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    Man Utd player ratings: Casemiro back to brilliant best in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first game but Joshua Zirkzee struggles

    RUUD VAN NISTELROOY’S reign got off to a winning start as Manchester United beat Leicester 5-2 to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.Suddenly, scoring goals looked easy as fans inside Old Trafford screamed “attack, attack, attack” during United’s first post-Erik ten Hag victory.Casemiro scored an absolute worldie inside 15 minutesAlejandro Garnacho doubled United’s leadBilal El Khannouss made it 2-1Casemiro hit his second of the night in the 39th minuteFernandes made it 5-2 after Conor Coady drew one back for the visitorsPoor finishing was to blame for Sunday’s defeat to West Ham, which proved to be the final nail in Ten Hag’s coffin.But United rediscovered their confidence in front of goal in Van Nistelrooy’s first game as interim manager.It was just the Reds Devils’ fifth win in 15 matches this season, with the home crowd finally given something to cheer about.And the players looked happy for a change too, especially after Casemiro netted a screamer from distance inside 15 minutes.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAlejandro Garnacho doubled their lead in the 27th minute, before Leicester drew one back through Bilal El Khannouss five minutes later.One-time goal machine Bruno Fernandes bagged his first of the season, albeit via a huge deflection off James Justin from a free-kick, in the 36th minute.Casemiro – who was slated as one of United’s worst signings prior to this match by Gary Neville – then fired in his second of the evening, before Conor Coady hit on the verge of half-time to add another twist in the tale.While this win marked the start of a new era, there were plenty of signs of Ten Hag’s United of old. Most read in FootballFor all their attacking prowess, they still looked frail at the back in periods – something United-bound Ruben Amorim will surely address as soon as he arrives at Carrington.Fernandes capped off the seven-goal thriller in the 57th minute to make it 5-2 and earn a quarter-final tie away at Spurs – a test that will reveal far more about just how much Ten Hag was to blame for United’s poor performances.As for this match, against a weakened Leicester side, here is how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players…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.’Ruben Amorim feels like Erik ten Hag all over again – Man Utd missed out on the perfect coach who’s done it already’ says Paul Scholes 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 Dalot – 6Back 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.Bruno Fernandes scored two to get on the scoresheet for the first time this seasonMarcus 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.Alejandro Garnacho looked back to his best at Old TraffordJoshua 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).READ MORE SUN STORIESTrudged 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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    Marcus Rashford hailed for ‘powering through like a champ’ after Man Utd ace hit with eye-watering tackle in Carabao Cup

    MARCUS RASHFORD has been hailed by Manchester United fans for ‘powering through like a champ’ after an eye-watering incident at Old Trafford.The 26-year-old started the Carabao Cup clash against Leicester to mark the first game of the post Erik ten Hag era.Marcus Rashford was left holding his groin after a stray bootRuud van Nistelrooy had plenty to celebrate in his first game in chargeCredit: PAThe Dutchman was sacked on Monday with club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy taking interim charge.But Rashford endured his own pain on the pitch after being caught by an opponent’s boot in the groin.The England man crumpled to the turf, and eventually after rising to his feet, held the sore area with his hand.But he was soon back running for his new gaffer – which led to United fans hailing his resilience.Read more FootballOne United fan wrote on X: “Holding on and powering through like a champ!”Another added: “We’ve all been there”, while some posted amusing yet wincing GIFs of people being kicked in the groin area.And one decided to point out the obvious, writing: “Must be hurt.”That moment in the 48th minute proved to be the last bit of action on a pulsating first half of football with Van Nistelrooy at the helm.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited went into the break 4-2 up thanks to an unlikely brace from the much-maligned Casemiro, and strikes from Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes.But Leicester netted through El Khannouss and Coady to keep things interesting.Ruben Amorim responds to questions about Man Utd job after Sporting match Rashford only lasted until the 62nd minute when he was replaced by Amad Diallo.And he was given a standing ovation by the fans as he made his exit.But by that time United had banged another past the helpless Leicester keeper, through Fernandes again, to make it 5-2.United are still negotiating with Sporting CP to make Ruben Amorim their new manager.Amorim, 39, was made the number one target for Man Utd earlier this week and now it seems as though he wants the deal just as much.According to Sky Sports, Amorim has told his current employers that he wants to leave and take up the job with the Red Devils.READ MORE SUN STORIESSporting are also said to believe that Amorim has agreed terms with Man Utd.United have already agreed to pay the £8.5m release clause to get their man.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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    ‘Erik ten Hag responsible for two of the worst transfers in Man Utd history’, rants club legend Gary Neville

