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      Ruben Amorim refused to have pints with me during our coaching course… he’s right man for Man Utd, says Gabby Agbonlahor

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      A FEW beers down the pub was a highlight of the day for Gabby Agbonlahor and his pals at Uefa coaching sessions in Belfast.Yet there was one man who shunned the prospect of a few pints because he was only there to learn.Ruben Amorim took a coaching course in Northern Ireland in 2019Credit: YouTubeAmorim will take charge of Manchester United from November 11Credit: EPAGabby Agbonlahor did his coaching badges alongside AmorimCredit: GettyEven then, Ruben Amorim stood out from the crowd.Manchester United’s new manager took his Uefa badges in Northern Ireland because he was able to take part in a super-intense, fast-track course.Amorim quit his first job at Casa Pia in 2019 after initially being suspended because he did not have the necessary qualifications to coach in Portugal.But having taken his B Licence in Belfast that same year, he was handed a job with Braga’s B team and his career then took off in spectacular style.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEx-Aston Villa star Agbonlahor, 38, said: “In Belfast, you can do a fast-track course. In England, it takes a year but for this one, you go for a week and each day lasts from 8am to 8pm.“I did my Uefa A and B badges there. It cost a few thousand pounds.“I was last there in 2020. I remember enjoying the days, although the weather was always rubbish.“Amorim first came to the course in 2019 after he resigned from his first job because he did not have the right qualifications. That is why he did the fast-track course.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“There were about 20 on the course. Benjani, Chris Samba, Lee Cattermole, Craig Gardner and Alex Bruce were among the others on it.“Amorim was very well-liked but you did not see him after 8pm when the course finished.Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarre“Each night we’d go to the Irish pub but he was not like that. We were there to do our badges after retiring but it was very much a box-ticking thing. It certainly was for me.“I had finished playing and had free time, so it was just the sort of thing you would do — but for him it was different.“Even then, he just spoke well. I remembered him as a player and he was a year older.“During the course, we all had to put on training sessions and his sessions were good.“We put them on for a load of 18-year-old lads from Belfast and I was nervous.“But Amorim came in and was completely prepared. Then it was a case of boom, boom, session done.Each night we’d go to the Irish pub but he was not like that. We were there to do our badges after retiring but it was very much a box-ticking thing. It certainly was for me.Gabby Agbonlahor“You could obviously tell then he had something. He was desperate for the qualifications.”Former Benfica midfielder Amorim made an instant impression at Braga B and was appointed first-team manager at the start of 2020.After leading the club to a League Cup success, he was snapped up by Sporting Lisbon two months later.Agbonlahor, now a talkSPORT pundit, said: “What I love about him is that he went to Braga, won a trophy and within a few months Sporting paid €10million for him.“That is crazy money in Portugal. Sporting must have seen something in him at Braga.“From being around him, I felt he had an aura. He is also no-nonsense. For me, Manchester United have got the right man as they need someone with the right philosophy.“I know Erik ten Hag had said he could not do it with these players. Amorim knows he has to bring some sort of style of play.“I could tell when a team is playing for their manager and I felt United were not under Ten Hag.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Amorim’s lucky he has Portuguese players in Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes and will lean on them.“He will want money to spend. I am not sure he will want the likes of Antony and Casemiro. He will want some legs in midfield.”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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      Ruben Amorim reveals he asked Man Utd NOT to join until end of season as he admits ‘I changed my mind several times’

