: Brazil U17 5 (0)2001-2002: Brazil U20 9 (6)2000-2010: Brazil 48 (27)Adriano explained: “I was 10 years old when my father was shot. I grew up living with his crises. “[My dad] Mirinho was never able to work again. The responsibility of supporting the house fell entirely on my mother’s back. “And what did she do? She faced it. She counted on the help of our neighbours.”After his father passed away, the 48-cap ace struggled to cope while playing thousands of miles away in Italy. The 42-year-old grew up in the Vila Cruzeiro neighbourhood of the cityCredit: TikTok / nanizin.77Adriano told Brazilian outlet R7: “Only I know how much I suffered.”The death of my father left me with this huge void, I felt very lonely.”After his death everything got worse, because I isolated myself. I was alone in Italy, sad and depressed, and then I started drinking.“I only felt happy when I was drinking, I’d do it every night. I drank everything I could get my hands on: wine, whiskey, vodka, beer. Lots of beer.”I didn’t stop drinking and in the end I had to leave Inter. I didn’t know how to hide it, I arrived drunk in the morning for training sessions.”Adriano struggled to cope following the death of his fatherCredit: ReutersAdriano was recently spotted partying on the streets with his friends just weeks before a highly-anticipated comeback. He will play in one final farewell match between two of his former teams, Flamengo and Inter, on December 15.The former heir to Ronaldo will play for both sides, swapping at half-time.Adriano said of his upcoming return: “Many people asked me to say goodbye.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Although I stopped playing a few years ago, I needed this match to end my cycle.”I owed it to everyone who supported me and still supports me.” More

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      My pal Gary Lineker has been brilliant on MOTD – but he wasn’t happy when I told him he’s even more divisive than ME

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      THREE weeks ago, I dined with Gary Lineker at an Italian restaurant in West London, along with England cricket legend Stuart Broad and Sky TV newsman Mark Austin.It went the way all our regular dinners go; a friendly welcome hug to start (Gary’s always bang on time, a legacy from when he’d be fined for every minute he was late for football training), a couple of Negronis to loosen the tonsils, and then, as the fine wine flowed, a series of intense, passionate arguments about everything from the Israel/Hamas and Russia/Ukraine wars to Trump, illegal immigration, and Thomas Tuchel becoming England manager. Piers at dinner with Stuart Broad, Gary Lineker and Mark AustinThe host has now confirmed he will quit Match of the Day at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyGary’s not always right, says Piers, but ‘we probably agree on more things than we disagree’Gary’s a smart, funny, loyal guy and always excellent company.We probably agree on more things than we disagree, but both enjoy fiery conversational combat, and however contentious things may get, our evenings together always end as this one did, with another hug, and a resolve to do it again soon.One thing’s for sure; although Gary’s not always right and can be amusingly stubborn when he is clearly wrong, he always means what he says, thinks about things surprisingly deeply, and he practices what he preaches, even taking a war-torn refugee into his home.Watch Piers’ explosive interviews on his Uncensored YouTube channel hereREAD MORE FROM PIERSHe’s also been a brilliant Match of the Day host, and live sport presenter.And of course, he was one of England’s best-ever footballers.So, amusing though it is to see how angry some people get about him, and his right to express his opinions – he got particularly incensed over dinner when I said he was now a more divisive public figure than me! – the bottom line is this: he’s a good bloke, with a good heart, and extremely successful at everything he puts his mind to.Which is more, I suspect, than can be said for a lot of his most vociferous critics.Most read in Football More