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      in Soccer

      Man Utd transfer target Viktor Gyokeres ‘UNHAPPY with Ruben Amorim’ as boss prepares to quit Sporting to replace Ten Hag

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      RUBEN AMORIM’S expected move to Manchester United has not gone down well with two Sporting CP stars, reports suggest.The Red Devils sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday and appointed assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy as interim manager.Ruben Amorim is expected to leave Sporting CP for Man UtdHowever, this has left star striker Viktor Gyokeres upset after he stayed in Lisbon to play under AmorimCredit: ReutersHowever, club bosses Ineos proved to be laser-focused in appointing the next permanent manager, with two-time league winner Amorim set to take charge.United have indicated they are willing to pay the 39-year-old’s £8.3million release clause, but have been told to cough up a further £4m to take his coaching staff as well.SunSport exclusively revealed that idol and former tutor Jose Mourinho encouraged him to take the job.Tuesday night saw Amorim’s Sporting side win 3-1 over Nacional in the Portuguese League Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut come Wednesday, not all was as it seemed with O Jogo reporting that star striker Viktor Gyokeres had been left unhappy with Amorim’s upcoming exit.The Swede has become one of Europe’s top strikers under Amorim, and scored in Tuesday’s 3-1 win, but was “enticed” to stay in Portugal to continue working with the “Special One 2.0”.However, both the 26-year-old and Danish star Morten Hjulmand have been left irritated by the Amorim news after turning down interest from elsewhere, including from Man Utd.Speaking to SportTV, ex-Coventry ace Gyokeres said: “He’s here and that’s what I’m focused on, let’s see what happens. He’s still here, so I’m not going to wear myself out.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAmorim was asked about player instability regarding his move at his press conference.He replied: “If I haven’t even left Sporting yet. What I say is that, when everything is decided, I will come here to explain everything. At this moment, everything I can say to a Sporting fan. It is obvious that they are revolted about the situation.Watch Sporting Lisbon fan reveal how you’ve been pronouncing incoming Man Utd manger Ruben Amorim’s name all wrong”Because they have a lot of affection for me. They believe a lot in my work. And love is very close. It’s not really hateful. But we know what football is like. I realize that.”People have to feel what they have to feel at this moment, I have nothing to say about it and I think it’s perfectly natural. What I am saying is that now I cannot say anything definitive or definitive.”And I’ll be able to say that. If I have the opportunity, and I should, I’m sure I will, I’ll explain here, step by step, why I decided one thing or another. I don’t want to give hope to anyone, nor stop giving hope.”What I say is that there was the club’s situation. The communication had to come out on this day that there is a game. The feeling in the stadium that Pedro had, I had.”I can see that my players, when they go to a lecture, are not the same. This is part of our life and we know what these situations are like. We have been through in the past.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.”What I say is that a club has appeared that wants to pay my clause. And I don’t control that. When the plane came, I might not have caught the plane. It’s true.”I thought the championship was already won. I couldn’t say that at the time, but now I do. In this situation, there are things that I do not control.”What I control is that I’m going to say and I’m going to explain everything here. And I’ll explain my decision. That’s it. But I need to have everything defined. Players do not need to make any requests.”I know what the players want. I know what the players feel. Now, it’s time to get ready to work.”Asked about the likes of Gyokeres in particular, he added: “First, no player was offered the clause [to leave mid-season]. And that doesn’t change. There is no more stability than that. 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.”It’s easy to say, only someone leaves here because of the clause. Then, it wasn’t Viktor who said that. He was Viktor’s agent. They are different people. “I will not be talking about the decision or non-decision. I’ll explain everything. What will force one way or the other, that doesn’t matter now. I’ll explain everything.”Now, speaking of that part, the club only lets assets be sold in the middle of the season, it seemed to me, it was always that rule, by the clause.”No player had proposals for the clause. None. In this respect, the project is not weakened because the rules remain. And the coherence remains.”Despite reports initially claiming Amorim could be in charge as soon as this Sunday’s clash against Chelsea, The Guardian report there is a 30-day notice period before the switch can officially happen.The Red Devils play six games in that period before hosting Everton at Old Trafford on December 1 in what could be Amorim’s first game in charge.