    ERIK TEN HAG made two of Manchester United’s worst ever transfers, club legend Gary Neville has claimed.Dutch coach Ten Hag, 54, was sacked by Red Devils chiefs on Monday morning after a dismal start of the season saw them win just four of 13 games in all competitions.Gary Neville has slammed Erik ten Hag’s transfers as Manchester United managerCredit: AFPTen Hag was sacked on Monday morning after two years at the clubCredit: AlamyHe spent more than £600million during his two years at Man Utd – where he won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.An eighth place finish last season threatened to see him dismissed before the victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final saved his job.And while the results were the main reason for Ten Hag’s dismissal, Neville also feels the failed transfer business was a factor.The iconic Man Utd right-back, 49, has cited Casemiro and Antony as some of the worst deals in the club’s history.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking on More

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

    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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    ‘Ten Premier League managers could have done a better job than Erik ten Hag at Man Utd’, claims club legend

    TEN Premier League managers could have done a BETTER job than Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.That is according to club legend Teddy Sheringham who has hit out at the sacked Old Trafford boss just days after he exited Old Trafford.Teddy Sheringham believes ‘ten Prem managers could’ve done a better job than Ten Hag’ at UnitedErik ten Hag was axed on Monday after two years at Old TraffordAfter months of speculation and calls from fans, Ten Hag was finally put out of his misery after United’s 2-1 defeat at West Ham on Sunday.The big question on everybody’s lips is who will replace the Dutchman, who received a £15m pay-out from Ineos and Co.Ruud van Nistelrooy has stepped into the breach – but this is on an interim basis.Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim looks set to fill Ten Hag’s seat, with United agreeing to pay the £8.5m release clause to bring the former Liverpool target to the Old Trafford dugout.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Portuguese chief has also being linked with Manchester city should Pep Guardiola leave at the end of the season.Speaking on the ‘Seaman Says’ podcast, which is sponsored by Betway, Red Devils legend Sheringham said: “It’s a big choice now.”Because everyone’s always said, ‘if you get rid of him, who next’?”That was always a big question. My answer was that I could think of probably 10 in the Premier League who could do a better job than him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to be the best manager for the future of Manchester United.”But go and get the best. You’re still a big pull.”‘Ruben Amorim feels like Erik ten Hag all over again – Man Utd missed out on the perfect coach who’s done it already’ says Paul Scholes Sheringham didn’t name names but his accusation doesn’t seem all that implausible given United’s dismal run in the Prem over the last 12 months, including four wins in 14 games this term.United could bnow face a bigger problem in that the new man will likely want to ship out some of the flops Ten Hag brought to the club.On whether United can attract talented players, Sheringham added: “You’ve only got to do half decent at the moment for Man Utd.”And help with the progression of that football club moving forward. And it needs to move forward, anyone can see that.”While Amorim is set to inherit a talented but massively under-performing squad, United’s overall recruitment choices have failed to bring about results expected.Gary Neville told the Overlap US: “The recruitment, to be fair, had been appalling for 10 years, and Ten Hag’s been a victim of that himself.”I think he oversaw what will be regarded as a couple of the worst transfers United will have ever have made.”And that will be the signings of Casemiro and Antony for the £140, £150million in that panic after the Brentford and Brighton losses.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited play Leicester City in the Carabao Cup tonight, before hosting Chelsea in the league at Old Trafford on Sunday.It’s not yet known if Amorim will be in the dugout for the game against the Blues, with the Portuguese coach set to play out a notice period before joining the Red Devils. More

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    Ruben Amorim’s press conference in full as he responds to questions about Man Utd job after Sporting match

