Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares20 Views

      in Soccer

      Ally McCoist reveals he’s suffering from incurable condition dubbed ‘Viking’s disease’ that two operations failed to fix

      by

      RANGERS legend Ally McCoist has revealed he suffers from an incurable condition called Dupuytren’s contracture.McCoist, who is now one of the nation’s most popular football broadcasters, opened up about the inherited condition during a recent appearance on talkSPORT.Ally McCoist has opened up about his incurable condition dubbed ‘Viking’s disease’Credit: GettyThe condition can cause one or more fingers to curl towards the palm or pull sidewaysCredit: NHSHe revealed that both his parents had suffered from it.The former striker has undergone two operations on his hands over the years but the issue has returned.McCoist explained: “I have got Dupuytren’s. It’s a hereditary thing where your fingers close in.”I have had them done twice. I went to see the doctor and he said to me ‘Did your grandfather have it?’. I said ‘I don’t know’ because I never met any of my grandfathers, sadly they passed before I was born.Read More in Football”I said to him ‘But my dad had it’. He lifted his head up and said ‘You’re unlucky because it normally skips a generation’. I said ‘That’s good news because I have got five boys’.”My wee mum had it as well. My mum had it, my dad had it, it’s a hereditary thing.”The bizarre thing with Dupuytren’s is when I went to see the doctor he said ‘I will operate on it but it will come back in roughly nine years’. And I swear to God nine years later it came back.He added: “I have seen myself sending a text message which takes me five minutes to text with one finger when I should just dial the number.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDupuytren’s contracture – also known as ‘Viking disease’ – is an inherited condition that causes an abnormal thickening of the skin in the palm of your hand at the base of your fingers.It can cause one or more fingers to curl towards the palm or pull sideways.Ally McCoist on Rangers ‘really, really concerning’ finances It is estimated that two million people in Britain have some degree of Dupuytren’s.The cause is unknown but it runs in families and worsens with age.McCoist is one of the UK’s most beloved football pundits and commentators.He currently works for talkSPORT, ITV and Sky Sports.What is Dupuytren’s DiseaseDupuytren’s contracture mainly affects the ring and little fingers. It’s common to have it in both hands at the same time.It tends to get slowly worse over many months or years.It’s not usually painful, but it can affect how you use your hand.It starts with lumps, dimples or ridges on your palm.Eventually, 1 or more of your fingers may get stuck in a bent position.There are 3 main types of treatment:surgery to remove the affected tissue in the hand (fasciectomy)using a needle to make small cuts in the affected tissue (needle fasciotomy)surgery to remove the affected tissue and skin (dermofasciectomy) More

    • 225 Shares26 Views

      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola’s new Man City contract officially confirmed as TWO-YEAR deal as threat of punishment over charges looms