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn the meantime, United beat Leicester 5-2 in the League Cup on Wednesday, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro both grabbing a brace while Alejandro Garnacho also got on the scoresheet.It was a stark contrast even to the West Ham game on Sunday, as Ten Hag’s squad struggled to get the ball in the net. A fact that ultimately cost the Dutchman his job.Man Utd ratings vs LeicesterMAN UNITED started life after Erik ten Hag with a comfortable win over Leicester in the Carabao Cup.But who shone in the 5-2 victory, and who will be hoping incoming boss Ruben Amorim wasn’t watching?SunSport’s Katherine Walsh gives her ratings…Altay Bayindir – 6Although United dominated, Bayindir looked shaky when Leicester’s chances came.He flapped with a dodgy punch which led to the away side’s 33rd minute goal. And he looked to repeat it with McAteer’s shot just before half-time.But one excellent second half save, pushed on to the crossbar, when Steve Cooper’s side were pressing, boosts his mark up a bit.Victor Lindelof – 6Hasn’t got the partnership with De Ligt established yet as they both failed to deal with crosses too often from centre-back.But wasn’t really troubled consistently in the absence of Jamie Vardy in what was his second start of the season.Matthijs De Ligt – 7A more physical presence at the back than in previous performances but a more potent attack could have caused much more trouble.Kasey McAteer got the better of him a few times and he was subbed in the 71st minute for Jonny Evans.Lisandro Martinez – 6Looked vulnerable at left-back in moments, with Lindelof filling in at centre-back.James Justin often had acres of space in the second half before United made it 5-2.Diogo DalotBack in his beloved right-hand side and told to push into midfield but often left his defensive channel wide open.Passed back all too often and kept Justin onside in the first half. He assisted Garnacho’s opener though after collecting Casemiro’s stunning lofted pass.Played a part in Leicester’s second after the ball bounced off him to drop for Coady in another silly goal to concede for the home side.Casemiro – 9The star of the show. A stunning first-half showing saw Casemiro score a brace after bagging a 30-yard screamer for United’s opening goal inside 15 minutes.He was involved in Garnacho’s goal too. Came up with a number of key defensive headers in the second-half to show class is permanent, although form might be temporary at 32 years old.Manuel Ugarte – 6Conceded early fouls but worked hard. Slowly but surely starting to get to grips with his United team-mates after a shaky start.Bruno Fernandes – 8Restored United’s 3-1 lead with his first finish of the season. Played with a smile on his face, which we often haven’t seen this season.Dummied the ball for Casemiro’s worldie and scored his second of the evening in the 57th minute after rolling it under Danny Ward before tapping it into an empty net.Will be leaned on heavily by Van Nistelrooy to produce the goods following Ten Hag’s departure.Marcus Rashford – 6A quiet evening for Rashford, who needs to kick on after Ten Hag’s exit.The winger lost the ball a lot in the first 30 minutes. Flicks didn’t come off and hauled off again in the 60th minute.Rashford’s only played a full 90 minutes THREE times this season.Alejandro Garnacho – 7A goal and assist for Garnacho, who attended the Ballon d’Or on Monday.The 20-year-old doubled United’s lead inside 27 minutes after a well worked team move and set up Casemiro’s brilliant opener.Looked a constant threat throughout and was taken off 20 minutes from time to be saved for Sunday’s clash against Chelsea.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Worked hard but never looked confident on the ball and struggled to get involved in the seven-goal thriller. Never seemed to be on his toes either.But the only consolation is that he was involved in Casemiro’s second (United’s fourth).Trudged off after 85 minutes looking disgruntled with his tail between his legs.SubsAmad (60′ for Rashford) – 7Instant impact from the bench. The youngster almost scored an overhead kick with his first touch of the evening.Mazraoui (60′ for Martinez) – 6Hojlund (71′ for Garnacho) – 6Jonny Evans (71′ for De Ligt) – 6Ethan Wheatley (85′ for Zirkzee) – N/A More

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      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho encouraged Ruben Amorim to take Man Utd job but Sporting boss wants to delay move due to Champions League

