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      How key Man Utd figure let Viktor Gyokeres go for just £1m before Sporting star became Europe’s most in-demand striker

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES has gone from an unwanted £1million man to the most sought-after striker in European football.The Swedish forward, 26, scored a hat-trick as Sporting Lisbon thrashed Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League.Viktor Gyokeres has already scored 23 goals this seasonCredit: AlamyIt brings his goal tally to 23 in 17 games for the season and 66 in 67 since arriving in Portugal from Coventry for around £20million last year.Gyokeres’ Sporting manager Ruben Amorim is preparing to leave for Manchester United after being announced as Erik ten Hag’s successor.Amorim, 39, will begin his reign at Old Trafford on November 11 – with Gyokeres being heavily linked with joining him in Manchester.But it was a Man Utd chief who was a key figure in selling the striker for just £1m three years ago.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDan Ashworth, now the Red Devils’ sporting director, sanctioned a deal for Gyokeres to leave Brighton and join Coventry for the tiny sum back in 2021.He played just eight games for the Seagulls and scored only one goal.After a loan spell with Coventry, Gyokeres joined them permanently for the seven-figure fee and went on to score 40 times in 97 games.His goals fired the Championship side to the play-off final which they lost to Luton.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut his impressive form attracted interest from Sporting – who have now seen him become one of the best attackers in Europe.It is estimated Man Utd will have to pay in the region of £85m if they are to bring him to Old Trafford.Watch Ruben Amorim celebrate with guard of honour as Sporting Lisbon boss narrowly avoids nasty bumps accidentAnd Amorim has already ruled out a move for him in the January window.He said: “Gyokeres is a Sporting player, which is a great club, he did a lot for it, he was in the second division.”He just has to stay and finish the season at Marques.”Meanwhile, Gyokeres also recently responded to being linked with Man Utd.He said: “I don’t know, I’m here. I really like being here, it’s not something I think about. I’m enjoying it here.”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

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      Sporting Lisbon 4 Man City 1: Ruben Amorim produces tactical masterclass to make huge statement ahead of Man Utd move