    RUBEN AMORIM was quizzed by reporters last night about reports linking him with the Manchester United job.The Portuguese tactician, 39, oversaw a 3-1 win for his Sporting CP side over Nacional in the Portuguese League Cup on Tuesday.Ruben Amorim has spoken at length about his links to the Man Utd jobCredit: GettyThe double Portuguese league winner has confirmed talks between Man Utd and Sporting CPCredit: GettyHowever, the main post-match topic was not the victory but rather the ongoing talks for him to replace Erik ten Hag as Man Utd’s new permanent manager after the Dutchman was sacked on Monday.The Red Devils have already indicated to Sporting they are willing to match Amorim’s £8.3million release clause – though they have now been told to cough up another £4m for his staff as well.Two-time league winner Amorim was asked about the decision and the progress of the move.Below you can see the Special One 2.0’s full press conference following the match last night:READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYour analysis of the match and Manchester United’s interest”There was a statement from the club and that is the only thing there is at the moment. “There is interest from Manchester United, there is the payment of a clause and then, when I have something more concrete, I will come here and take over the situation, because it is always my choice. “As long as you don’t have everything decided, for one side or the other, it’s not worth saying anything, it’s just going to create noise. “I just say that I will take on whatever I want to do, as I have always done. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Regarding the game, it was a strange game. A strange environment, there is no escaping it. We wanted to manage players. We played a good game, we lacked some joy and aggressiveness. “We scored another goal from a free-kick. A fair victory in a strange game, on a strange day. Now it’s time to think about Estrela da Amadora.Sporting fans give verdict on Ruben Amorim ahead of move to Man Utd”I would ask you to explain the issue of the €10 million clause for world-class clubs. Was it requested by you?”I’m not going to be talking about my contract, that’s between me and Sporting. I won’t be scrutinizing. “All clauses are on the coach’s side and Sporting’s. What I can say is that everything is in the statement.”Rúben, you said, very recently, that you were in an enviable position, with enormous stability. Isn’t all this strange for someone who has so much stability?”No, stability is not everything in life. We will have time to talk about it and I will explain what I have to explain. “But in relation to the words I said, none of my previous words prevent something from happening, at any time, in the world of football. “The only time I missed what I said was on the day of the plane. For the rest, I have maximum stability, I’m very happy here, I really like my staff. And one thing does not prevent the other. “So let’s see what happens in the future. But I did not fail to keep my word. There was a club that showed interest in the coach. I don’t control these things. “What I control is the decision that takes place from now on. And I will be here to tell you what I want to do and how it will be done. At this time, no decision has been made.”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 is missing for this deal to be confirmed? Can you promise that you will be on the bench against Estrela da Amadora?”I can’t tell you anything more than this. There is an intention of the club. They are in talks with Sporting. Then, it will also be my decision.”But everything is time and I will explain everything that happens next. To be talking now is just creating noise and confusion even more for the situation. “There is a statement from the club, there is this situation, it will be resolved and I will assume what I have to assume. Today I can’t say more. I can’t promise anything. “Tomorrow, I’ll be in training. I’m going to prepare the game against Estrela da Amadora and that’s my focus.”Has Rúben Amorim already entered into negotiations with Manchester United? Have you talked to the squad?”There was no conversation. Before the set pieces, there was a ‘get the elephant out of the room’. Before the statement came out, I explained to the players what was going on. “At the moment nothing more is happening than that. Otherwise, there is nothing more to comment.”Didn’t the players ask you to stay? Can you give hope to the fans about not leaving? If you leave and return to Portugal, will you only coach Sporting?”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. “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. “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.”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.Didn’t Manchester United talk to you before paying the clause? Do you want to go or not? Can’t sign now for the end of the season?”This is my stuff. Whether I want to go or not, that’s the decision we’re talking about here. I believe that at the beginning of the season I had spoken to the players, with some players to stay. “I don’t get involved in the players’ lives. Now, I talk to the players because I am Sporting’s coach. I want to keep the group well. I spoke with the management. How are we going to manage the squad. “But no doubt if I leave, they will be disappointed in me. And sad with me. But it’s part of life. That happened in Braga. When I came from Braga, from Braga’s stability to here, that happened a bit. “And they were a bit disappointed. Because they really believed that we were building something special. But then things happen that change people’s lives. It is a difficult situation. “I can’t give more than that. I’m not going to tell you if I want to go or not. I understand that the players are even disappointed. Sad. But I have to live with it. “And the important thing is that we reach the end and we know how to explain everything. People understand it or not. The important thing is to show your face and explain it. And this I will do.”Don’t you feel that you are leaving for a club that has too much instability?”When I have something to say, I’ll have time to answer that question. Therefore, I will explain everything. Because I like to do it, because it’s easier, because the players deserve it, because the fans deserve it.”And whatever the decision, I will be here to say that I cannot comment on that question. That would be taking steps forward, which makes no sense at the moment.What can weigh on the exit? Don’t you feel like you can harm the project? Don’t you feel that players, like Gyokeres, who said they stayed because of the coach, can get upset?”First, no player was offered the clause. And that doesn’t change. There is no more stability than that. 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. READ MORE SUN STORIES”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.” More