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      JOSE MOURINHO encouraged Ruben Amorim to take the jump from Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United.The Fenerbahce and former Red Devils boss has been a long time mentor to Amorim who had an internship at Mourinho’s High Performance Football Coaching course back in 2018.Jose Mourinho has backed his former trainee to take up Manchester United’s offerRuben Amorim looks set to replace sacked Erik ten Hag at Old TraffordThe pair have remained close and so he was the person the 39-year-old turned to when he became aware of United’s interest.SunSport also understands that Amorim wants to delay his move to United until after Sporting play Manchester City in the Champions League in Lisbon next Tuesday.His next match is at home on Friday to Estrela.It seems certain that interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will therefore be in charge for not only the Leicester City Carabao Cup game but also the visit of Chelsea to Old Trafford on Sunday.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSUnited have agreed to pay Amorim’s £8.5million release clause.But the club want a further £4.1million for him to take his Sporting backroom staff with him.The sticking point, however, is that Sporting are looking to promote his assistant Carlos Fernandez to Amorim’s post despite him being only 29.While there are reports that Sporting will hold Amorim to a 30-day notice period the coach is convinced he will be at Old Trafford next week.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe has agreed to a two-and-a-half year contract with the option on the United’s side to extend that by a further year.Amorim had already been spoken to by United’s hierarchy before firing Erik ten Hag on Monday morning.Jose Mourinho jokes that he could become Millwall manager as he says ‘it’s just across the bridge from my house’The man himself immediately turned to Mourinho for advice.Despite his own dismissal by the club in his third season ‘The Special One’ encouraged him to make the move.Mourinho backed him when he was linked to the West Ham job.Mourinho said: “I think he has the conditions to be able to coach in any league and he has the conditions to be able to coach in any club.”Amorim for his part once referred to Mourinho as a ‘reference point’ and said of him:“Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”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

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      in Motorsport

      F1 fans offered never-before-seen job of dressing George Russell as Mercedes post advert

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      FORMULA ONE giant Mercedes has advertised a bizarre new job which involves dressing the team’s drivers.The Brackley-based team want to hire a Marketing Operations Driver Clothing Executive – someone to manage the off-track attire of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.Mercedes want to hire someone to manage the outfits of George Russell and Kimi AntonelliCredit: Mercedes AMGWhoever is appointed will be in charge of the pair’s personal, fitness, formal, lifestyle and travel wardrobe.They will also coordinate Russell and Antonelli’s highly-photographed paddock walk-in looks.Mercedes’ job description reads: “The Marketing Operations Driver Clothing Executive is responsible for project managing driver styling planning and process for the Mercedes F1 Team.”It involves working with the driver appointed stylists and team apparel partners to deliver clothing looks for collateral shoots, marketing appearances, trackside walk in looks and activations.Read More in Sport”It is also about managing relationships with our team clothing partner and driver management.”Mercedes chiefs are looking for someone who has “experience of working in a retail or marketing environment” with a skill set in project management.Rookie driver Antonelli will make his F1 debut with Mercedes next year.He will replace Lewis Hamilton, who has already signed a two-year deal with Ferrari.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAntonelli is set to partner Russell, who has been racing for the team since 2022.Mercedes currently sit fourth in the Constructor Championship standings, behind McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull.Drive to Survive and F1 legend runs B&B with rooms named after iconic tracks More

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      in Soccer

      Three ways Man Utd could line up under Ruben Amorim as Sporting boss reunites with former star and top Arsenal target

