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    Ruben Amorim backing Man Utd transfer move for Angel Gomes with England ace available to return to boyhood club for FREE

    ANGEL GOMES remains a major target for Manchester United under new boss Ruben Amorim.Red Devils’ transfer gurus Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox believe the four-cap England star can be a crucial part of new boss Amorim’s masterplan for success.Angel Gomes could head back to Old Trafford after four years at LilleCredit: PANew Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim has long had Gomes on his radarCredit: GettyThe Portuguese coach is right behind the possible move because he is a long-time admirer of the 24-year-old midfielder.Gomes departed from United for Lille on a free transfer in 2020 and his five-year contract expires next summer.The French club are resigned to losing £25million-rated Gomes, with Tottenham also having the London-born ace on their radar.Gomes can speak to clubs in January about signing a pre-contract agreement.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut United believe the star, who grew up in Salford, can be lured back to Manchester as a probable long-term replacement for Casemiro.Gomes said on the chances of a sensational return to Old Trafford last month: “There’ll always be that sentimental soft spot, so of course it’d be difficult to say no.”He joined United aged six and broke into the under-18 side aged only 14.He became the club’s youngest player since Duncan Edwards in 1953 to make his top flight debut aged 16 years and 263 days, given the last two minutes of a 2 -0 win over Crystal Palace in May 2017.Most read in FootballThree 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.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal have also been tipped to pursue the four-cap star.And Gunners’ legend Lee Dixon reckons he’d “fit superbly” into Mikel Arteta’s plans.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training sessionDixon told plejmo.com: “He’s a very good link-up player and we’ve seen that he can play alongside Declan Rice.”He’s got a lot of potential and although there will be plenty of clubs looking at him, I could see him at Arsenal next season.” More

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    Greek media deliver early verdict on Anthony Martial as he achieves feat he didn’t manage at Man Utd for three years

    ANTHONY MARTIAL divided opinion like few others in his nine years at Manchester United.Now he’s transforming the opinions of Greek journalists in just weeks with new club AEK Athens.Anthony Martial is changing the minds of the Greek mediaMartial joined AEK Athens in September after an erratic Man Utd stintThe French striker, 28, has also pulled off an encouraging feat that he last managed for United in 2021.Yet Martial was seen by many as epitomising the Old Trafford under-achievement since Alex Ferguson’s glorious reign ended in 2013.He became the world’s costliest teenager when he joined United from Monaco for £36million – two years after Fergie retired.But injuries and stuttering form plagued his Red Devils’ career.READ MORE TOP STORIESAEK took the plunge in September, handing Martial a contract until 2027 on their largest ever wages of £2.9million a year.And it’s remarkable the way his fortunes have swayed since then – according to the Greek media.The verdict on Martial’s debut against city rivals PAOK in October typified initial negativity.He played just 14 minutes as a sub, touching the ball just four times.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYet that was enough for one journo to label his appearance “colourless, odourless, and tasteless”.However, the media also accepted it was too early to assess Martial properly – and called for patience on the “out of form” attacker.Martial given hero’s welcome by AEK fans with flares as Arsenal icon says ‘can’t remember last time he was real player’Now he’s played five games in all, providing one goal and an assist.More importantly, perhaps, he’s stayed on for 90 minutes in two successive matches, which he failed to do for United in the past three years.Now analysts are highlighting his improvement – and in particular his potential.A Gazzetta journalist wrote Martial has “presented us with some first samples of his undeniable footballing quality” – although he has yet to “put his foot on the gas”.Sport 24 went further by claiming the 30-cap star has made “a big difference in the creation part.” Martial’s attitude has also been praised – with his “body language” and “statements” showing he is “completely satisfied” with his AEK move.Now it’s down to Martial to ram home his short-term progress with the long-term consistency he lacked at Old Trafford. More

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    Liverpool drop worrying transfer hint over three key players as 2025 calendar is released