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA has signed a two-year contract extension to remain manager of Manchester City.The 53-year-old’s existing deal was due to expire at the end of the season with the club in the midst of a legal battle with the Prem.Pep Guardiola has signed a new contract with Manchester CityCity chiefs Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano believed Guardiola’s time at City was not overCredit: Manchester City FCThe Catalan’s new deal will mean he will have spent more than a decade as City managerCredit: ReutersIt was previously reported that Guardiola would sign a new rolling one-year extension.But that is no longer the case, with the legendary Spaniard extending his stay until at least 2027.City announced the news on X.The club first teased the announcement with a short, zoomed in clip into the former Barcelona manager’s eye.Most read in FootballGuardiola said: “Manchester City means so much to me. This is my ninth season here.”We have experienced so many amazing times together. I have a really special feeling for this football club. “That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two more seasons.”Hopefully now we can add more trophies to the ones we havealready won. That will be my focus.”Most read in FootballIt will take his time at the Etihad up to 11 years.Guardiola joined City back in 2016 following the departure of Manuel Pellegrini.Pep Guardiola says Man City is not ‘in a dark place’ despite Sporting Lisbon loss Pep’s greatest of Haal timeBy Neil CustisERLING HAALAND hailed Pep Guardiola as the greatest manager of all time.Manchester City boss Pep has signed a new two-year deal to stay at the Etihad and now the Prem champions want to convince their star striker to follow suit.And Haaland — who has scored 105 goals in 114 appearances for City — saluted the Spaniard.The 24-year-old Norwegian said: “He is the best manager in the world.“I think we all know he’s probably the best that ever existed on the earth.”After arriving from Borussia ­Dortmund for £51million in July 2022, Haaland was a key part as City landed the Treble of Champions League, Prem and FA Cup in his first season.And last term he helped Guardiola’s men seal a fourth Prem title in a row.The prolific marksman puts all City’s ­success down to the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich chief.Haaland added: “I expected loads of things from him and he has been ­delivering up to this every single second, so I’m super happy and you can see that when I play.”Guardiola moved to City from Bayern in the summer of 2016 and has won six league titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, the Champions League and the Club World Club.He won three titles each at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, plus two Champions Leagues with Barca.City feared he may leave at the end of this season but instead the 53-year-old has signed a new contract to stay on.Etihad chiefs hope Pep’s commitment will boost their chances of Haaland agreeing a £100m package — as revealed by SunSport this week.Barcelona have been linked with a swoop for the hitman. But Haaland — due to be back in Prem action at home to Spurs tomorrow —  has 2½ years left on his £375,000-a-week-plus-bonuses deal.Meanwhile, Guardiola believes he will know when the time is right for him to walk away.He said: “I enjoy being here, I like my job.“I said many times, the moment I don’t have that feeling — even with a contract — I will call my chairman, my CEO and say the best thing for the club is for me to leave.“I don’t have that feeling right now, so I’ve extended.”This is the fourth contract extension he has signed with City.Pep admitted: “Every time I signed the contract I’d say it’s the last two years — and still we are here. So honestly, myself and my staff, we deserve to be here. We deserve the chance after four defeats in a row to bounce back.”City have struggled since the serious knee injury to midfield linchpin Rodri in September and face an uphill task to retain their title.Pep added: “This season we have won one [Community Shield] and maybe we are not going to win the other ones but this is not the problem.“The problem is what’s next, what decisions do we have to take to still be in there. Still be a good team.”He has won 18 trophies during his time in English football, including six Premier League titles — second in the all-time list behind former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson (13).But there had been speculation regarding his future in recent weeks amid the club’s legal battle with Prem bosses.The hearing into City’s alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play has entered it’s 10th week.City are currently facing 115 charges relating to their financial dealings between 2009 and 2018.If found guilty, the Prem giants could face a significant punishment.They may even be expelled from the top division.But it is understood that Guardiola’s contract will NOT have a break clause.This means his new deal will not be affected by the outcome of the club’s hearing into the charges and if City were relegated.However, SunSport understands that it is unlikely that that the Cityzens would be dumped from all competitions despite the rules allowing for it to happen.With Guardiola agreeing to stay, he will be forced to lead City through the storm of whatever penalty – if any – they receive.In 2022-23, he helped City become only the second English side after Ferguson’s 1998-99 team to win the Treble — comprising the Prem, FA Cup and Champions League.Last term his side made history by becoming the first team to win four successive top-flight titles.The structure of Guardiola’s deal is the same as the contract he signed in November 2020 and November 2022.Guardiola has won 18 trophies during his time at the EtihadCredit: PAThe Spaniard matched Fergie’s Treble winning feat in 2022-23Credit: PAThe decision to extend also alleviates any potential problems of a managerial handover during a hectic summer that will see City compete at the Club World Cup in America.City – second in the table, winless in four, and four points behind leaders Liverpool – return to action at home to Tottenham on Saturday.Guardiola added: “I felt I could not leave now – simple as that. Maybe the four defeats was the reason why. I felt the club still wanted me.“Firstly because we won a lot, I feel love. But it’s a business and you have to win. I have a contract but I know if we don’t win I won’t continue.“The moment it’s done, the club will know it. And at this moment we didn’t feel it.“Every time I signed the contract I say it’s the last two – and still we are here. READ MORE SUN STORIES“So honestly myself and my staff, we deserve to be here. I’m not arrogant to say it, it’s the truth. We deserve the chance – after four defeats in a row – to bounce back and try to turn the situation.”This is the first time Guardiola has endured such a streak of losses – excluding penalty shootouts – in his managerial career. More

    • 238 Shares38 Views

      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim makes Leny Yoro decision with £52m star removed from squad after training with new Man Utd boss