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      RUBEN AMORIM could ring the changes at Manchester United if he is hired for the top job.The Portuguese manager is hotly tipped to arrive at Old Trafford following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.Ruben Amorim could put his own stamp on the Man United teamCredit: GettyAmorim could be the replacement for the sacked Erik ten HagCredit: AlamyManuel Ugarte played for Amorim while at Sporting LisbonCredit: GettyThe Dutchman was finally put out of his misery after the disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium.Ten Hag was not expecting his time to come to an end as he still held the team’s press conference for the Carabao Cup clash against Leicester on Tuesday.Assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the side while a new manager is appointed.Amorim, 39, is the leading candidate to be offered the job by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and could be appointed quickly.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe Sporting Lisbon manager will be familiar with Man United’s newest signing Manuel Ugarte.The midfielder starred for Amorim before he left the Portuguese outfit for Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.The Uruguayan would be expected to be given a leading role under the manager in the centre of midfield.The line-up could also drastically change at Old Trafford after a transfer window under Amorim.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan United have been heavily linked with both Sporting goal machine Viktor Gyokeres and defender Goncalo Inacio.Amorim could insist on the pair’s arrival at Old Trafford to add more quality to his side.Man Utd ratings vs West Ham: Bruno Fernandes causes endless problems but Marcus Rashford entirely absentViktor Gyokeres could be a top target for Amorim to bolster the frontlineCredit: ReutersGoncalo Inacio could be signed to reinforce the defenceCredit: ReutersBruno Fernandes could be used in a more advanced role under AmorimCredit: GettyInacio would command an immediate starting space in the backline and could take up a spot in the middle between Lisandro Martinez and Yoro.While Gyokeres would take up the striker role and replace the Red Devils’ misfiring pair of Hojlund and Zirkzee.The Swedish striker is amongst the most prolific in Europe, having netted 57 goals in 64 appearances for Sporting.He is already familiar with English football, having spent three seasons at Coventry City in the Championship.Man United would face competition to sign Gyokeres, with Arsenal also interested in the striker.Amorim favoured a 3-4-3 formation while at Sporting Lisbon which could suit the club’s current defensive options.Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are both capable of playing as wing-backs to add width.The back three could be made up of Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro.However, this will only be possible once Yoro has returned to full fitness following his injury in pre-season.The £52million summer signing is closing on his return from a foot fracture and has been training on grass.Without a transfer window, Amorim would likely opt for Rasmus Hojlund to spearhead the attack as he has similar qualities to Gyokeres.Marcus Rashford could then flank the Danish striker on the left and Bruno Fernandes on the right.Another option for Amorim would be to replace Rashford with Garnacho on the left and Hojlund with Joshua Zirkzee.He could also tinker with the defence and put faith in Victor Lindelof.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim played alongside the Swede during his four seasons in the Benfica first-team.Long-term injury absentee Luke Shaw could bag the left wing-back spot.Victor Lindelof played alongside Amorim while he was at BenficaCredit: Getty – ContributorLeny Yoro is closing in on his return from a fractured footCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s back to work policy costing Man Utd money as club forced to convert hospitality suites into offices