    LIVERPOOL have dropped a big hint over the futures of Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.The trio are all out of contract in the summer and have been linked with moves away from Anfield.Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold could both be set to leave in the summerCredit: GettyVirgil van Dijk is also out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: ReutersRight-back Alexander-Arnold, 26, is being closely monitored by European champions Real Madrid.Forward Salah, 32, has been the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia for more than a year, with Paris Saint-Germain also in the frame.And centre-back Van Dijk, 33, was linked with a switch to Barcelona back in January.All three will be able to sign pre-contract agreements elsewhere from January if they wish to leave.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow Reds fans’ fears over losing all three have been exacerbated following the release of the club’s 2025 calendar.Alexander-Arnold, Salah and Van Dijk are on the months of February, March and April.This could be construed as Liverpool preparing for their summer departures by putting them at the start of the year.Earlier this month, SunSport revealed contract talks with Alexander-Arnold are stalling as the club are not willing to offer him higher wages than Salah and Van Dijk.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollowing Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Manchester United back in September, Salah hinted at his imminent exit by saying he wanted to “enjoy the last year” at Anfield.But Van Dijk has offered more optimism surrounding his future after revealing last month that he is speaking to the “right people” about a new deal.Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister ‘being sued for compensation by ex’ two years after he ‘dumped her for her friend’ He said: “I can say obviously discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know, we will see what happens in the future.”What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see.”Despite uncertainty surrounding the futures of key players, Liverpool have not been impacted on the pitch under new manager Arne Slot.The Reds sit top of the Premier League table, five points clear of Manchester City having won nine of their opening 11 matches.They also sit first in the Champions League and are the only team to boast a 100 per cent record after four games. More

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    Man City chief slams ‘awful’ transfer window after Treble as stars either wanted more money or were ‘p***ed off’

    MANCHESTER CITY’S historic Treble led to one of their most troubling transfer windows ever, club chief Txiki Begiristain has revealed.City matched the historic feat oftheir bitter rivals Manchester United in the 2022/23 season by winning the Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League.Manchester City won a historic Treble in the 2022/23 seasonCredit: GETTYBut club chief Txiki Begiristain has revealed the historic season led to a summer of turmoilCredit: GettyBut their success, according to Begiristain, prompted a slew of players – some of whom left the Etihad the following summer – to lay down ultimatums to the club.The Spaniard – who is set to leave at the end of the season – said in the soon-to-released Together: 4 in a Row documentary: “The transfer window was a bit awful.”At least for me. After winning the Treble, everyone was confused.”The protagonists from those trophies were thinking they should get more or new contracts and take the opportunities.READ MORE ON CITY”And the ones who didn’t play in finals were p***ed off and trying to get out from the club.”Cole Palmer, Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte and Ilkay Gundogan would all leave the Etihad in the months that followed City’s Treble.And the club broke their wage structure in order to stop skipper Kyle Walker from joining German giants Bayern Munich.The slew of departures, however, didn’t stop City from winning a historic fourth Premier League title on the trot last season in what was set to be manager Pep Guardiola’s penultimate season with the club.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future.But the Spaniard is said to be on the verge of inking a new deal with the Citizens.It’s claimed Guardiola, who was on the FA’s shortlist of candidates to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager, is on course to sign a new one-year extension at Eastlands.Pep Guardiola applauds ‘unbelievable’ Erling Haaland’s stunning acrobatic goal Manchester City will be back in action on Saturday evening, welcoming Tottenham to the Etihad. More

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    Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd squad why all managers post-Fergie have failed with stars ‘blown away’ by ‘Mourinho 2.0’

