Football

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY signed off as Manchester United manager in style and was given a standing ovation by supporters.The interim boss guided the Red Devils to a 3-0 win over Leicester in his final game in charge.Ruud van Nistelrooy looked emotional at full-timeHe was serenaded by the Stretford EndCredit: GettyVan Nistelrooy ends his tenure undefeatedCredit: GettyHis future at Old Trafford remains unclearCredit: GettyVan Nistelrooy has overseen three wins and a draw in his four matches at the helm.And he will now pass on the reigns to new manager Ruben Amorim from tomorrow.But Van Nistelrooy’s future is unclear and it remains to be seen whether he will form part of the new coaching set-up or leave the club.Fans made it clear they would like him to stay and they chanted the Dutch legend’s name towards the end of the game.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSome supporters even looked emotional as their former player took in their love at full-time.Van Nistelrooy first came on to the pitch and hugged several of his players, including goalscorer Bruno Fernandes.He was then serenaded by the Stretford End as he made his way towards the tunnel.The undefeated boss applauded the fans and lifted his arm in acknowledgement.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter the game, Van Nistelrooy said: “It is a closure to the block of four games and the future is open.”It was a beautiful moment to be able to share that with the supporters, it was special.”A beautiful moment and to show gratitude to them [the fans], I can’t thank them enough.”Manchester United vs Leicester City: Player Ratings (1)Van Nistelrooy has made it clear he would like to stay at Old Trafford, writing in his programme notes today: “I would like to thank everyone for making me feel so welcome and supportive during my time in charge.”The United fans have always held a special place in my heart, but I can honestly say that my love for you all has only grown during this time. “The support I have received from the stands at Old Trafford has been fantastic and I have memories of it that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”The history of this club is incredible and it will always be a great honour for me to have played a part in it as a player. “Today, however, I am here as a manager and I am looking to the future. “In this context, I see only positive things for Manchester United. “I am totally convinced that this club has all the ingredients to return to the level I knew as a player, but it will take a lot of work and determination from everyone at the club to achieve this.”From tomorrow, I will support our new head coach, Ruben Amorim, and I invite everyone who loves the club to do the same. “I have worked with this group every day since this summer and I can tell you that there is huge potential in these players, from the experienced executives to the youngsters coming through the academy. “The coaches, the club staff and the fans all have a role to play in helping these players become the best players they can be.”Of course, it starts with players taking responsibility for themselves and others, because playing for Manchester United requires strong character, hard work and constant dedication.”There is no room to hide, especially in today’s media environment, but this is the kind of challenge that you have to relish and embrace. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Be brave, give it your all and show your talent for yourself, for the badge on your shirt and most importantly for the best fans in the world.”Let me tell you, whether you are a player or a manager, there is nothing greater than representing Manchester United Football Club.”Ruben 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

WHAT A DAY for Bruno Fernandes and what a send-off for Ruud van Nistelroory.The interim boss could be gone by the end of next week with Ruben Amorim on his way in with his own backroom staff.Ruud van Nistelrooy signed off as United boss in styleCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes as scored four in four under Van NistelrooyCredit: ReutersThe skipper fired in a brilliant curler from the edge of the boxCredit: ReutersThe second goal went in off Victor KristiansenCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho netted a brilliant thirdCredit: GettyVan Nistelrooy wants to stay in some capacity, the fans and players want him to stay too but it will be down to Amorim.Perhaps the Dutch goalscoring legend’s own ambitions to be boss at Old Trafford one day may tip the balance.No new boss wants that looming over their shoulder.Let’s be honest, it’s not like this is the most secure job in world football as it is.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe incoming Head Coach from Sporting Lisbon will be the sixth incumbent in the Manchester United hot seat since Sir Alex bowed out back in 2013.That’s apart from interim boss Ralf Rangnick and the other three who filled a gap; Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and now Van Nistelrooy.Little wonder the office door just has the word ‘manager’ on at Carrington rather than their actual names in these cost- cutting times under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.I mean how much do those golden letters cost?Most read in FootballTalking of Ratcliffe it was the part owner now running things at the club who was on the pitch before kick-off to present Fernandes with a framed shirt to mark this, his 250th appearance for the club.One presumes, the club paid for it, not the player.So the stage was set for the 30-year-old Red Devils captain to celebrate the occasion in style, and how he did just that.He scored the opening goal, he forced the second although it was credited as an own goal off Victor Kristiansen.Then he provided the assist for the third for Alejandro Garnacho.For Fernandes that is 83 goals and 72 assists for the Portuguese ace since he made his own switch from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020.Undoubtedly he is the best signing in the post Sir Alex era.To be fair that bar is not terribly high, but he has been an example to the rest from the day he