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      THEY’LL be rolling out the red carpet for Ruben Amorim in Manchester on Monday now.And they should be having a whip round at Old Trafford to get Viktor Gyokeres to follow him to Old Trafford as soon as possible.Ruben Amorim said farewell to Sporting fans ahead of joining Manchester UnitedCredit: AFPGoal machine Viktor Gyokeres was on the scoresheet again with a clever finish over EdersonCredit: ReutersMaximiliano Araujo put Sporting ahead after a brilliant team move just seconds into the second-halfCredit: AFPGyokeres made it 3-1 from the spotCredit: RexErling Haaland saw a penalty hit the barCredit: ReutersGyokeres completed his hat-trick with another coolly dispatched penCredit: ReutersTogether they produced the ultimate fairytale farewell to the Jose Alvalade Stadium for the United-bound boss.What an extraordinary way to endear himself to his new fans.His team inflicted a first Champions League defeat in 90 minutes on Pep Guardiola’s mighty Manchester City since May 2022 – 32 matches ago.Not to mention the heaviest loss in any competition in over four years for the ‘noisy neighbours’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIf this is the kind of entertainment that is heading for the Theatre of Dreams, then fasten your seatbelts.Gyokeres got a hat-trick – including two penalties – to enhance his reputation as one of the hottest properties in Europe.He could have had more too and looks exactly what goal-shy United need right now.  They say if you can’t be a good manager then be a lucky one – and Amorim certainly had his share of good fortune.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCity bossed the first-half and should have been out of sight – while Erling Haaland also uncharacteristically missed a second-half pen.But credit to Amorim and his team for hanging in there and then hitting the English champs with some stunning breakaways.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter The manager was given a huge ovation by the crowd before kick-off – while a huge banner showed the trophies he has won and simply said “thank you”.Yet he had expressed his worries before kick-off that the emotion of the last week might affect his players.And sure enough they began nervously despite their excellent start to the season and fell behind within four minutes.Keeper Franco Israel rolled a pass to Hidemasa Morita who didn’t look best pleased when he was dispossessed in the blink of an eye by Foden.The England ace took a couple more touches before thumping a shot past the Sporting keeper – who might be disappointed not to keep it out.Foden has now scored in eight of his last nine appearances in this competition and seems to be going through the gears after a slow start to the season.Yet the home side could have levelled within a couple of minutes as Gyokeres nipped in ahead of Rico Lewis and raced through on goal from his own half.The in-form former Coventry man never looked confident though as Ederson stood up to him and his chipped effort was weak.Back at the other end, Haaland saw one chance clawed away by Israel and blazed another wide after a delightful pass from Matheus Nunes.The Norwegian was getting plenty of opportunities and saw a looping header hoofed off the line before Israel flung himself to keep out a volley.Haaland was being made to wait for his 45th goal in this competition – but you know with him it wont be long.Stand-in skipper Bernardo Silva latched onto a cheeky back-heel from Foden but steered his shot just past the post.Sporting have won all ten of their domestic league games this season and were neck-and-neck with City in the table.City should have been out of sight given their chance – they weren’t though – and were made to pay shortly before the break.Geovany Quenda found Gyokeres and this time he held off teenage defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey before clipping home his shot.The Swedish forward – who now has 25 goals this season for club and country – is a huge cult figure in Lisbon and the fans went wild.Don’t be surprised if a bid comes in from Old Trafford before long.As the home fans celebrated, Amorim called a quartet of players over to dish out some tactical advice. No sign of him clocking off early.He can clearly give a half-time team talk too as his side came roaring out for the second-half.Just 19 seconds after the restart the home side were ahead as Pedro Goncalves threaded a pass to Max Araujo whose shot went straight through Ederson.Sporting fans unveiled a huge tifo to say goodbye to AmorimCredit: TNT SPORTSThe home fans were still celebrating as Josko Gvardiol lost the ball on the left and then upended Francisco Trincao.It was a clear penalty and Gyokeres did the rest – sending the City keeper the wrong way with an emphatic spot-kick.City were shell-shocked as they faced up to the prospect of losing three games in a row for the first time in six years.They got a lifeline midway through the second-half as Silva’s shot hit the arm of Ousmane Diomande.After a long VAR check a penalty was given and after an even longer wait, Haaland hammered his spot-kick against the bar.It was clearly Amorim’s night – and not City’s.And that much was clear as former Sporting star Nunes shoved over Geny Catamo in the box to earn the third pen of the night.READ MORE SUN STORIESGyokeres kept his cool and rattled in from the spot again to spark more bedlam and complete his hat-trick.Welcome to Manchester, Ruben Amorim.Phil Foden opened the scoring after just four minutesCredit: Getty More

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      Joshua Zirkzee ‘on track for swift Man Utd exit with Ruben Amorim unconvinced on striker’

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      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE is on course for the exit door at Manchester United just four months after arriving, according to reports.The 23-year-old arrived from Bologna in July in a deal worth £36.5million.Joshua Zirkzee could be heading for the Man Utd exit door just months after arrivingCredit: GettyReports say Ruben Amorim wants to bring his own players in fromCredit: RexZirkzee scored on his debut against Fulham, but has not found the back of the net in 14 games since. SunSport exclusively revealed that Erik ten Hag did not want to sign the former Bayern Munich striker and how he arrived at Old Trafford overweight, with it taking time to shift that extra weight.However, with the imminent arrival of Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim following the sacking of Ten Hag, Zirkzee’s time in England may have already run its course.Italian outlet Calciomercato report that Amorim, who will take over as Red Devils head coach on November 11, is unconvinced by the forward.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInstead, Amorim, 39, will look to bring in his own attacking options.The report suggests that a return to Italy could be on the table, with AC Milan and Juventus both potential destinations.But such a transfer will only happen if it is on loan, with Ineos wanting to back the attacker after they billed him as good value for money in the summer. If Zirkzee is allowed to leave the club, that could lead United transfer chiefs to try and poach some stars from Sporting. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEx-Coventry star Viktor Gyokeres is one star who could be targeted, given how he is one of the most prolific strikers in Europe over the past two seasons.Similarities have been drawn between the Swede and United ace Rasmus Hojlund, who impressed against Chelsea last Sunday despite being largely starved of service in the final third.Joshua Zirkzee reveals he has ‘tried’ to lure Germany star to Man Utd Amorim’s first game in charge of United will be against Ipswich on November 24.Before that, interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of games against PAOK on Thursday – as they look to win their first game in Europe for a year – and Leicester on Sunday.Since taking charge of the squad, Van Nistelrooy has overseen a 5-2 win over Leicester in the League Cup and a 1-1 draw against Chelsea.It is understood the players would like to see the Dutchman retained within Amorim’s coaching staff once he arrives.Amorim himself remains in charge of Sporting, where he has won two league titles, and will take on Manchester City on Tuesday evening before facing Braga in his final game with the Eagles.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