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      RUBEN AMORIM has revealed he did not want to join Manchester United until the end of the season and admitted “I changed my mind several times”.The Red Devils announced Amorim, 39, as Erik ten Hag’s replacement on Friday morning and he will begin work at Old Trafford on November 11.Ruben Amorim coached Sporting Lisbon for the first time since being announced as Manchester United boss on Friday nightCredit: APHe has revealed he did not want to leave Sporting for Man Utd until the summerCredit: PAEx-Sporting and Man Utd winger Nani embraced Amorim ahead of the gameCredit: PAHe will remain in charge of Sporting for their games against Manchester City and Braga – and on Friday evening led the Portuguese champions to a 5-1 win over Estrela Amadora.The result moves Sporting six points clear at the top of the Primeira Liga.And Amorim confirmed after the game that he wanted to remain at Sporting until the end of the campaign but was told by Man Utd chiefs it was “now or never”.He said: “I asked United if it could be at the end of the season. It was what I wanted. United said no. It was now or never. So I had to make a decision.”This is exactly the context I wanted [United struggling] because I can do things my way.”Before he added: “I changed my mind several times.”My concern is not to harm the Sporting team, we’ll see later. I’ll have that concern when I’m at United.”Amorim also quashed talk he was joining Man Utd for the money.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “Some people say it’s for money. It’s not.”Other clubs were prepared to pay 3 times more and I refused. This is the club [United] I wanted.”Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarreThe feeling around Amorim’s impending departure has divided the Sporting faithful.Outside the stadium, there was a banner which read: “Amorim, this is not your home anymore, thank you.”Other fans, though, took flags into the ground declaring their love for the coach who led the club to two titles.When Amorim’s name was first read out 30 minutes before kick-off, there were whistles and jeers followed by applause.I changed my mind several times.Ruben AmorimBut when the 39-year-old came out of the tunnel for the game, he received a standing ovation and applauded the fans.After the game, Amorim said: “Obviously, since this whole situation came about I’ve felt different.”I understand the anger of some fans and the disappointment. But that’s life. I was moved by the ovation and that’s how it is. “Even the other statement, when it came out, was on a match day.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.”But clubs are now listed companies and they have to present all these things. There were two statements. But that’s how things are, there are things that we can’t control. “I’m very grateful to the fans and to everything here. People think I wanted to leave straight away. In the next home game, whether we win or lose by 15-0, I’ll be there to see what the fans want to give me.”I understand their anger, but we move on and time heals everything. It was the best period of my life.”Amorim has won two league titles as Sporting manager – the first of which in 2021 ended a 19-year wait.His Man Utd contract runs until 2027, with the option of an extra year.The Red Devils paid £8.3million to trigger a release clause which allowed him to leave Sporting.His first game in charge of Man Utd comes away at Ipswich on November 24.United are understood to have paid an extra £900,000 to get him early rather than waiting a further three weeks.Amorim has been highly sought this year following his success with Sporting.READ MORE SUN STORIESPremier League rivals Liverpool were close to appointing the Lisbon gaffer before making the decision to bring in Arne Slot instead.While he also held talks with West Ham over the summer and had been rumoured to be on a list of candidates to take over from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. More

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      Ruben Amorim begins Sporting farewell tour with 5-1 thumping of Estrela as Gyokeres shows why Man Utd must get him too

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      RUBEN AMORIM is heading to Old Trafford – and now Manchester United should sign Viktor Gyokeres.On the night Amorim started his three-game farewell tour at Sporting, former Coventry striker Gyokeres maintained his stunning record at the club with a hat-trick in the first 42 minutes before grabbing the fourth in the second half.New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim led Sporting Lisbon to a dominant winCredit: PASporting star Viktor Gyokeres, who’s been linked with a reunion with Amorim at Man Utd, scored four past EstrelaCredit: PAGyokeres is one of the hottest strikers in EuropeCredit: ReutersThe red-hot forward, a £20million bargain from the Championship, has now scored 20 goals in 16 games this season on top of his 43 strikes in 50 matches last term.How United, the third lowest scorers in the Premier League, would love someone like the Swedish international.Gyokeres’ opener was well placed from an acute angle while the next two – the third being a penalty – were just raw power.His fourth in the 70th minute was a brilliant individual effort oozing with self confidence.Read More on Man UtdThat was before Maximiliano Araujo made it five for the hosts minutes before full-time.Yet United fans will hope their team do not defend under Amorim like the moment Sporting allowed Rodrigo Pinho to pull one back for 2-1 with an easy header.As you would expect, the announcement of Amorim’s departure has been mixed here.Outside the stadium, there was a banner which read: “Amorim, this is not your home anymore, thank you.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNew Man Utd boss Amorim received applause but also some whistles and jeersCredit: PAOther fans, though, took flags into the ground declaring their love for the coach who led the club to two titles.When Amorim’s name was first read out 30 minutes before kick-off, there were whistles and jeers followed by applause.Watch Sporting Lisbon fan reveal how you’ve been pronouncing incoming Man Utd manger Ruben Amorim’s name all wrongBut when the 39-year-old came out of the tunnel for the game, he received a standing ovation and applauded the fans.Gyokeres said about Amorim and reports suggesting he could follow him to Manchester: “We’re sad to see him go. He did an extraordinary job here. We all wish him the best. “Follow him to Manchester? I don’t know, I’m here and I like it here. I don’t think about it.”Speaking after the game, Amorim ruled out a move for Gyokeres, or any Sporting player in January.And the incoming Red Devils chief even put his own very lofty price-tag on the Swedish striker.Amorim said: “Gyokeres costs 100 million (£84m) and it’s very difficult.”I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother player who enjoyed a good reception from the home supporters was former United winger Nani. He started his career at Sporting and the 37-year-old came on as a second half sub for Estrela.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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      Man Utd say Amorim is ‘one of most exciting coaches in Europe’… but we’ve heard it ALL before with Ten Hag, Moyes and Co

