More stories

  • in

    Man Utd star ‘wants to leave club and reunite with former boss’ after being singled-out for criticism by Ruben Amorim

    MANCHESTER UNITED flop Joshua Zirkzee reportedly wants to QUIT his new club for a reunion with old boss Thiago Motta at Juventus.Zirkzee, 23, has netted just one goal in 18 appearances following a £36.5million summer move from Bologna.Joshua Zirkzee wants to quit Man Utd for a reunion with old boss Thiago MottaCredit: GettyFormer Bologna gaffer Motta is now in charge at JuventusCredit: AlamyThe Dutch striker failed to nail down a spot in United’s starting XI under either Erik ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy, with new manager Ruben Amorim also unimpressed after a verbal blast last week.And La Gazzetta claims Zirkzee is already eyeing a return to Italy in January.Before his move to Old Trafford, the forward netted 14 goals in 53 games at Bologna.Despite not being particularly prolific, Zirkzee established himself as a key player due to his link-up play and last season he helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League.Zirkzee’s manager during his two years at the club was former Barcelona, Inter Milan and PSG midfielder Motta.He is now gaffer at Serie A giants Juventus.And it’s reckoned Zirkzee is desperate to join Motta in Turin next year.Juventus would also like to strike a deal after remaining the only unbeaten side in Italy’s top flight.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey are hoping United will agree to let Zirzkee join them on loan for the remainder of the season.And the two clubs could then sit down next summer to negotiate a fee for a permanent move.Ruben Amorim touched by Old Trafford welcome in win over Bodo/Glimt Ruben Amorim has already been critical of ZirkzeeCredit: GettyHowever, United would likely need to sign a replacement before green-lighting the deal.The Red Devils’ recent business has been heavily influenced by PSR and FFP constraints.And United would likely only be able to afford a temporary striker themselves – a rare commodity in the common market.But new manager Amorim has been less than impressed with the striker and could use it as an opportunity to bring in his own man.Speaking after his first match in the dugout, a 1-1 draw with Ipswich, Amorim criticised Zirzkee for failing to understand the basic nature of his role as a No9.Amorim said: “I think that (decision making) is a concern, you don’t need to coach them at this level.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You have to keep the ball and know the momentum to put the ball in front. Sometimes you feel that you can’t keep the ball and you have to put the ball in front.“Then you have like we are in the end of the game, we were around the box with two strikers. Josh has to understand that he has to go to the box to have the crosses.”Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8m More

  • in

    Ex-Man Utd star Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the answer to unwanted trivia question – but he might not be for much longer

    AARON WAN-BISSAKA is the answer to one of the more difficult football quiz questions.That poser is: Which player has cost the most money without making a single England international appearance?Aaron Wan-Bissaka has reignited his career at West HamCredit: GettyAnd it may see new England boss Thomas Tuchel take noticeCredit: SplashYet the one-time £50million Manchester United defender has breathed new life into his flagging career with a summer move to West Ham.And if the right-back keeps playing like he is at the moment, there is no reason why he could not be in the frame for a call-up by Thomas Tuchel when the German takes over as England manager in a month.Wan-Bissaka was included in then Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate’s squad in November 2019 but the Croydon-born star withdrew with a back injury.The 27-year-old, who played for the DR Congo Under-20s side in 2015 before appearing for England U20s and U21s, has proved to be a relative snip at £15m for West Ham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnder Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui, he has added a more attacking dimension to his game which for the most part was lacking in his largely underwhelming five years at Old Trafford after his 2019 switch from Crystal Palace.Ahead of this evening’s home derby clash with Arsenal, Lopetegui said: “Aaron is a good player, he has started a new period in his life here, building a new career at West Ham.“He is very happy here and we are very happy with him and we trust in him.“When you are in a new group, it is not easy at first.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“But step-by-step, he is adapting better. He can improve offensively. And the most important thing is that Aaron wants to improve. He was a good signing for the club.”A couple of years ago, it was no surprise that Wan-Bissaka was out of the picture with England as Southgate had an embarrassment of riches on the right side of defence.Thomas Tuchel’s first England XI predicted by Jamie Carragher with ultra-attacking team and one-cap international But Manchester City’s Kyle Walker has suffered a huge drop in form, and doubts remain over Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in this position for England.Chelsea’s Reece James continues to suffer injury problems, while Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier retired from international football in August.Arsenal’s Ben White has previously stated he does not want to play for the national team and Reds star Joe Gomez has struggled with injuries and form.Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, 22, and Manchester City starlet Rico Lewis, 20, have huge potential, but Tuchel might go for some experience when he names his first squad in March.So, maybe there could be an opening for Wan-Bissaka.Asked about England, Lopetegui said: “This question is for Tuchel not for me.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.“I would like all my players in the English national team.“For me, the most important thing is that Aaron remains hungry and wants to improve.“His attitude tells me he is able to achieve anything.”Defender Max Kilman, a £40m summer buy from Wolves, is another Irons star who could be in the frame for Tuchel.As for Lopetegui, he is merely hoping West Ham can continue where they left off against Newcastle after Monday’s impressive 2-0 win.The Spanish coach has a few injury doubts but one player who could eventually be in action soon is £27.5m signing Niclas Fullkrug.German striker Fullkrug, 31, has only played four times since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in August due to an Achilles injury but Lopetegui could get him back next month.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Hammers boss said: “I hope he is in the last part of his recovery. Let’s see.“He’s not going to be ready for the next two or three matches but I know he is feeling better.”Who are these famous footballers? More