walked into Old Trafford.The man with the armband can often be the main target after the manager when things are going wrong here.They have been for some time.But have no doubt about his contribution to this club in difficult times.His application and devotion to the badge on and off the pitch is huge.Critics use his arm flapping histrionics as a stick to beat him with but it is because he cares so much.He opened the scoring here against woeful Leicester in the 17th  minute.He received a thrown-in on the left from Noussair Mazraoui and then after a quick exchange of passes with Amad Diallo, curled a shot from the edge of the area into the far bottom corner. Off to the corner flag in celebration, why is it always the corner flag?The chants of ‘Bruno’ went up and his teammates all flocked to him.A great start, but this being the modern day Manchester United the opposition will always have a chance to get back into it.So it was in the 28th minute when Facundo Buonanotte put Wilfrd Nididi clean through but Andre Onana was out to him and smothered his shot.Then when Buonanotte himself got a sight on goal a fantastic tackle by Mazraoui took the ball away from him.Reds rattled, but not for long as number two followed in the 38th minute.Mazraoui provided the cross from the left and there was Fernandes to get a flick with the top of his thigh and the ball went in off Victor Kristiansen.The captain got the congratulations even if it officially went down to the Leicester player as an own goal.  It was as well Fernandes was a menace in front of goal because Rasmus Hojlund certainly was not.Let’s say the reception was generous when he was finally hooked in the 75th minute but not quite as lacklustre as that which greeted his replacement Joshua Zirkzee.After all the millions spent in the last decade is that what this famous club has ended up with as striking options?So that’s three wins and a draw for Van Nistelrooy who had his name chanted loudly as this game came to a close.In his programme notes he had talked about the emotions of managing the club for this short period.He wrote: “I can honestly say that my love for you all has only grown during this period.”From tomorrow, I will be getting behind our new head coach, Ruben Amorim, and I urge everyone who loves the club to do the same.”READ MORE SUN STORIESRemind you of anything, Sir Alex 11 years ago perhaps and ten months later David Moyes was gone.The revolving door continues to spin…next.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. 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EDDIE HOWE got his substitutes spot on as Newcastle delivered an impressive second half fightback.It was going so well for Forest, the Premier League’s third-placed team, when defender Murillo – who has just been called into the Brazilian squad – scored his first ever goal.Joelinton rose highest with the quality of his goal and his celebrationCredit: PAAlexander Isak deservedly levelled for Newcastle soon after the breakCredit: RexJoelinton’s curler put Newcastle in front in their turnaround winCredit: AlamyYet Alexander Isak levelled early in the second half and three minutes after being introduced, Sandro Tonali tore forward to set up Joelinton who grabbed a spectacular second.Tonali then played a part in teeing up Harvey Barnes who, also three minutes after coming on as a sub, beat Forest defender Matz Sels at his near post for 3-1 with seven minutes left.So what looked to be a potentially-damaging afternoon for Toon boss Howe ended up surprisingly comfortable.Initially, it looked as though it was not going to be Howe’s day.READ MORE TOP STORIESDefender Dan Burn picked up an early caution for a foul on Morgan Gibbs-White and he will miss the next game against West Ham on November 25 due after picking up five yellow cards.Yet Burn was particularly annoyed with referee Anthony Taylor as his booking came while Tino Livramento was still on the ground holding his face after being elbowed by Ryan Yates, who avoided a yellow card let alone a red.Forest skipper Yates was also fortunate to not concede a penalty when catching Sean Longstaff on the knee inside the area. Longstaff was maybe too honest and should have flung himself to the floor but in any case, there should surely have been a VAR check.Yet there could be no excuses from any of Newcastle’s players for the really poor marking which led to the opening goal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMurilllo was left completely unmarked to run into the danger area and got ahead of Joelinton to score with a header. Anthony Elanga not only won the free-kick but delivered the perfect set-piece.Newcastle might argue that before the free-kick, Forest were awarded a corner when it should have been a goal-kick as the ball came off Yates, but they were still guilty of some poor defending for the goal.I’m a former Premier League and England star and I have to pay price of Tesco meal deal for lunch at my club Newcastle surged back into the top eight with victoryCredit: GettyNewcastle responded with Forest keeper Mats Selz – who had a couple of years in the north-east – making saves from Bruno Guimaraes and Burn.Nine minutes into the second half, Newcastle levelled. Both Chris Wood and Longstaff both jumped up to meet a corner from Gordon and the ball perfectly for Isak who will not have many easier goals than this.Isak then should have made it 2-1 but sent a volley flying wide following a pinpoint cross from Willock, That was Willock’s final kick of the ball and he was replaced by Tonali, who soon made a difference.The Italian drove forward, fed the ball to Isak who picked out Joelinton 25 yards out. He still had a lot of work to do but he was able to jog into the area unchallenged, swerved a challenge from Elanga and then brilliantly, curled a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.READ MORE SUN STORIESAny hopes of a Forest recovery were then blown to pieces by substitute Barnes. Tonali once again played a part in a flowing move by the visitors and Barnes threaded a shot through the legs of defender Nikola Milenkovic and Sels was beaten at his near post.Murillo thumped home a header to put Forest in front at half-timeCredit: Getty More