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s rigid “back to work” policy is costing Man Utd money as the club are paying to convert Old Trafford hospitalty suites into temporary offices and back again every week.United’s staff were all ordered back to the office on a permanent basis in June after Ratcliffe banned flexible working arrangements, but the club do not have enough desk space to accommodate all staff at Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s policy of forcing Man Utd staff to work on-site is costing the club moneyCredit: PAOld Trafford hospitality suites are being used as officesCredit: APSunSport has learned that United have responded to the problem by hiring an agency to convert hospitality areas into pop-up offices after every home game.The conversion process is time-consuming and expensive however, with staff kicked out of their offices the day before the match and not allowed back until two days after the fixture has taken place.During the period in which the offices are out of action United staff are permitted to work at home.Back-to-back games at Old Trafford are particularly problematic and leave the temporary office space unusable for the best part of a week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe temporary offices will be shut for eight days from next Tuesday for example, with United at home against Leicester in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before welcoming Chelsea to Old Trafford in the Premier League the following Sunday.In addition to moving and storing the office equipment extensive electrical safety checks are also required before staff are allowed back in.While the ban on flexible working is understood to have come from Ratcliffe, United’s senior leadership have embraced it on the grounds that office work promotes a greater sense of cohesion, team spirit and creativity.While club sources conceded that creating temporary offices has led to additional costs they believe that is offset by the gains in having more staff on site.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRatcliffe appointed consultancy firm Interpath Advisory to undertake a root and branch review of United’s cost base after completing his £1.25billion investment in the club last January, which led to the club implementing significant cost-cutting measures.Around 250 members of staff were made redundant last summer, while anyone unwilling to return to the office permanently by June was let go.Man Utd board’s EIGHT-HOUR London crunch talks and what it means for Erik ten HagThe drive for savings has continued however, with Ratcliffe targetting both executive perks and money spent on poorly-paid match-day staff.The use of private chauffeurs and company credit cards were among the first areas targeted last season, while senior staff were also dismayed at the removal of other perks ahead of the FA Cup final, such as a pre-match party and hotel accommodation in London.Rank and file staff members were also hit as free coach travel was also axed for United’s shock win over Manchester City at Wembley, while the ticket allocation was reduced.The cuts have continued this season at Old Trafford, with packed lunchboxes provided to matchday staff removed and the number of programmes given to corporate fans cut in half.The biggest saving however came in United’s surprise decision to strip Sir Alex Ferguson of his ambassadorial duties, which will save the club around £2.1million-a-year.United posted losses of £113.2m for the 2023/24 season last month, with their ­cost-cutting measures projected to save the club between £40m and £45m in total.United declined to comment.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn the pitch, the Red Devils lost 2-1 at West Ham on Sunday.They missed a host of chances in the first half before VAR controversially overruled the referee to award a late penalty to the Hammers, scored by Jarrod Bowen.Man Utd ratings vs West HamTHE LONDON STADIUM was the venue for the latest defeat in a shocker of a season.To be fair, it was a hugely controversial VAR call in the dying moments that handed West Ham a 2-1 win.And the first half from the Red Devils was impressive.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the players…Andre Onana – 6Very loose with the ball at his feet early on but soon settled.Manchester United conceded from West Ham’s first shot on target, though given Ings’ deflected strike there was little Onana could have done about it.Diogo Dalot – 5Delivered one of the most entertaining missed chances you will see all season – doing so well to clip the ball past Lukasz Fabianski before smashing the ball high and wide of an open goal.Despite that, had little trouble from those in claret and blue attacking down his side until Summerville was introduced. The former Leeds man tested Dalot a number of times with his pace.Redeemed himself a touch with the header back in ahead of Casemiro’s equaliser.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Hard done by in conceding the penalty for what looked a soft challenge on Hammers striker Ings.Restricted West Ham well for the most part but United never looked entirely comfortable at the back and a more potent attack could have caused much more trouble.Lisandro Martinez – 6Struggled at times to deal with the strength and direct nature of Michail Antonio, who tested all across United’s back line well until he was replaced by Ings.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Struggled to keep a handle on both Bowen and former Manchester United man Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the most part and was thrown around by Michail Antonio at times.Having looked soft at the back he also offered very little going forwards down the left.Casemiro – 6Started strongly dominating in the middle but struggled to wrestle that back when West Ham picked up.Was denied a first half goal by Fabianski’s superb save but got one eventually as he refused to give up and made sure the ball.Christian Eriksen – 5Some flashes of creativity in the first half but could not help United keep control in the second after West Ham perked up.Marcus Rashford – 4Entirely absent throughout the hour he was on the pitch. Played down the right he was easily managed by Emerson Palmieri who had little of note to do before the winger went off.Bruno Fernandes – 7Caused huge problems for West Ham and created plenty of chances which his teammates put to waste.Fernandes made a fine run to meet a Casemiro cross but headed over the bar and had to watch both Garnacho and Dalot pass up huge chances after his good work to set them up – especially the latter, a wonderful looped ball to cut out the entire West Ham defence.Alejandro Garnacho – 5The young winger should have had two goals inside the opening eight minutes. One chance was rattled against the bar before a poor finish sent the second wide of the far post.He continued to cause trouble down the left but faded as the game went on and crucially gave the ball away in the build-up to Summerville’s goal.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Drew a couple of saves from Hammers keeper Fabianski but neither looked too difficult.The Dane was rather comfortably dealt with by West Ham’s central defenders and never looked too much of a threat.SubstitutesAmad Diallo – 6Added some life and threat to a forward line which had offered little after the break and lifted a clever ball over to Dalot in the build-up to Casemiro’s goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Claimed an assist but did not know a lot about it and struggled to have an impact from there on.Victor Lindelof – n/aUnused subs: Altay Bayindir, Manuel Ugarte, Jonny Evans, Ethan Wheatley, Harry Amass, Jack Fletcher. More