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM pulled Leny Yoro out of Manchester United’s under-21 game this week, according to reports.The 19-year-old was due to make his first appearance of the season in a 4-0 win over Altrincham in the National League Cup on Tuesday.Leny Yoro was removed from the U21 squad after his first training session with Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyYoro is yet to make a competitive appearance for United after suffering an injury in pre-seasonCredit: GettyAmorim has been putting the players, available to him following the international break, through their paces at CarringtonCredit: GettyBut new United boss Amorim wanted Yoro to remain with the senior squad after watching the defender in his first training session on Monday.Yoro recently returned to Carrington after fracturing his metatarsal during pre-season against Arsenal on July 26.Training clips, released by United, showed Yoro, who signed for £59m from Lille in the summer, training at the right hand side of the back three.He was flanked by Jonny Evans in the middle and Luke Shaw on the left during the practice match.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAmorim appears to have taken an immediate shine to Yoro.The teenage talent could make his debut away at Ipswich Town on Sunday.Amorim is expected to bring in his favourite 3-4-3 formation, which saw him win two titles with Sporting Lisbon.The Frenchman was among the first players to meet the new boss when he arrived at the start of the international break.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim, 39, did not have a full squad of first-team players to work with because many of his top stars were on international duty.He will be cautious with Yoro’s return, but he could be forced to throw him into action at Portman Road amid uncertainty surrounding other centre-backs.How Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position changeUnited are going through yet another injury crisis at the back, after Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof withdrew from their national teams over the break.Harry Maguire hasn’t been spotted in training and looks to be ruled out of the trip to East Anglia.Maguire has been out for seven weeks with a calf injury he sustained in the first half of the goalless draw with Aston Villa on October 6.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

    • 225 Shares18 Views

      in Soccer

      How Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position change and new-look starting XI

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM can not only solve Marcus Rashford’s form struggles but turn him into one of the Premier League’s best again. Yet Rashford must first buy into a fresh 3-4-3 philosophy, accept a subtle positional change and desert his love for the left-wing. Amorim is expected to quickly instil the same coaching philosophy that earned him two Primeira Liga titles at SportingCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford is set to flourish in a new role under AmorimCredit: GettyHe has worked with a number of senior stars ahead of the Ipswich gameAmorim’s first session provided plenty of insight into his plansWith many United players spending time away on international duty, including Rasmus Hojlund, Rashford would be wise to make use of the extra time spent on the training ground with new boss Amorim.The 27-year-old has endured some topsy-turvy years after he burst onto the scene in 2016, failing to hit the heights of his 2022-23 season where he scored 30 goals in all competition.Amorim, 39, is tasked with bringing Rashford’s magic touch back, with the forward scoring just once in 12 Prem games this season. But how will the new manager, with the confidence of Jose Mourinho and the flare of Pep Guardiola, bring the best of out of Rashford?READ MORE ON MAN UTDMarcus Rashford’s resurrection A player of Rashford’s quality shouldn’t be written off, but the United academy star must open his heart up to a 3-4-3 formation. Rashford must let go of his hopes of hanging out on the left-hand side, as Amorim will NOT use two out-and-out wingers, but will instead play with an attacking left-wing back.Amorim looks set to build two differently profiled so-called No 10s – and Rashford must become one alongside captain Bruno Fernandes.Fernandes’ talents mean he’ll pick up the ball-playing No 10 role, leaving Rashford as the driving central player, who runs off the No 9.Most read in FootballWinger Rashford must become a No.10 – but not necessarily a ball-playing oneMeanwhile, Rashford could also be reinvented as a central striker with two close 10s to support him, but Hojlund is more likely to thrive in this role.The England star is used to playing in a 4-3-2-1 formation or as a striker in counter attacking side, so things will have to change.But if Rashford buys into it early, and focuses on more assists than goals, the United will have a Carrington graduate playing an important role in the club’s future.A look at the build-up to Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge of Man Utd With Hojlund stretching the defence, a channel will appear for Rashford to run intoAmorim’s 3-4-3 formationAmorim has a clear identity. And it seems almost certain that the Portuguese tactician will bring in his winning 3-4-3 structure to M16.He likes his teams to play through the thirds and to dominate possession when moving the ball out from the back.Hojlund, a player United haven’t made the best use of, will likely be deployed at No 9.At Sporting, the formation and style has been built around a mobile, big, physical runner Viktor Gyokeres – and Hojlund can ease into that role.Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte all slot into their respective roles. United are set to adopt Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formationAnd £52million summer signing Leny Yoro has been spotted training at the right hand side of the back three in training clips this week. What is more constant is that in his 3-4-3 formation, attacking wing-backs are key in all thirds of the pitch.Amorim has used two defensive midfielders to cover for his wing-backs – who push high up the pitch and stay wide to form a 3-4-2-1.This also allows his two attacking midfielders to drop into pockets behind a lone striker while still stretching the opposition’s backline.Wing and a prayerAmorim places his wing-backs right up in the attacking areas of the pitch, giving them full freedom of in the flanks.It will become a 3-2-5 in attack, where the wing-backs are expected to push up in different profiles.Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo and even Antony could be eased into a wing-back role, as all three have the ability to take on their man in a 1 v 1. Amorim likes his teams to play through the thirds and to dominate possession when moving the ball out from the back.For the non-byline running full-backs, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui can invert to play in the inside channel when attacking.Amorim likes to have his wing-backs playing high up the pitchWhile Dalot and Mazraoui are set to star in a more inverted role when playingAndre Onana’s gameErik ten Hag bought Andre Onana for £43.7m on the basis of his ability to play out of the back, but the Dutchman couldn’t find a way to utilise David de Gea’s replacement.Onana will be asked to play into the midfield’s feet, who are expected to take the ball on the half-turn and push up the pitch.In training this week, there were no long balls to be seen.It looks like the out-field players will be limited to only two touches before passing it in a zig-zag if they can’t turn, until a channel of space opens up. Goalkeeper Andre Onana should unleash his ball-playing abilitiesMuch has been made of Andre Onana’s ability to play it out from the back with his feetCredit: GettyMainoo main manKobbie Mainoo has the ability to be United’s main ball-playing central midfielder.With the Red Devils looking to start from defence, Mainoo’s role as a deep playmaker has become even more important.Just 18 months after his first run-out against Charlton Athletic in the League Cup, he was starting the final of Euro 2024. The 19-year-old has the ability to dip his shoulder.Mainoo fits in nicely next to all-action Manuel Ugarte, who prefers to be tasked with breaking up play. Ugarte will be well aware of the system used by Amorim having played 85 times under the Portuguese coach in Lisbon, where he started 61 matches.Kobbie Mainoo returned to training this weekCredit: GettyAmorim appears to have taken an immediate shine to Mainoo in training his week, with the pair spotted chatting on several occasions.But all players will expected to get up and down quickly and bust a gut to get back, which has not been witnessed in United games of late. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the amount of sprinting required could spell the end for Casemiro, who at 32 years old seems to have lost his legs.Nonetheless, the Real Madrid legend has stepped up in his dressing room role in recent week.Amorim was always encouraging his players where to run to in training this weekRuben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