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    Man Utd being ordered to pay another £4MILLION to get Ruben Amorim despite offering to pay £8.3m release clause

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been ordered to pay another £4million in their bid to land Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim.United have already agreed to pay the £8.3million release clause in Amorim’s contract.Manchester United will have to pay another £4m to get Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyAmorim is hoping to bring a number of his coaches to Old Trafford with him and it won’t come cheapCredit: GettyBut now, the Portuguese giants want extra cash to release three trusted members of Amorim’s backroom staffThe 39-year-old wants to take Sporting’s assistant manager Adelio Candido, assistant coach Carlos Fernandes and goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital with him to Old Trafford.Sporting are believed to be surprised that Amorim wants to take all three coaches. So they now want United to pay another £4.1m (€5m).United remain hopeful they will complete a deal before Sunday’s home Premier League game with Chelsea.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut whether Amorim is in the dugout remains to be seen and caretaker Ruud Van Nistelrooy could still be in charge for that game with the new arrival watching from the stands.Amorim was in the dugout for Sporting’s 3-1 win over Nacional in the Portuguese league cup quarterfinal last night.Sporting fans gave their gaffer a mixed reception with supporters split on the rumours of his potential exit from Lisbon.The tactician headed straight down the tunnel at full-time, not acknowledging the support.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile he refused to open up on his future in his post-match press conference.He said: “Nothing to say yet, no announcement to make. Now I have nothing to say, we are here carrying out analysis.Ruben Amorim jets in for Man Utd talks with Sporting boss set to be in charge for Chelsea clash on Sunday”Everything I say will only create more noise. There is nothing to say about the matter. There is the statement, everyone knows. It was said by the club.”Besides, we don’t know the details for sure. We’ll see. It will go through my decision as the statement said. But saying half things now doesn’t seem best to me.”Amorim remained coy on his future after Sporting’s 3-1 victory in the Portuguese league cup last nightCredit: GettyRuben 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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    Arsenal and Liverpool in three-horse transfer race to sign Brentford star who’s scored same amount of goals as Man Utd