    RUBEN AMORIM believes Manchester United have failed because they have played in the shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson – instead of in his spirit.The new Old Trafford boss has not been shy of making huge statements to players in his early training sessions this week.Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford were among Red Devils’ players knuckling down to training under Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyNew chief Amorim has impressed Man Utd stars with his ‘confidence’Credit: GettyWinger Antony is one of the aces hoping Amorim revives their fortunesCredit: GettyAmad Diallo shared a glowing verdict on Amorim via social mediaCredit: GettyIn a video released by United on Monday, Amorim, 39, drilled his stars who were not on international duty.But SunSport can reveal the players have been ‘blown away’ by his immediate impact with ‘Mourinho-style confidence’.Fergie left 11 years ago and a string of managers, including most-recently sacked Erik ten Hag, have not won the Premier League since.A source said: “He told them that top managers have not replicated Sir Alex’s success because they have lived in his shadow, rather than getting their team to play with his spirit.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALL“Even before Monday’s first session, the players have been very impressed.“Then, after the sessions, they are blown away by his energy, approach and confidence.“There’s definite Mourinho vibes in the way he speaks and his self belief – but the style is his own.“The players think he’s very approachable and that he will understand them. Some of them are calling him Mourinho 2.0.”Most read in FootballUnited players have been told to be inspired not intimidated by the legendary 27-year reign of Sir Alex FergusonCredit: PA:Press AssociationFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim was mentored by ex-United boss Jose Mourinho and even had a week internship at Old Trafford with him in 2018, shortly before his two-year spell as manager came to an end.Portuguese boss Mourinho was also one of Amorim’s first calls when he was offered the United job with the original Special One telling him ‘to go for it’.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training sessionThe source added: “He told the ones he’s seen so far that the talent in the squad is unbelievable – but they need to start playing as a team.”The new head coach met some players in the gym at Carrington last week, with others on holiday or with their national sides.But the likes of Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Marcus Rashford, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo were part of early drills in a new 3-4-3 shape and with a new style on Monday.Amorim is desperate to give United a new identity and stamp his mark on the team from day one – with his first game at Ipswich on Sunday.Amad Diallo, Antony, Rashford and Jonny Evans all uploaded glowing social media posts after their first sessions under the new head coach and his backroom team.Amorim also told players he likes a settled team – but they all have the chance to impress him on the training pitch.Portugal stars Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot have been away on international duty but had already told their club team-mates they will be impressed and how good Amorim is in training.The former Sporting manager has been very affectionate with the players and told them it is only natural he will have pre-conceived ideas about them – but they have the time to change his minds.In his first interview, Amorim told fans they would have an idea immediately of how he wants his team to play.United are 13th with a zero goal difference – but only four points off Chelsea in third with the Prem returning on Saturday.And the stars on the training ground were left with no doubt on the shape and system he wants to play from the outset.Mainoo was singled out for tactical advice at CarringtonCredit: GettyAmorim has informed his squad he prefers a settled teamCredit: GettyThe source added: “One thing the players are going to have to learn fast is that it is imperative they stick to his system and principles.“He gets how they live, how they want to work and how to get the best out of them. ”“Because he’s only 39, he gets their fashion, their music and their feelings about the modern game.”Mainoo was given special treatment by ex-midfielder Amorim in the first session.The England star, 19, was getting instructions on where to receive the ball and spin into space.Antony was given a right wing-back role in training – but with Dalot, Alejandro Garnacho and Noussair Mazraoiu away, it is unlikely he will play there at Portman Road.Shaw is trying to regain fitness and he spent the 3-4-3 schooling to the left of Jonny Evans in the back three, with Yoro to the right.READ MORE SUN STORIESCasemiro and Mainoo were in midfield with Rashford up front. Mount and Amad slotted into the No10 roles behind the striker.The source added: “The players and club are energized. The other players will be anxious to get back to Carrington to prove themselves.” More

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    Sliding doors moment saw Antony join Man Utd instead of Liverpool after Klopp looked to sign him as Salah replacement

    LIVERPOOL almost moved to sign Manchester United flop Antony as a replacement for Mo Salah.The pair both play in the same position at two of the country’s biggest teams.Liverpool almost signed Antony before he joined Man UtdCredit: GettyThe Brazilian was lined up by Jurgen Klopp as a replacement for Mo SalahCredit: RexBut while one cost an eye-watering amount of money, the other has bagged an incredible amount of goals.Salah was deemed pricey at £36million when he joined Liverpool from Roma in 2017.The Egyptian had previously struggled in England with Chelsea.But an amazing debut season saw Salah immediately silence the doubters with 44 goals in all competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has since gone on to net 221 goals in 366 games for Liverpool.But The Times claims Salah nearly left Anfield two summers ago.The forward’s contract was nearing its end and Liverpool were struggling to meet his demands.It’s reckoned then-Reds boss Jurgen Klopp sounded out Ajax’s Brazilian winger Antony as Salah’s replacement.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYet a move never occurred after Liverpool eventually stumped up the cash required to extend their star man’s deal.The decision, taken by Fenway Sports Group’s president Mike Gordon, proved to be an extremely astute one.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training sessionSalah has netted an incredible 65 goals since penning his new contract.While in the same time, Antony has managed a return of just 12.He entered the world of English football the same summer Salah signed on after Man United came calling.Erik ten Hag paid £88m to be reunited with his old Ajax star.But Antony’s time in the Premier League has been full of struggles.He has featured in just two of United’s 11 league games this season.And Antony’s future is likely to become even less clear under new manager Ruben Amorim, who does not play with natural wingers in his 3-4-3 system. More