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      ALL the messages coming out of Manchester United were very positive.The appointment of a coach who “has proved himself to be one of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe, renowned for his team’s attractive, attacking football and commitment to youth”.Ruben Amorim will officially take over at Old Trafford on November 11Credit: EPAErik ten Hag was sacked on Monday after two years at the clubCredit: GettyThat was April 21, 2022, and the words of then football director John Murtough on the announcement that Erik ten Hag was becoming the new manager of Manchester United.Hang on, haven’t we heard all of this before?Remember, there was also the bloke after Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2013 who had “all the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy”.So said chief executive Ed Woodward and yet just ten months into a six-year contract, David Moyes was gone.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWait. Then Woodward also introduced the next man who had “a track record of winning leagues and cups across Europe making him the perfect choice… we have secured the services of one of the outstanding managers in the game today”.That was Louis van Gaal, who went on to bore Old Trafford rigid with his football and get the boot straight after winning an FA Cup.Fear not! Because in May 2016 it was announced by Woodward that United had secured “quite simply the best manager in the game today”.A man Woodward was barely on speaking terms with two and a half years later as Jose Mourinho exited after two cups and a second-placed finish, which the Special One described as one of his greatest achievements.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe was not even ‘Special’ enough.So, that was five years since Sir Alex went and three bosses down.Sporting fans give verdict on Ruben Amorim ahead of move to Man UtdDavid Moyes endured a horrid time as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successorCredit: PA:Press AssociationIt was now time to rediscover ‘the soul’ of Manchester United under a man who said he knew it’s DNA.He would also find the revolving door at Old Trafford that had spun out those who went before.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left with tears in his eyes after believing he had come “so close” to achieving something special.Let’s not forget too all the interims and caretakers along the way — Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and, of course, Ralf Rangnick, who told the club they needed “open heart surgery” and now Ruud van Nistelrooy after Dutchman Ten Hag’s sacking on Monday.But the club believe they really have cracked it this time because in Ruben Amorim they have, as a club statement said, “one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football”.Sorry, I thought that was Ten Hag.The 39-year-old is also “highly decorated as both a player and coach”.Highly decorated in Portugal anyway, as Ten Hag was in Holland.Louis van Gaal won the FA Cup but was dismissed after two seasonsCredit: PA:Press AssociationJose Mourinho won the League Cup and Europa League before being sackedCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe Premier League, however, is another level again and 11 years since Sir Alex bid farewell, the club is as far away as ever from challenging to win it.The point here is that there are no guarantees coming with this bloke either.Ten Hag had studied United long before Murtagh and the then chief executive Richard Arnold arrived to interview him.They were bowled over by the amount of information he had on them and the details of his plans to put United back on track.He will claim he did just that with two trophies but after that first season it just never looked right.The club wanted a disciplinarian and yet the way he handled Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho was, in the end, used as a stick to beat him with.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.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was let go after a trophyless three years at the helmCredit: AFP‘Head coach’ Amorim will find dealing with this club and this level of player very different to Sporting Lisbon, where he was the highly lauded and respected boss who landed them two titles.The players responded to him, the football was marvellous — and he is now going to try and make that happen at Old Trafford.There will no doubt be a jump when he first arrives, there always is under a new boss. Ole won ten of his first 11 games.The problem comes when performances dip and you are left dealing with a dressing room of highly paid stars all too ready to down tools because they know, in the end, the manager will carry the can.This is probably a bigger job now than it was for any manager post-Fergie.That has happened in every instance since Sir Alex went. So why won’t it happen again?Amorim will have his own ideas on how to play in a 3-4-3 as he tries to reprogramme players and club who have been reprogrammed so many times it is a wonder Carrington has not short-circuited.The facts are that while £545.9million was lavished on this squad under Ten Hag, it is still not very good.The first team can be beaten by anyone in the Premier League. At their best they are not as good as any club currently in the top six.The mood in the dressing room is rock-bottom and there are sulky stars everywhere you look.This is probably a bigger job now than it was for any manager post-Fergie.This club is a giant, a monster and nobody seems able to control it.It has eaten up and spat out some of the biggest and best names in the game.Now we have someone who it clearly seems won’t have it all his own way as he is the first to be named ‘head coach’ in the club’s history rather than the manager.Which suggests there will be plenty of influence from the management team assembled above him by new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox are set to be much more hands-on than they felt able to be in their brief time working with Ten Hag.So, welcome Ruben, hope it goes well… until the next best coach in Europe is left to pick up the pieces.Above them, new chief exec Omar Berrada has spoken about a three-year plan to have the club winning the Prem by the 2027-28 season and celebrate their 150th year in style.Amorim will still be in charge at Old Trafford then, if the club have triggered the year extension in his contract — but nobody should be holding their breath.The state the club are in at the moment, it will take until then just to get back into the top four.READ MORE SUN STORIESSorry to sound cynical but how else can you view the current situation on the evidence of the last decade or more.So, welcome Ruben, hope it goes well… until the next best coach in Europe is left to pick up the pieces. 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      Erik ten Hag breaks silence after Man Utd sacking as axed boss tells fans ‘the dream has come to an end’