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      Man Utd face being forced into end-of-season firesale if they want to back Ruben Amorim in January transfer window

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      MANCHESTER UNITED may need to hold an end of season fire sale to give new boss Ruben Amorim January transfer wriggle room.The Portuguese boss will step into the Old Trafford firing line on Monday after finally severing his links with Sporting Lisbon at the weekend.Ruben Amorim could look to make signings in JanuaryCredit: GettyStriker Viktor Gyokeres could follow from SportingCredit: AFPMan Utd may need to sell to meet PSR requirementsCredit: GettyAmorim will be inheriting a squad that appears way short of what is required for United to challenge at the top of the Prem.The new manager is expected to play his preferred back-three system with wing-backs forced to work hard at both ends of the pitch.But while the United leadership will be keen to give the new manager the tools he needs to make an early impact – the club’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules position is likely to require departures before the end of the financial year on June 30.This is due to be the last year of the Prem’s current PSR regulations, with clubs moving to a Uefa-style “squad cost ratio” system for next term.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the breach penalties handed out to Everton and Nottingham Forest last season mean all clubs including United will know they risk points deductions for next term if they exceed the “permitted loss” limit of £105m over three seasons to the end of this campaign.United’s summer transfers under now-axed Erik ten Hag saw the arrivals of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee for a combined £172m.For PSR calculations, those arrivals are “amortised” over their contract lengths, meaning a seasonal cost of £37.1m.That outlay came with a huge influx of transfer income, as United sold players including Scott McTominay, Mason Greenwood and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for a total of £86m, more than making up for the money spent.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThree 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.But United’s amortisation bill for this season does not just include the summer 2024 spending.The club has to include the money spent over the last SIX years, with accumulated costs of £44m for last term, just under £45m for the previous campaign, Jadon Sancho’s 2021 arrival costing them £17m even though he will spend the season at Chelsea.Dimitar Berbatov tips Viktor Gyokeres to follow Ruben Amorim to Man Utd United’s amortisation spending even includes £42m for the arrivals of Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes in the 2019-20 season – when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge.That adds up to £168m in PSR transfer costs for this season.United’s wage bill last term was £364m, with the club announcing losses of £69m, added to the losses of £11m in 2023 and £87m the previous years.That does not mean losses of that size in their PSR accounts, as the £105m limit is reached with significant discounts for spending on infrastructure, the youth and women’s teams and community projects, with United also benefitting last term from the final Covid adjustment.But new club chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already noted that United were close to the PSR limit last season.And with the club in the Europa League rather than the Champions League this season, it will mean a reduction of up to £50m in TV revenues – although it will also see wage bonuses reduced.The rules do not prevent clubs from spending in January – but they do have to balance their books by the end of the financial year.Selling the likes of Antony or Casemiro is not as easy a get-out as it might appear either.They would have to receive a fee of £30m for Casemiro to get to zero in accounting terms, with Antony’s five-year deal meaning £49.2m would be taken off any agreed fee received.Alternatively the Red Devils could sell an academy graduate like Marcus Rashford as his transfer fee would count as pure profit, since he did not cost United a penny.But if Amorim is going to be allowed to bring players in – there are no limits in the Prem but clubs can only change a maximum of three players in their Uefa squads for the knock-out stage – it appears likely that exits will have to come before the end of June.The end of last term saw the likes of Newcastle, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Everton engage in a series of deals that saw them get under the PSR limits.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited might have previously been above those sort of financial requirements.But they may not be this term – especially if Amorim demands some significant action in the winter window. 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      ‘We’re probably gonna see him in a Man Utd shirt because of his special connection with Ruben Amorim’