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    Ex-Man Utd ace Cleverley reveals which manager was ‘best coach and best tactically’… and it WASN’T Sir Alex Ferguson

    FORMER Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley revealed the one manager he thinks was better than the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson from a “tactical” and “coaching” perspective.Cleverley, 35, climbed through the ranks at United after an eight-year stint in the academy and received his first senior call-up under Ferguson in 2008.Tom Cleverley claims there is one manager that stood out more than Man Utd legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty Images – GettyCleverley claims Marco Silva was the ‘best tactically and the best coach’Credit: PACleverley played under Silva at Watford for about a yearCleverley is following in Silva’s footsteps as he is currently the Watford managerCredit: GettyThe ex-England international spent just over two years playing for Sir Alex and won the Premier League in 2013, just before the Scottish great rolled credits on his glittering 27-year stint at Old Trafford.After five goals and seven assists in 79 appearances, the midfielder left the Red Devils in 2015 for Everton, who loaned him out to Watford two years later where he swiftly made a permanent move.That was where Cleverley claims he met the “best coach” in his entire 15-year playing career.And that was none other than Marco Silva, even though he was in charge of the Hornets for just a year until his sudden departure in 2018.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-United ace claims Silva was capable of setting up a team so that “every decision made such sense to us as players”.Cleverley told The Telegraph when asked about Silva: “The best tactically and the best coach.“I went out every game knowing exactly what he wanted from me. He was clear and thorough with his message.” Cleverley, who retired in 2023, is now following in Silva’s footsteps as he took over as Watford manager in April after an impressive month serving as interim boss.Most read in FootballAnd the rookie head coach, who has gone 13 home games unbeaten, met the Portuguese tactician, who now manages Fulham, in a pre-season friendly at Motspur Park in July.The Cottagers picked up a comfortable 6-1 victory over the Hornets and Cleverley admits: “We got a good serving.”The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIThe two managers could meet again next season as Watford are currently sixth in the Championship table thanks to their impressive young boss. More

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    Joshua Zirkzee’s Man Utd career ‘could be over within six months’ as Red Devils explore shock swap transfer

    JOSHUA ZIRKZEE’S Manchester United career could be over after just six months as Ruben Amorim reportedly explores a shock swap transfer.Zirkzee, 23, only joined the Red Devils from Bologna in July for £36million.Joshua Zirzkee could already be on his way out of Man Utd in a swap dealCredit: GettyBut the striker has just one goal in 16 outings.That effort came on his debut over three months ago.And reports claim United could look to get rid of Zirkzee when the January transfer window opens.However, Italian outlet Il Matino claims new boss Amorim hopes to replace Zirkzee with a world-class striker in a stunning swap deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s claimed that United will offer Zirzkee PLUS £25m for Napoli misfit Victor Osimhen.The Nigerian is currently on loan at Galatasaray after failing to secure a move to Chelsea over the summer.Osimhen has eight goals in nine games for his Turkish team, with the Blues still interested in signing him permanently.Napoli are able to recall him this winter and are also ready to do business.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut they are demanding teams meet Osimhen’s new £62m release clause in full.Antonio Conte’s Serie A leaders are not interested in bringing another striker to town after signing Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelUnited want to land Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at GalatasarayCredit: GettyWhile Osimhen is likely to demand a tasty annual salary of £10m to boot.He’s not the only striker United are interested in either.Amorim turned former Coventry star Viktor Gyokeres into one of Europe’s most fearsome hitmen.The Swede has 23 goals in 18 games for Sporting Lisbon this season.And United reportedly sent scouts to watch Gyokeres as he netted in his country’s 2-1 win over Slovakia on Saturday.United sent scouts to watch Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres play for SwedenCredit: Getty More