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      ERIK TEN HAG said his “dream has come to an end” as he broke his silence after being sacked by Manchester United.Ten Hag, 54, was dismissed on Monday morning after a dismal start to the season which sees the Red Devils languishing in 14th in the Premier League table.Erik ten Hag has sent a letter to Manchester United fans following his sackingCredit: GettyThe Dutchman, who has already been replaced by Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim, won the League Cup and FA Cup during his two years at Old Trafford.And he graciously thanked both the fans and club staff in a lengthy farewell statement.In a letter to the Man Utd fans, he said: “Dear fans, Let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable.”The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England, Europe or during the summer tours.”I always enjoyed meeting Manchester United fans throughout the world.”Walking the streets and being able to chat with fans in England, Europe, Asia, Australia, the USA – you inspired me and radiated a strong sense of unity. That’s what makes United supporters so special.”I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad.”Ten Hag then turned his attention towards the successes and failures on the pitch.Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarreHe added: “We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.”I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home.”Thank you for this chapter in my life. Erik.”Ten Hag arrived in 2022 and won the Carabao Cup in his first season, while he also guided Man Utd to a third-place finish in the Premier League.Despite finishing eighth last season, he was handed a one-year contract extension in July after Man Utd beat Man City to win the FA Cup. He subsequently spent almost £200million in the transfer market to strengthen his squad – only to lead them to their worst ever Premier League start.They are also without a win in three Europa League matches.READ MORE SUN STORIESRuud van Nistelrooy took interim charge on Wednesday night as Man Utd beat Leicester 5-2 to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.Former Man Utd striker Van Nistelrooy, 48, will remain at the helm for the games against Chelsea, PAOK and Leicester, before Amorim begins his new job on November 11.What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More

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      Diogo Dalot’s Halloween costume choice comes back to haunt him as Man Utd star is savaged by one-liner

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      DIOGO DALOT has been left haunted by his vampire Halloween costume choice. The Manchester United star was the butt of the joke after one fan’s savage one-liner.Diogo Dalot and fiancee Claudia dressed up as vampires for HalloweenDalot has faced heavy criticism for his mistakes this seasonDalot swapped his recently suspect performances for a scary look.The Portugal defender and fiancee Claudia Pinto dressed as Count Dracula and his wife, to celebrate their daughter’s first Halloween.Their child Clara, who turns one years old later this month, was dressed in a cute pumpkin outfit as the Prem star shared his holiday festivities to his 3.4m Instagram followers.But some quick-witted fans jumped at the chance to compare Dalot’s vampire outfit to his defensive struggles this season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne hilarious X user wrote: “No wonder he’s afraid of crosses.”While another said: “From sucking blood to sucking at football all in a day’s work.”In folklore and fiction, vampires are often depicted as being afraid of crosses, crucifixes, and other holy Christian symbols.After winning United’s Players’ Player of the Year in May, Dalot has been cursed with misfortune, as he’s faced heavily criticism this term.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans were left “disgusted” when he failed to do the basics and track Brennan Johnson’s run for Tottenham’s opener in their 3-0 win at Old Trafford in September. He then failed to track goalscorer Ethan Pinnock’s clever run from a Brentford corner just before half-time of United’s win 2-1 a fortnight ago.Ruben Amorim showed flashes of a young Jose Mourinho is his latest press conference – and teased a big announcementDalot was even guilty of failing to deal with crosses during United’s 5-2 thrashing of Leicester in the Carabao Cup Round of 16.Luke Thomas’ in-swinging free-kick bounced off Dalot into the path of Conor Coady, who was free to fire home from two yards to make it 4-2 just before the break.And it’s not just the defensive work that Dalot’s been struggling with.The full-back left fans in disbelief when he failed to score an OPEN GOAL in United’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham.His miss of the season contender contributed to United’s overall lack of fortune in front of goal at the London Stadium, which proved to be the final nail in Erik ten Hag’s coffin.Dalot produced one of the misses of the season at West HamThe Dutchman was sacked first thing Monday morning, with Dalot later “thanking” him on Instagram.But the full-back will hope for an upturn in fortunes under new boss Ruben Amorim.Former Portugual international Amorim will take charge on November 11 after seeing out a brief notice period with Sporting Lisbon.Dalot told Sky Sports: “I am very exciting to start working with him.”He’s very demanding, that’s what I can expect – and I think that’s the perfect match for a club like this. “Standards are really high – he’s a person that you can see has really high standards and he stands by them, so I hope that can be a really good match and that we can win together, that’s what I wish the most.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim’s first match in charge will be against Ipswich on November 24, with Ruud van Nistelrooy continuing as interim manager until then.The former United striker will oversee games against Chelsea, PAOK and Leicester again before the international break. More