    • 225 Shares30 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s uncle ‘rushed to hospital after motorcycle was hit by car and flipped over’ on UK island

      by

      THE uncle of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo was rushed to hospital after being hit by a car on Wednesday, according to reports.Jorge Viveiros suffered the accident while driving a motorcycle in Saint Helier, Jersey.Cristiano Ronaldo’s uncle, Jorge Viveiros, was rushed to hospital after being hit by a carCredit: Instagram @fernandojorgeviveirosPortuguese outlet JM claims he was hit by a smart car and his vehicle overturned.He was eventually rescued by firefighters and taken to a nearby hospital.Viveiros remained under observation for a matter of hours before being discharged the same day.He is now thought to be recovering at home.Read More in FootballViveiros is the brother of Ronaldo’s mother, Dolores Aveiro.The Real Madrid legend is known to be close with his family, especially his mother.Maria regularly appears on social media with her son celebrating his many achievements.Ronaldo is about to enter the final seven months of his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.Most read in FootballAs things stand, he is yet to agree terms for a new deal.Jose Mourinho is allegedly trying to persuade him to join Fenerbahce next summer.’Cristiano Ronaldo got quicker, stronger and learned after being humiliated by AC Milan and that game changed his career’ says Paul Scholes Reports claim the ex-Real Madrid boss has already contacted him.He asked: “Are you happy there? There is talk that you want to leave.”If you leave, would you like to come to Fenerbahce?” More

    • 225 Shares34 Views

      in Soccer

      Clive Tyldesley reveals possible LAST live UK game that ‘won’t be dull’ months after ITV axed legendary commentator

      by

      LEGENDARY commentator Clive Tyldesley has revealed his final match on UK television could be as soon as next month.Tyldesley has worked in TV and radio for the last 32 years, covering both domestic and international football.Clive Tyldesley has revealed his final game commentating on UK TV could be next monthCredit: RexHe was axed by ITV after commentating on Euro 2024 but vowed to stay in broadcasting.The 70-year-old quickly snapped up a new job with US network CBS but kept his role with Amazon Prime where he covers the Premier League.However, because Amazon’s deal with England’s top flight set to expire soon, his final game commentating for UK audiences is quickly approaching.Tyldesley’s final Prem match for the channel could be Brighton’s clash with Brentford during the Christmas period.Read More in FootballSpeaking on the Anfield Wrap podcast, he explained: “What actually could be the final game I ever commentate for UK television is Brighton-Brentford. That won’t be dull.”That’s on 27 December. Amazon Prime, this is their final year, so the Premier League going forward is going back to a two-man cartel of Sky and TNT.”Amazon did not enter the running for Prem broadcast rights from 2025-26 onwards.Instead, Sky Sports and TNT Sports won the process and will continue sharing the rights.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter announcing his new job with CBS back in July, Tyldesley explained: “All I can do is keeping reviewing my own standards, keep making myself available.”If someone like CBS – who have given me a four-year contract to cover Champions League for the USA – show that sort of confidence in me then I can only assure you I will repay that faith by working bloody hard and trying to be as good as I can be.”Fans hail mark pougatch’s classy farewell to clive tyldesley live on tv as itv commentator bows out after 28 yearsUltimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