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      in Soccer

      Manchester United ‘hold secret talks’ with ‘a number of managers’ leaving Erik ten Hag’s future in huge uncertainty

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have held “secret talks” with “a number of managers” according to reports, leaving Erik ten Hag’s future in serious doubt.The Dutchman held onto his job this summer after the Old Trafford hierarchy, headed up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, decided to hand him a new deal. Erik ten Hag’s job as Manchester United boss remains in doubtCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe could already be looking at replacementsCredit: PABut that was only after interviewing potential replacements, including Thomas Tuchel, who has since taken over as England boss. According to the Daily Mail, United are back in the market scoping out a possible successor to Ten Hag. It is claimed chief executive Omar Berrada already travelled to Spain for talks with former Barcelona manager Xavi. Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, ex-Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are also said to be on a four-man shortlist. READ MORE IN football Gareth Southgate – who stepped down as Three Lions manager after Euro 2024 – and out-of-work Graham Potter are also linked. United are 12th in the Premier League table going into their trip to West Ham this Sunday. And Ten Hag’s side have failed to win any of their first three Europa League ties following a draw with Fenerbahce in Istanbul.The ex-Ajax boss has consistently insisted that he is on the same page as United’s leadership team of Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.Most read in FootballPaul Scholes: No improvements under Ten HagMan Utd legend Paul Scholes insisted he is yet to see any improvements under Erik ten Hag’s side this season. He said: “I think they have played in spells where they’ve looked okay. They have missed a lot of chances as well.”But I think league position tells you everything. And I’m talking about both leagues, 11th in the Premier League, 21st in the Europa League.”There’s been no improvement. I think that’s the biggest disappointment with two and a little bit years in, a lot of money has been spent and we’re not seeing improvement.”You’d like to think by now they’re up there challenging them. The top three teams I know Liverpool, City and Arsenal are ahead of most other teams.”You’d like to see them getting even a little bit closer to that, but it doesn’t feel like it…”READ MORE ON SCHOLES DAMNING VERDICT HERE CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut billionaire Ineos owner Ratcliffe refuses to give Ten Hag his public backing.And United’s co-owners are weighing up their options again amid concern over the lack of progress after another £200million was spent on transfers. Erik ten Hag in confident mood as Man Utd target rare European victory Ten Hag brought in Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraou this summer. But United legend Paul Scholes claimed he is yet to see any improvements following a 1-1 draw at Fenerbahce this week.He said: “I think they have played in spells where they’ve looked okay. They have missed a lot of chances as well.”But I think league position tells you everything. And I’m talking about both leagues, 11th in the Premier League, 21st in the Europa League.”There’s been no improvement. I think that’s the biggest disappointment with two and a little bit years in, a lot of money has been spent and we’re not seeing improvement.”You’d like to think by now they’re up there challenging them. The top three teams I know Liverpool, City and Arsenal are ahead of most other teams.”You’d like to see them getting even a little bit closer to that, but it doesn’t feel like it.”I do actually think on Saturday they got closer to having the best team out, which has been a while.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think Luke Shaw still needs to come into that. They’ve got the young lad Leny Yoro who will probably come into that.”Mainoo back into midfield and I thought there were signs, second half especially, that they scored two really good goals which excited you. So look fingers crossed they can go on and improve.”Barcelona legend Xavi is a potential candidate to replace Ten HagCredit: PABrentford manager Thomas Frank is also linked to Man UtdCredit: ReutersSporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is another potential replacementCredit: Reuters More

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      Thomas Tuchel ‘was NOT England’s first choice and Pep Guardiola could still get the job’