  • in

    Holland legend Guus Hiddink reveals the key mistake Erik ten Hag made at Man Utd that left him ‘watched with suspicion’

    FORMER Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink believes Erik ten Hag’s downfall at Man Utd was due to an over-reliance on his personal circle. According to Holland legend Hiddink, Ten Hag failed to integrate into the culture at Old Trafford and left himself “isolated”.Former Holland manager Guus Hiddink has explained where Erik ten Hag went wrong at UnitedTen Hag was finally axed after a chaotic final 12 months in chargeTen Hag, 54, was sacked by United after a dismal run of results which culminated in a 2-1 defeat to relegation strugglers West Ham.United’s fourth Premier League defeat of the season proved to be the breaking point as Ineos swiftly replaced him with Ruben Amorim.While the autopsies on Ten Hag’s two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford are still being crafted, Hiddink has shared his own thoughts on where the former Ajax manager went wrong.He told Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur: “Everyone does it in their own way, but I was surprised at how many confidants Erik gathered around himREAD MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Then you end up on an island, which makes it more difficult to integrate into the culture of your new club and is watched with suspicion. “I always took one assistant abroad with me, with whom I could map out things in the field of football. “I therefore opted for local trainers and supervisors. People who knew the club or the country well.”You play a role in how you are judged. Sometimes approach it with a wink. I mean, we are talking about football, not about war and peace.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You should not respond to force that comes your way with force. Then it will explode somewhere.”Hiddink had two successful spells in charge of Chelsea, leading them to the FA Cup in 2009.Is Amad Diallo the key to transforming Ruben Amorim’s attack at Manchester United?It comes as first-team coach Steve McClaren and trainers Benni McCarthy and Richard Hartis all departed over Ten Hag’s reign.The decision to sack Ten Hag was not taken easily after a summer in which United had backed him with a new contract, £205m spent on the transfers he wanted, and even his own additions to his staff.Ruud van Nistelrooy, who Ten Hag hired in the summer, was waiting in the shadows as he was named interim manager before Amorim arrived.Van Nistelrooy, who wanted to return to his assistant role after his four game stint, was dismissed by Amorim on day one.But the legendary United striker has since been named as Leicester City’s new manager after Steve Cooper was sacked on Sunday.With Ten Hag gone, Amorim now faces the challenge of steering United back to success after enjoying an undefeated record with Sporting this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim started his reign with a 1-1 draw at Ipswich but claimed his first Old Trafford victory with a 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday.The Red Devils sit 12th in the Prem as they host Everton on Sunday.Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years. More

  • in

    Premier League star became a viral sensation at 12 at Arsenal then was signed by Charlton after playing in a car park