    • 238 Shares26 Views

      in Soccer

      Amad Diallo could be handed shock position change as Ruben Amorim begins to put stamp on Man Utd team

      by

      AMAD DIALLO could be the first major winner of Rubem Amorim’s reign.The Ivorian right-winger is tipped to start ahead of big names in Amorim’s first match in charge of Manchester United at Ipswich on Sunday, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho among those under pressure.Amad Diallo has quickly impressed new Man Utd boss AmorimCredit: GettyRuben Amorim has identified ‘character’ and team unity as prioritiesCredit: GettyAnd there’s also a chance Diallo will take on a new role for the Pem trip.United’s new Portuguese boss Amorim is already understood to have made major decisions about certain stars – after just a week of training.That includes some players he reckons won’t fit into his preferred 3-4-3 system, as used in four years at Sporting Lisbon.This weekend’s main selection concern is likely to concern the front three.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd it’s thought Diallo’s workrate, as well as his team ethic, give him the edge over widemen with arguably more flair but less consistency – such as Garnacho and Antony.So the former Sunderland loanee, 22, might finally be in pole position to hold down a regular spot on the right wing for the Red Devils.Amorim perhaps hinted as much by saying: “The team is the most important thing for me.”If you work as a team, then the talent individually is going to shine.” Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 39-year-old rated “running back” and “character” as other priorities. Diallo played the whole game last time out for United, a 3-0 Prem home win over Leicester on November 10.A look at the build-up to Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge of Man Utd Ruud van Nistelrooy bowed out on that, giving him three victories and a draw in his four-match stint as interim chief.And Diallo’s hopes of retaining his spot have been boosted by another factor.Amorim prefers playing three in defence – whereas United’s full-backs are more used to playing in a four-man rearguard.Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui took those slots, right and left respectively, against the Foxes.Meanwhile, left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are finally in full training again after long-term injuries.But Diallo has impressed Amorim at Carrington with his hard graft.That means he might also be in contention for a starting position wide in midfield when the 13th-place Red Devils travel to Ipswich in 17th.Amorim’s new squad have been impressed with his Jose Mourinho levels of “confidence”.So the big question this weekend is: How much self-belief will he have to launch an instant shake-up with Diallo and all?READ MORE SUN STORIESMan 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

    • 213 Shares34 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-England star Luther Blissett, 66, ‘collapses at charity event’ and rushed to hospital as Watford release statement

      by

      FORMER England star Luther Blissett was rushed to hospital after falling ill at a charity auction last week.The 66-year-old reportedly collapsed while hosting this year’s My Local Hero fundraiser at Watford’s Grove Hotel on Saturday.Luther Blissett was rushed to hospital after collapsing on SaturdayCredit: GettyAccording to the Watford Observer, he was immediately rushed to Watford General Hospital before being transferred to a specialist in London for further assessments.Blissett had auctioned off a Watford shirt just hours beforehand.A statement from his former club on Thursday read: “Watford FC is aware of reports that the club’s all-time record appearance-maker and goalscorer Luther Blissett OBE DL is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital.”Chairman & CEO Scott Duxbury said: ‘Luther and all of his loved ones know they have our full support. We will do all we can to help.’Read More in Football”The Hornets wish to confirm at this stage, however, that the club has had no direct confirmation of his circumstances from Luther or his family.”Everyone connected with Watford FC would like to wish Luther the fullest possible recovery.”‘Watford’s Favourite Son’ was helping raise money at a community event last weekend when he was taken ill.”Blissett spent 14 years with Watford across three different spells as a player.Most read in FootballHe made 210 appearances in total and scored 90 goals.The striker also played for AC Milan, Bournemouth, West Brom, Bury, Derry City, Mansfield Town, Southport, Wimborne Town, Fakenham Town and Chesham United.He was capped 14 times by England and scored three international goals.After retiring, Blissett briefly took up management and spent another year with Chesham.He was awarded an OBE in 2022 for his services to football and charity. More