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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Man Utd ‘send scouts to watch £50million-rated Egypt star’ who Mo Salah ‘recommended Liverpool should sign’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush, according to reports.The Egyptian, 25, has been in excellent form for the Bundesliga side this term.Omar Marmoush has impressed for Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: RexMarmoush has already attracted interest from Liverpool, with his international team-mate Mo Salah reportedly having recommended him to Anfield chiefs.According to Sky Sports Germany, however, Man Utd could swoop in ahead of the Reds.They claim that United chiefs have been keeping an eye on Marmoush, and that they could even make a move in January.New boss Ruben Amorim is not expected to have as much money to spend on reinforcements as predecessor Erik ten Hag.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut January recruits are possible, with Viktor Gyokeres a potential target.With Sporting set to demand £83million for the Swede, United could turn towards £50m-rated Marmoush as a cheaper alternative.The forward signed for Eintracht from Wolfsburg in 2023.Having scored 12 Bundesliga goals during his first campaign in Frankfurt, Marmoush has already nearly matched that tally this term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has netted 11 goals in as many games, also adding a further three in the Europa League.While Salah is claimed to have recommended his pal to Anfield bosses, Marmoush could even replace him at Liverpool.Manchester United vs Bodo/Glimt: Player RatingsThe winger’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and last weekend he claimed that he’s “more out than in” as he waits to be offered a new deal.Marmoush is able to play across the front line, a versatility that could appeal to both United and Liverpool.In addition to a forward, Amorim is also believed to covet a wing-back in January.The Red Devils have been linked with Wolves ace Rayan Ait-Nouri.Man Utd ratings vs Bodo/Glimt More

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    Man Utd fans praise forgotten star’s ‘redemption arc’ after performance vs Bodo/Glimt and interaction with Ruben Amorim

    MASON MOUNT was showered with praise from Manchester United fans following his display against Bodo/Glimt.The £55million signing made only his fourth start of the season in United’s 3-2 Europa League win over the Norwegian minnows on Thursday night.Manchester United picked up their first win under Ruben Amorim against Bodo/GlimtCredit: REXMason Mount showed glimpses of his old self in the 3-2 win at Old TraffordCredit: EPAUnited fans are excited by the prospect of Mount rediscovering his form of oldCredit: GETTYMount pulled off a neat flick in the build-up to Rasmus Hojlund’s second goalCredit: TNT SPORTSMount looked like a shell of the player he was at Chelsea last season but showed signs of a potential resurgence in Ruben Amorim’s first win in charge of the Red Devils.He produced a beautiful flick to Manuel Ugarte in the build-up to Rasmus Hojlund’s second goal of the matchAnd the Old Trafford faithful believe Amorim may be the man to get the best out of the England international.One wrote on X: “Mount standing ovation, what a performance.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnother said: “Is this the Mason Mount redemption arc? He’s played well.”And another said: “If that was Mason Mount’s first proper minutes under Amorim, can’t wait to see what’s to come.”One remarked: “IF we can keep Mount fit he’ll be one of Amorim’s key players, he’s one of the only ones who knows the 3-4-2-1 system inside out & he should thrive under him.”Another chimed in: “Solid performance, Mason Mount.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne over-the-moon United supporter said: “Mason Mount, I bloody love you.”Mount was substituted just before the hour mark and received a warm embrace from his new manager, who chest-bumped him before he sat on the bench.Ruben Amorim bizarrely SLAPS Man Utd stars in training as fans joke ‘I hope Luke Shaw doesn’t get injured’The Manchester Evening News pointed out: “A bullish chest bump and pat from Amorim for Mount.”Given his work-rate off the ball, easy to see why Amorim has a lot of time for him.”Another said: “Love to see that kind of respect and connection between coach and player!”A first-half strike from Alejandro Garnacho and second-half goals from Hojlund secured Amorim his first win as Red Devils boss.The Portuguese gaffer said of the game: “Like a real ride, we started very well then we suffered two goals in two transitions.United fans believe Ruben Amorim could get the best out of Mason MountCredit: PA“I liked the way the players continued to play our game.”I could feel the crowd when it was 2-1, sometimes we won the ball and we had problems in the past where we give the ball [away] too much.”So the mindset now is to keep the ball and sometimes they have to go forward, they are really trying but i think we deserved the win.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Of course, I see what everybody sees, good moments, difficult moments, some confusion in the end trying to hold the result.”But the lads did a great job, they ran, they pressed, they tried to do the things we worked on these three days and we won.” More

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    ‘I’ll keep this with me for the rest of my career’ – Ruben Amorim stunned by Man Utd fans’ ‘special’ gesture

    RUBEN AMORIM revealed he’ll cherish a “special” gesture from Manchester United fans for the rest of his life.The Portuguese oversaw his first win as Red Devils boss on Thursday night as his troops ran out 3-2 winners over Bodo/Glimt in their Europa League clash at Old Trafford.Manchester United ran out 3-2 winners of Bodo/Glimt to secure Ruben Amorim’s first winCredit: GETTYThe Portuguese gaffer received an incredible reception from the Old Trafford faithfulCredit: GETTYAmorim was blown away by the reception he receivedCredit: GETTYHe received a raucous reception from the Theatre of Dreams faithful before and after the final whistle, something he’ll remember for the rest of his days.The 39-year-old – who admitted he is a “bit of a dreamer” himself when previously asked about his Man Utd prospects – told TNT Sports: “The first thing is that half of the stadium doesn’t really know me.”I came from Portugal and I have done nothing for this club yet, so the way they make me feel at home is so special.”It’s not after something, it’s before something. READ MORE ON AMORIM”This is something special and I will keep this to the end of my career.”Alejandro Garnacho lit the blue touch paper in the first minute before goals from Hakon Evjen and Philip Zinckernagel gave the visitors an unlikely lead.But a brace from Rasmus Hojlund either side of half time turned things around and saw Amorim pick up his first win since replacing Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout.Amorim said of the game: “Like a real ride, we started very well then we suffered two goals in two transitions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd ratings vs Bodo/Glimt“I liked the way the players continued to play our game.”I could feel the crowd when it was 2-1, sometimes we won the ball and we had problems in the past where we give the ball [away] too much.Ruben Amorim bizarrely SLAPS Man Utd stars in training as fans joke ‘I hope Luke Shaw doesn’t get injured'”So the mindset now is to keep the ball and sometimes they have to go forward, they are really trying but i think we deserved the win.”Of course, I see what everybody sees, good moments, difficult moments, some confusion in the end trying to hold the result.”But the lads did a great job, they ran, they pressed, they tried to do the things we worked on these three days and we won.”Manchester United will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, welcoming Everton to Old Trafford. More