    OMARI HUTCHINSON was an internet sensation at the age of 12 — but only now is he on the stage he really craved.Hutchinson, 21, has been on a high since scoring his first Premier League goal as Ipswich drew 1-1 with Manchester United last week.More than 4million viewers saw Omari Hutchinson’s special skillsCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills ChannelFootball fans went head over heels for his exhibition stuffCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills ChannelHutchinson’s career took many twists on the way to facing Man UtdCredit: RexNow Nottingham Forest are in his sights as the Tractor Boys battle to prove they are good enough to mix it with game’s established stars.And that is a feeling Hutchinson knows only too well despite having his super skills praised by Pele when he was a schoolboy.Chelsea released Hutchinson twice and gave him just two first-team outings before Ipswich paid a club-record £22.5million fee for the youngster in the summer.Inbetween was a spell at Arsenal that made him famous — but not on the pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThen there were the unsuccessful trials at Tottenham and Brentford.Plus a couple of seasons at Charlton, who only signed the Londoner because they saw him playing in their car park.It has not been a conventional route to the top by any means for Hutchinson, even though his talent was always there to see.A collaboration with the F2 Freestylers when he was 12 saw more than four million viewers log on to watch his skills.Most read in FootballAdvice from Arsenal and Chelsea aces kept Hutchinson on the upCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills ChannelFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “It had its pros and cons.“I got quite popular at a young age but at the time I wasn’t really playing much football.Arsenal player ratings vs Sporting“I wasn’t really a starter at Arsenal at that time and you want to be playing every minute of every game at a young age.“I would play football with my dad after a game and do extras.”One constant, however, was the refusal to give up on his dream.Hutchinson added: “One hundred per cent. As a young player you need that self-confidence and self-belief that you are going to make it and be one of the best in the league — or the world. That’s what I have been doing.“I have been at two of the best clubs in the world and trained with the first team in both of them.“I have seen what it takes to get to that stage and a lot of senior players have spoken to me saying, ‘You’re a very talented player, make sure you focus on this and that and you will make it’.“They also told me not to get distracted and I have taken it on board. I have gone a different route and shown myself from there.”Hutchinson is far too young to remember Pele, the world’s greatest player in the 1960s, but the Brazil legend still had a part to play on his journey. The three-time World Cup winner — who died in December 2022 — witnessed Hutchinson’s skills on a visit to London and let the youngster know he was impressed.Hutchinson said: “It was at a Brentford tournament when I was with the Under-12s at Arsenal.“He was there, he came towards the end, and we did some freestyling skills.“All the teams gathered round in a circle and a player from each team had to show some skills — I got forced to go up!“He saw it and he liked it. When we took a picture of him he told me to come up and rest on his knee.I saw that the Lottery is easier to win than becoming a professional footballer in the Premier League.Omari Hutchinson“I was doing kick-ups-round-the-world and putting the ball on my neck.“When I was young my grandma always used to say, ‘You’re going to be like Pele when you’re older’. She gave me a lot of books and cards and stuff like that.”It was no surprise that Hutchinson joined Ipswich on their return to the top tier after 22 years away, although there were other offers.The attacking midfielder, who can play wide or No 10, had helped them to promotion when on loan from Chelsea last season.And Tractor Boys manager Kieran McKenna promised Hutchinson the chance of the regular football he craved.He said: “I spoke to Kieran in the summer and it was a no-brainer to come here.“I knew I was going to play in the Premier League, which is a rare occasion.“I saw that the Lottery is easier to win than becoming a professional footballer in the Premier League.”Hutchinson still has one big decision to make however — to choose England, where he is in the Under-21s, or go back to Jamaica, for whom he has played a couple of friendlies and qualifies through his dad.READ MORE SUN STORIESNo Town player has represented the Three Lions at senior level since Richard Wright in 2001 — and only 12 have in total.That might change soon but Hutchinson insisted: “I have very high ambition but I’m not focused on that right now.”Hutchinson has gone on to play for England U-21s and JamaicaCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills ChannelNine years on from this, he’s up to his young tricks again – but in the PremCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills Channel More

  • in

    Man Utd and Chelsea plotting transfer for Ipswich star Liam Delap – but Man City will have major say in next club