    ARSENAL are engaged in three-way transfer race to sign Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo, reports suggest.Mbeumo, 25, has enjoyed a fantastic start to the season by scoring eight Premier League goals in just nine matches for Thomas Frank’s Bees.Bryan Mbeumo is the subject of a three-team transfer race after scoring the same number of goals as Man UtdCredit: GettyNewcastle are discussing a deal while Arsenal are also interestedCredit: GettyThese eight goals astonishingly put him level with Manchester United’s league tally for the season so far, which sums up the Red Devils’ troubles pretty well.Cameroon international Mbeumo courted interest from some of England’s top clubs over the summer, with Newcastle top of a list including the Gunners and Liverpool, according to the Chronicle.However, the £50million price tag saw them baulk at a transfer.But the winger’s strong start to the season has kept Eddie Howe and co keen on a deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Telegraph report Newcastle are looking to strengthen their forward options and are internally discussing a move for Mbeumo in January.The Magpies were hit with spending restrictions in the summer in order to comply with league Profit and Sustainability rules.This saw them part ways with huge talents in Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, with the pair now doing well at Nottingham Forest and Brighton respectively.Since the takeover of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) in October 2021, the Toon have spent more than £400m on new talent.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, following news that PIF will cut investment from their sovereign wealth fund on international spending from 30 per cent to 18-20 per cent, the Toon may have to deal with tighter pockets a little longer.PIF have assured supporters their backing will not change and will press on with plans for a new stadium, though this will not help with the immediate issues regarding PSR compliance. ‘Watching Arsenal is like watching Netflix… you always have to wait for the next season’, says Man Utd legendStruggles in terms of recouping transfer fees have left their hands tied, which the Telegraph report could restrict their winter plans too.In the meantime, Toon have triggered a one-year extension to Sean Longstaff’s contract.The St. James’ Park outfit tried to land Marc Guehi in the summer with a deal that almost hit £70m, which was rejected by Crystal Palace.Newcastle sit 12th in the league, while rivals Liverpool are second and Arsenal are third after playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Emirates last weekend.Liverpool brought in one player in Federico Chiesa in the summer, with Arne Slot largely using the stars left over from Jurgen Klopp’s reign.This being said, the club did also confirm the signing of Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for next summer in a £25m deal.On the other hand, Mikel Arteta recruited heavily with Riccardo Calafiori the main arrival from Bologna for £42m.READ MORE SUN STORIESMikel Merino was added in midfield for £33m and David Raya’s loan transfer from Brentford was made permanent for £27m.Raheem Sterling and Neto also came in on loan.Liverpool impressed at Arsenal, but it was a match Jurgen Klopp probably would’ve wonBy Jordan DaviesON the face of it, Liverpool continue to go from strength to strength with Arne Slot’s tenure still in its infancy.Away at Arsenal as title contenders — with a formidable record at the Emirates having won four of their last six there — the Reds fought back, not once, but twice to earn an impressive point to remain four clear of the Gunners.Nine games in, Liverpool have seven wins, 22 points collected and sit in second in what is one of the club’s best ever starts to a Prem campaign.Nothing to sniff at there, and that is without mentioning three straight wins in the Champions League and a 5-1 Carabao Cup third-round thumping of fellow top-flight side West Ham.So to even attempt to pick flaws in Slot’s start with a run that solid would come across needlessly pedantic, deliberately nit-picky.But, and there is a but, given the standards Liverpool have set in these early months, it needs to be said: this draw in North London was a massive missed opportunity.And to go one step further, maybe this is a game Jurgen Klopp would have found a way to win?It has been a long time since Arsenal have gone into a game feeling so vulnerable defensively with world-class centre-back William Saliba missing through suspension.Full-back Riccardo Calafiori was also out injured, usual right-back Ben White began the game at centre-half and midfielder Thomas Partey started on the far right side of the defence.And then, in a chaotic second half, both Jurrien Timber and Gabriel limped off, forcing Gunners boss Mikel Arteta to swap around his back line THREE times by the 76th minute.And yet, despite all of that, a Liverpool side boasting attacking talents like Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo were hardly making the home fans sweat with a peppering of the Arsenal goal.It was not until a Klopp-style counter-attack from back to front in the 81st minute did the visitors properly test the home defence.But even that finish was a tame one — Salah tapping in past David Raya into an almost empty net.And with nine minutes left plus seven minutes injury time, the expected onslaught for another, to nick all three points — the tally-ho approach — never came.Not Klopp’s heavy metal style, more pleasant folk music with a ukulele in a country pub.You get the impression that Slot was delighted with this outcome.For large parts, Liverpool were defensively sound, gave very little away and snuck away back to Merseyside with a point tucked under their arm and a bloody nose avoided.Yet it was in these sorts big blockbuster matches that Klopp and Liverpool thrived over their nine-year romance, full of excitement, thrills and last-gasp wins that earned them a Prem trophy in 2019-20 and plenty more down-to-the-wire chases with Manchester City.And with Arteta’s Arsenal on their knees — quite literally in some cases — and hanging on for dear life, these are the moments in title races that require a bit of crazy, not caution.A Klopp team of the past would have gone completely and totally Kloppy, throwing men forward at will, blasting their opponents away and forcing the ball into the net through passion and thunder alone, regardless of how open it left them at the back.Slot is not this sort of coach.He is measured, considerate, calm. Good qualities, but not always needed in do-or-die matches that ultimately determine where you finish in May.It is hard to say if this will come back to haunt Slot, who still insists on avoiding any use of the phrase ‘title contenders’ despite clearly being title contenders.With Aston Villa and Manchester City visiting Anfield over their next five Prem outings, we will see whether the Dutchman can loosen the leash and let his team grab games by the scruff of the neck instead of playing it safe.Because as we have seen in this league, going for broke often rewards you — just ask the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola.Fortune favours the brave.Slot needs to discover his own version of that if he is to truly emulate Klopp and transform this Liverpool side into one capable of seizing moments when they matter most. More