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      RUBEN AMORIM will bring Viktor Gyokeres to Manchester United because of his “special connection” with the striker, according to Dimitar Berbatov.Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim, 39, will arrive at Old Trafford on November 11 as Erik ten Hag’s successor.Ruben Amorim is being linked with bringing Sporting Lisbon players to Manchester UnitedCredit: ReutersViktor Gyokeres has been sensational since arriving in PortugalCredit: GettyEx-Man Utd striker Dimitar Berbatov believes Amorim will bring Gyokeres to Old TraffordCredit: Sky SportsEx-Coventry striker Gyokeres, 26, has been thriving under Amorim, scoring 43 goals in 50 games last season.He has continued that form at the start of the new campaign, bagging 20 in just 16 matches.Amorim has already ruled out signing Gyokeres in January, despite Man Utd having scored just nine goals in 10 Premier League games.He said: “I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Gyokeres costs €100million and it’s very difficult.”However, former Red Devils striker Berbatov, 43, believes the relationship between Amorim and Gyokeres will see the Swedish forward eventually sign for Man Utd.Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “This guy, Viktor Gyokeres, he’s scoring goals for fun right now.”So I think there’s a special connection with the coach, so maybe we are probably going to see him in a United shirt at some point.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSViktor Gyokeres’ career statsClub appearances: 296Club goals: 139International caps: 24International goals: 10Honours: Swedish second division, Primeira LigaWhen asked whether he would be happy with the Gyokeres transfer, Berbatov added: “From what he’s showing right now, I think yes.”Our strikers at the moment are not doing and producing goals, like we see with them 18th in the league for scoring goals, which is embarrassing for a club of the stature of United.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter “This is a position that I’d like to see improvement.”Gyokeres, who is being linked with a move to Barcelona, has already addressed rumours of him joining Amorim in Manchester.He said: “Going with Amorim to Man Utd? I don’t know, I’m here. I really like being here, it’s not something I think about.”I’m enjoying it here. I’m sad about him leaving. We wish him all the best.” More

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      Sacked Man Utd boss Ten Hag didn’t want to sign £36.5m flop Zirkzee and fumed at striker for being a stone overweight

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      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE arrived at Manchester United a stone overweight – and Erik ten Hag didn’t even want him.The £36.5million flop has scored just once this season and has started only four of United’s twelve Premier League games.Former Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag didn’t want Joshua Zirkzee in the summerCredit: GettyThe 23-year-old arrived at Old Trafford overweight after joining from BolognaCredit: GettyHe has bagged just once for the Red Devils since his £36.5m moveCredit: GettyNow SunSport can reveal not only did he arrive at United out of shape —  it has taken a while to shift that extra weight.His condition left manager Ten Hag unhappy as he was not his choice of striker in the first place. His arrival from Bologna was instigated by Ineos’ new management team – who identified the 23-year-old as good value for money.That is a huge matter for debate now with many fans still wondering if he is up to the fitness levels needed to be a Prem player.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLZirkzee scored on his debut against Fulham – coming off the bench to grab a late winner in the Red Devils’ opening Premier League fixture of the season.There has been nothing since from 15 appearances in all competition –  seven of them starts.The Dutch international’s last league start came against Tottenham at the end of September before his compatriot Ten Hag reverted back to Rasmus Hojlund, who had been unavailable at the season was delayed due to injury.Zirkzee was only brought on by interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy in the 84th minute of Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe immediately was given a chance when he was put through – but lacked the pace to get away from Wesley Fofana.Bizarrely, Zirkzee later posted a picture on Instagram of the moment he was through on goal — even though it came to nothing.Zirkzee has scored just once in the leagueJamie Redknapp blasts Man Utd fans accusing Old Trafford crowd of creating as much atmosphere as Covid timesHe did not come to United with a great goalscoring reputation.While the club desperately needed a No 9, there has been some debate whether Zirkzee is better suited to playing as a No 10.The Dutchman began his career at Bayern Munich but they afforded him just 17 games in which he got four goals.He was loaned out to Parma and Anderlecht before making a permanent move to Serie A and Bologna where he got just 14 goals in 58 appearances over two seasons.Since his debut goal, Zirkzee has failed to score in 10 appearancesCredit: ReutersMan Utd ratings vs ChelseaMARTIN BLACKBURN gives his verdict on the Red Devils against ChelseaAndre Onana – 5Will be disappointed not to keep out Caicedo’s equaliser.Almost put Casemiro in trouble with sloppy early pass tooNoussair Mazraoui – 6Key interception to prevent Neto getting in on goal late on and tried to support Garnacho where possibleMatthijs de Ligt – 6Good early block to deny Palmer.Late slip under pressure from Jackson almost proved costly.Lisandro Martinez – 6Lucky not to concede a pen with clumsy challenge on Colwill and lucky to escape a red for x-rated late tackle on Palmer.Diogo Dalot – 6Poor tackle on Pedro Neto earned a deserved booking and had a real battle with his international team-mate.Casemiro – 7Made a difference with super ball to Hojlund in lead up to pen – but could he have got more distance on clearing header that was despatched by Moises Caicedo.Manuel Ugarte – 6Rugby tackle on Palmer but Uruguayan showed signs he is starting to settle in after big money summer move.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Always a threat but wasted some great chances.Shot straight at Sanchez and shanked another effort after great work by Fernandes.Bruno Fernandes – 8Created United’s best two chances for Rashford and Garnacho and then kept his cool to score from the spot.Marcus Rashford – 6Hit the angle with volley on stroke of half-time and saw another shot saved by Sanchez.Better from the England man.Rasmus Hojlund – 6Did not touch the ball in the Chelsea box first half but when he finally did he won the penalty.SubsAmad Diallo (73′ for Rashford)A couple of nice touches but not much impact.Joshua Zirkzee (’84 for Hojlund)A couple of nice touches but not much impact.Victor Lindelof (’84 for Ugarte)Thrown on to keep things tight and did that.Despite having moved to Bologna for just £7.15m his worth had rocketed when United came calling on the back of those two seasons.New Sporting Director Dan Ashworth alongside Technical Director Jason Wilcox are the men who have been tasked by part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to improve United’s recruitment.Zirkzee missed United’s pre-season training camp despite having only played two minutes of Holland’s Euro campaign –  in their 2-1 defeat to England in the semi-finals.Rather than join the team at their training camp in Los Angeles, he took his allotted time off.That raised eyebrows among some close to the club given that he was holidaying in LA at the same time United were there and called in only to say hello to his new team-mates.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited have had their worst start to a season since 1986-87 with just 12 points from 10 games and stand 13th in the table.They are one of only three clubs not to be in double figures for goals scored. 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      Ruben Amorim wants Man Utd to re-sign star they let go for just £5million, fears former Portugal star