    IPSWICH TOWN striker Liam Delap is reportedly attracting interest from some of England’s top clubs.The 21-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic start to life at Portman Road following his summer move from Manchester City.Liam Delap has attracted interest from Man Utd and ChelseaCredit: GettyIn just 12 Premier League appearances for the newly-promoted side, Delap has managed seven goal contributions.He played a crucial role in the club’s 2-1 win over Tottenham earlier this month, scoring once and providing the assist for Sammie Szmodics’ opener.The striker is now widely considered one of the most exciting young prospects in the Prem.Delap’s impressive form has attracted the attention of several clubs – including Manchester United and Chelsea.Read More in FootballBut according to The Athletic, his former club could scupper a deal.Man City generally insert buy-back clauses or matching rights into most sales, meaning they could have a huge say in the striker’s future.Ipswich officials want to keep Delap at Portman Road for as long as possible.However, they might struggle to do so – especially if they are relegated at the end of the campaign.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDelap, the son of Prem cult hero Rory Delap, joined Man City’s academy from Derby County in 2019 and made his first team debut the following year.He struggled to establish his spot in Pep Guardiola’s squad and was subsequently sent on three separate loan spells to Stoke, Preston and Hull.Man Utd player ratings vs Ipswich The striker joined Ipswich in a permanent deal worth up to £20million in July and penned a five-year contract.BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy recently suggested he could be Harry Kane’s successor for England.He said: “I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”I know he’s got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league.”But he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.”Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

  • in

    Why is Manchester United vs Everton kicking-off at an unusual time?

    MANCHESTER UNITED host Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday – but fans must factor in the unusual kick-off time.Ruben Amorim quickly learnt the level of competition in England, drawing 1-1 with Ipswich Town in his debut leaving his side in twelfth place.Rasmus Hojlund celebrates scoring in the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyThe Red Devils then scraped a 3-2 win over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League, having fallen 2-1 down in the first half.The Portuguese manager is desperate for a comfortable victory heading into their clash with the Toffees, and could face serious questioning if his side fail to deliver a strong performance.On Merseyside, Sean Dyche is also struggling to get his side going and looks set to be in a relegation battle if things don’t improve.Currently in 15th place, the Everton hierarchy are already looking at replacements with former boss David Moyes in the running.Read more Man United newsEverton have won one of their last five Premier League fixturesCredit: ReutersA win on Sunday would be a great result for both teams, but fans should be aware of the schedule change.Why is Manchester United vs Everton kicking off at a unique time?Two fixtures are kicking off with rescheduled start times on Sunday as Liverpool vs Manchester City has also been moved. This is not the first time different kick-off times have been put in place for Premier League fixtures with Liverpool and Man City fixtures also being moved in November 2023. Police have requested the scheduling changes as a method of controlling fan movement and preventing confrontation. Most read in FootballWith four big teams and huge rivals crossing paths on the same day, police want to avoid conflict and harm.In 2022, the City team bus was damaged by fans as it left Anfield.And, Liverpool fans were faced with chants concerning the club’s tragedies. As a result, Manchester United vs Everton will kick-off at 1.30pm GMT on Sunday, December 1 – half an hour earlier than the usual 2pm kick off slot. More

  • in

    I’m a Ballon d’Or winner who had the world at my feet but I lost control of my career after bold transfer