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      DON’T rule out Pep Guardiola managing England in the not-too-distant future.In fact, Thomas Tuchel was reportedly NOT the FA’s first choice manager, despite agreeing an 18-month deal earlier this month.Pep Guardiola could yet manage England in the not so distant futureThomas Tuchel was NOT the FA’s first choice, according to Spanish football expert Guillem BalagueGuardiola was allegedly offered the job as England manager but turned it down after “thinking about it for two months”.That is, according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.Tuchel was announced as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor last week.And FA CEO Mark Bullingham revealed that he interviewed 10 managers for the role – but zero names were disclosed.READ MORE ON ENGLAND Guardiola had been linked with the England job with his £20million-a-year Manchester City contract up for renewal in the summer.Appearing on Radio 5 Live, Balague, who is a close friend of Guardiola’s, was asked whether the England job was something the former Barcelona boss would be interested in at some point in the future.Balague responded: “He actually was offered the job. He thought about it for two months.”And after two months he said, ‘No because I don’t even know what I’m going to do at the end of this season’.Most read in FootballJournalist Guillem Balague has revealed secrets about Guardiola’s meeting with the FAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Manchester City right now feel he’s closer to staying than leaving but nobody really knows.”Tuchel has been given an 18-month contract by the FA, a deal that will see him take charge of England for the 2026 World Cup. Watch Thomas Tuchel’s awkward reaction when asked why he chose England over Man UtdBut Balague revealed that after 2026, he believes England are the favourites to secure Guardiola’s services.He said: “What seems clear is that in the cycle from the next World Cup to the following one in 2030, Guardiola will have a national side – and England are favourites.”But the Spaniard added: “If Tuchel wins the World Cup, forget that plan!”Guardiola was sounded out by the FA and accused of cryptic comments which gave many England fans hope earlier this month.One intriguing remark came on Italian TV just days before Tuchel’s announcement.Guardiola teased: “Leaving City? It’s not true. And it is not even true that I will be the next England coach.”If I had decided, I would say it… don’t know either, anything can happen.”For now, Guardiola would be more likely to extend his contract at the Etihad if they are severely punished by the Premier League over their 115 financial charges, according The Mirror.READ MORE SUN STORIESDue to the severity and huge amount of charges, there has been speculation City could be hit with a massive points deduction – or even relegated in the worst possible scenario, leading to questions Guardiola’s future.Meanwhile Tuchel’s first matches in charge will be in March next year when he will oversee two 2026 World Cup qualifiers though England’s opponents are not yet known.Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher. More

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      Man Utd ‘set to appoint former EFL boss and academy product, 48, to surprise role’ in major backroom rethink

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      MANCHESTER UNITED look geared up to bring old boy Michael Appleton into their new-look backroom staff.The 48-year-old has been linked with a return to his childhood club after he was sacked by League One side Charlton in January.Manchester United look ready to bring Michael Appleton into their backroom staffErik ten Hag has already added Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake to his staffNow Old Trafford’s sporting supremo Dan Ashworth is poised to appoint him to the transfer team with responsibility for loans.Former Tranmere physio and manager Les Parry holds the position but he is set to be replaced, according to The Mail.Appleton was spotted sitting alongside Ashworth and Old Trafford technical director Jason Wilcox at the start of October.The trio watched the Under-21s fight out a 1-1 draw with Hertha Berlin in the Premier League International Cup in Salford three weeks ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAppleton’s appearance has re-ignited talk that he could be appointed in the near future to oversee United’s young players who go out on loan to other clubs.The Mail initially reported that Appleton wouldn’t take the job last month, but it appears the lifelong United fan could make a stunning U-turn.Appleton was appointed as Charlton gaffer last September, eight months after being sacked by Blackpool. However, he didn’t last very long at The Valley as he was shown the exit door in January.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 48-year-old has also previously taken charge of Portsmouth, Preston, Blackburn, Oxford and Lincoln.Appleton worked with Ashworth at West Brom and is among his proteges.Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noHe was given a chance to come through as a coach at the Hawthorns under his mentor and they have a very close relationship.It would be his first administrative job but he has a good knowledge of United’s rising stars and the right contacts to find them homes.Appleton joined the Red Devils as a teenager and earned his first professional contract in 1994 after impressing academy coaches.He was loaned to Wimbledon and Lincoln the following season to get first-team experience and eventually returned to Old Trafford in 1996 to make his senior debut.After playing just 90 minutes in total for Man Utd, Appleton moved to Preston North End in 1997.He then joined West Brom, where he spent the final two years of his career before retiring in 2003 after losing his two-year battle with the injury. Michael Appleton spent three years in the United set up More