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      RUBEN AMORIM wants to sign a star Manchester United sold for just £5million, according to a Portuguese League champion.Amorim, 39, will be the head coach at Old Trafford from November 11 when he leaves Sporting CP after four years at the club.Ruben Amorim will make a move for an ex-Man Utd star, according to a five-time Portuguese league winnerCredit: EPAAlvaro Carreras was sold by Man Utd for £5million in the summer after a number of loan dealsCredit: ReutersThe 21-year-old can be brought back by the Red Devils for a cut-price feeCredit: GettyHis time with the Lisbon-based outfit has seen him win two league titles, ending a 19-year title drought in the process with his 3-4-3 system.United have had problems at full-back this season and for much of last season, with Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw both sidelined through injury.It forced sacked manager Erik ten Hag into playing a variety of stars at left-back, with his options this season mainly being Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui.Consequently, it is believed that when Amorim arrives he will look to add a profile who fits the left-wing back role in his team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFive-time Portuguese League winner Álvaro Magalhães believes the star in question will be former Man Utd academy talent Alvaro Carreras.Carreras, 21, initially joined the Red Devils academy in 2020.However, the defender failed to break into the senior squad and after a succession of loan transfers was sold permanently to Benfica by Ten Hag over the summer following a season on loan with them.Reports have since emerged revealing United included a 50 per cent sell-on clause and a cheap £16m buy-back clause in the deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd speaking to Record, the 63-year-old Benfica legend Magalhaes believes Amorim could make a move to take the star from his old rivals.He said: “I fear that Rúben Amorim wants him at Manchester United. It seems to me that he has the quality to be one of the first options and looking at the squad.How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution early”I believe that with the new coaching staff he could become a possibility again, especially because the new coach knows him very well based on what he saw from him at Benfica.“It would be a lot if Benfica had the ability to not let him escape, but now the decision is not just in the club’s hands.”He explained: “This ability to react to adversity seems to be his strength. Great players only succeed if they are mentally very strong and that seems to be the case. “Anyone who is weak cannot play for Benfica, just as they cannot play for Real Madrid, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, or PSG.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.”If he were weak, he would have already been released from Benfica and would be demonstrating quality in another team. “Benfica were in time to not lose one of those players that we must fight to keep at the club due to his quality. “I hope he has a lot of luck and continues to have a great season.”Carreras has played 14 times for Benfica so far this season, scoring once.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim is in action with Sporting CP for the final time in the Champions League tomorrow as they face Manchester City.His final game as the Eagles’ boss is then against another former club in Braga.Man Utd ratings vs ChelseaMARTIN BLACKBURN gives his verdict on the Red Devils against ChelseaAndre Onana – 5Will be disappointed not to keep out Caicedo’s equaliser.Almost put Casemiro in trouble with sloppy early pass tooNoussair Mazraoui – 6Key interception to prevent Neto getting in on goal late on and tried to support Garnacho where possibleMatthijs de Ligt – 6Good early block to deny Palmer.Late slip under pressure from Jackson almost proved costly.Lisandro Martinez – 6Lucky not to concede a pen with clumsy challenge on Colwill and lucky to escape a red for x-rated late tackle on Palmer.Diogo Dalot – 6Poor tackle on Pedro Neto earned a deserved booking and had a real battle with his international team-mate.Casemiro – 7Made a difference with super ball to Hojlund in lead up to pen – but could he have got more distance on clearing header that was despatched by Moises Caicedo.Manuel Ugarte – 6Rugby tackle on Palmer but Uruguayan showed signs he is starting to settle in after big money summer move.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Always a threat but wasted some great chances.Shot straight at Sanchez and shanked another effort after great work by Fernandes.Bruno Fernandes – 8Created United’s best two chances for Rashford and Garnacho and then kept his cool to score from the spot.Marcus Rashford – 6Hit the angle with volley on stroke of half-time and saw another shot saved by Sanchez.Better from the England man.Rasmus Hojlund – 6Did not touch the ball in the Chelsea box first half but when he finally did he won the penalty.SubsAmad Diallo (73′ for Rashford)A couple of nice touches but not much impact.Joshua Zirkzee (’84 for Hojlund)A couple of nice touches but not much impact.Victor Lindelof (’84 for Ugarte)Thrown on to keep things tight and did that. 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      Jose Mourinho hilariously fails with knee-slide celebration after ex-Man Utd flop scores 102nd-minute Fenerbahce winner