    MICHAEL OWEN believes he “lost control” of his career the moment he left Liverpool for Real Madrid.The former England international swapped Merseyside for Madrid in the summer of 2004 after eight goal-filled seasons with the Reds.Michael Owen joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2004 after eight seasons with LiverpoolCredit: PA:Empics SportSome of the Anfield faithful turned on the former academy star after his departureCredit: GETTYOwen believes his departure from the club was the moment he ‘lost control’ of his careerCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe stunning move to the Bernabeu, however, didn’t go to plan as he failed to win a trophy in his sole season with the Galacticos, in which he scored 16 goals in 45 appearances.He returned to England the following summer for a four-season stint with Newcastle before a shock move to Liverpool’s bitter rivals Manchester United in July 2009.Some of the Kop faithful still resent Owen for joining the Red Devils, although the 44-year-old believes their resentment originally stemmed from him leaving Anfield in the first place.He told The Telegraph: “The moment I chose to go to Real Madrid I lost control of my career and what the perceptions of it are.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I don’t love going to Anfield now because I know I am not loved back.”I tend to only go when I am working. It’s not that I dread going, but for a long time I used to bury my head when driving back to the academy to see friends.”I have told myself since, ‘I should not have been feeling like that.'”People say now, ‘It was because he signed for Manchester United.’ Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMichael Owen’s career statsLiverpool: 297 appearances – 158 goals & 49 assistsReal Madrid: 45 appearances – 16 goals & four assistsNewcastle United: 79 appearances – 30 goals & 2 assistsManchester United: 52 appearances – 17 goals & three assistsStoke City: Nine appearances – One goalClub Total: 483 appearances – 223 goals & 58 assistsEngland: 89 appearances: 40 goals & 12 assists”But the whole world knows there has been some history rewritten there.”There was resentment directed at me before then when I played for Newcastle, even though I had a clause in my Newcastle contract that I could re-sign for Liverpool every summer.Michael Owen heartbreakingly admits he prays every single night for cure for rare disease that has blinded his son James“The Manchester United aspect is now an easier stick to beat me with.”But when I came back to Anfield for the first time as a Newcastle player, there were a few hundred, possibly a thousand supporters, booing me.”I can’t forget how I, my parents, and my former Liverpool team-mates felt.”Everyone who understood and appreciated the reality of the situation was disappointed on my behalf.”Owen never had any ambitions of leaving Liverpool, let alone playing abroad, when he was at the peak of his powers.But he would have kicked himself had he not taken the opportunity to play for the European giants.The 2001 Ballon d’Or winner admitted: “I never had big ambitions to play abroad. “Really, but I fit the bill as the type of player they pursued.”If you are scoring goals, are a creative midfielder, or an amazing, unique type of right-back like Trent, you are seen as a marquee signing.“They wanted me with [Luís] Figo, [Zinedine] Zidane, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I looked at that and thought it would have been harder not to score.”I thought long and hard about leaving Liverpool, but in the end something inside told me I would regret it if I didn’t give it a go.”Michael Owen doesn’t ‘love going to Anfield’ any moreCredit: GETTY More

  • in

    Ruben Amorim singles out key Man Utd star who was ‘dead’ as he explains changes in 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt

    RUBEN AMORIM singled out Rasmus Hojlund for praise after his match-winning performance against Bodo/Glimt but revealed the ace was “dead” at full-time.Manchester United emerged as victors from the 3-2 thriller at Old Trafford, with Hojlund scoring twice and proving pivotal to Alejandro Garnacho’s opener.Rasmus Hojlund was ‘dead’ after his match-winning display against Bodo/GlimtCredit: GettyRuben Amorim has said he needs to build the fitness of his playersCredit: RexHojlund, 21, played the full length of the Europa League clash, which is only the second time this season he has completed a match.However, speaking to TNT Sports, Amorim admitted: “We had more chances [than against Ipswich] and were more dangerous. “But we will have to change players.”I felt that Rasmus was dead. Some [players] were really, really tired.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We made four substitutions because of the fitness of the players, not because of what was best for the game. “We are in that moment. We need the squad all together and fit.”Amorim was full of praise for the “quality” forward, but had some pointers on where he will need to improve going forward.On the ex-Atalanta star, he said: “He has to improve more. He takes too many touches when he holds the ball.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He connected in transitions very well. He was aggressive in the box for the goals. He is a quality player.”Amorim, 39, confessed to being taken aback by the support he had received from supporters during his first home game in charge of the Red Devils.Manchester United vs Bodo/Glimt: Player RatingsThe ex-Sporting Lisbon boss said: “The first thing is that half of the stadium doesn’t really know me.”I came from Portugal and I have done nothing for this club yet, so the way they make me feel at home is so special.”It’s not after something, it’s before something.”This is something special and I will keep this to the end of my career.”Amorim went bold with his tactics against the Norwegian side, even playing without any recognised centre-backs in the latter stages.He will be hoping to land his first Premier League win next when his team host Everton on Sunday.Man Utd ratings vs Bodo/Glimt More