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      JOSE MOURINHO’S hilarious knee-slide celebration went down like a lead balloon.But Fenerbahce fans won’t care one bit after former Manchester United loanee Sofyan Amrabat smacked in a winner in the 102nd minute.Jose Mourinho went to knee slide in celebration of a late Fenerbahce winnerBut the Special One completely fluffed itThe Portuguese boss face planted the turf before delivering a blockbuster interviewWith tensions on a knife-edge at 2-2, Amrabat found himself in prime position after a perfect run inside the box, to fire into the top corner from 12 yards.And his goal, which smacked down off the bar and in, was met with utter euphoria from fans, players and most of all the away bench.But it was Mourinho, of course, who stole the headlines as it ended 3-2.The Special One ran onto the pitch to perform his signature knee slide.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis time, however, unlike during his days at Porto and Real Madrid, the 61-year-old couldn’t execute it.Instead, the legendary manager ate grass as he face planted into the turf before being mobbed by players and staff.And Amrabat wasn’t the only former United player to get his name on the scoresheet, after Fred opened the scoring in the 42nd minute.The match, where former Man City star Edin Dzeko also bagged, was not without controversy as the referee was scrutinised for a number of decisions he made during the match.Most read in FootballSofyan Amrabat won it for Fenerbahce at the deathCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMourinho then returned to his best to deliver another blockbuster interview – his second in as many weeks, after he was sent-off during United’s 1-1 visit to Turkey in the Europa League.He said: “The man of the match was Atilla Karaoglan. The invisible man. The referee on the field is just a child. Tottenham snubbed Ollie Watkins transfer as Jose Mourinho refused to pay price tag and signed flop striker instead “We don’t want to see him in our matches again. We don’t want him as a VAR either. We don’t want him on the field either. Before I came here, I was told a lot of things and I didn’t believe it. It was even worse.”We faced a good team and they fought well, but we are playing against the system.”It marked Fenerbahce’s second consecutive win in the Turkish Super Lig as they now sit five points behind rivals Galatasaray.And on an evening of former Old Trafford excellence, their former side recorded their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign after being held to a stale 0-0 draw with Chelsea in M16. More