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      Why Man Utd’s dubious history of trying to gazump Man City means jury will be out on Ruben Amorim appointment

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed the appointment of Ruben Amorim as their new team boss.Amorim, 39, was announced on Friday as United’s new head coach – a first in history for the men’s team – and will takeover on November 11.Ruben Amorim is the latest Man Utd signing that was heavily linked to Man CityCredit: EPAUnited have had bad recent experiences with signing stars linked to City, including Cristiano RonaldoCredit: PAAlexis Sanchez is perhaps the worst case of a potential red herring signingCredit: Getty – ContributorThe Portuguese tactician, dubbed the Special One 2.0, had been heavily linked with a number of top clubs around Europe including Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.It was also widely reported that Manchester City had sounded out Amorim as the potential successor to Pep Guardiola, if the Spaniard were to leave on the expiry of his contract in 2025.City had distanced themselves from those reports, but the link was only strengthened with the news of Sporting CP director Hugo Viana moving to the reigning Premier League champions next summer. A report during the Amorim-United saga suggested United CEO Omar Berrada had moved for the ex-midfielder due to his intimate knowledge of City’s operation, having previously worked at the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt means United have moved for another City transfer target in an effort to gazump them.While this new era under Ineos could have already turned the leaf and made this merely coincidental, previous United deals for City targets have not ended well.The most recent major example of this is the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo.”CR7″ made a triumphant return to Man Utd after shock transfer links emerged suggesting he was set to move to Man City.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited moved swiftly to prevent a shock move of the legendary figure to their rivals, and while Ronaldo personally had a good goalscoring season, his arrival severely hindered the overall system of the team and stopped the club from moving for other, more urgently needed, targets.Ronaldo is not the only case of United moving to one-up City, only for the Red Devils to be bitten on the bottom by the deals not working out as well as hoped.Ruud van Nistelrooy hints he wants to stay at Man Utd in plea to Ruben Amorim as interim vows to ‘serve’ clubHarry Maguire and Fred were both linked with City before arriving at Old Trafford.Former academy stars for United and City respectively in Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho had reportedly drawn from the Etihad outfit before they completed moves to the red side of Manchester. Pogba and Sancho signed for United for £89m and £73m respectively with big hopes behind them being able to lead the club to glory.However, Pogba’s time at Old Trafford did not go to plan with inconsistent performances, while Sancho had an almighty fallout with Ten Hag after a disappointing two seasons before being froze out in his third.Alexis Sanchez is arguably the biggest case of United falling foul of City transfer trickery.Then-Arsenal star Sanchez was known to be pushing for a move away from the Gunners. City were the most heavily-linked club, but like in the aforementioned cases, United made a late move for the attacker, eventually completing a swap deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan go the other way.However, Sanchez bombed at Old Trafford and drained huge resources, with his financial impact working out at a staggering £505,000-a-week, and £11.9m paid for each goal scored.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe consistent red herring results could be a cause for concern given how Amorim had been linked with City in the past. However, a new era could signal a new result. Only time will tell.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. More

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      Ruben Amorim wants to bring £70m Ousmane Diomande with him to Man Utd in transfer for one of Europe’s most-wanted stars

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      RUBEN AMORIM wants to bring one of Europe’s most promising centre-backs with him to Old Trafford. The Sporting manager has been confirmed as Manchester United’s successor to Erik ten Hag.Ruben Amorim has landed the new manager’s role at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyAmorim is keen to bring Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande with him to Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe 39-year-old arrives at Old Trafford with an impressive track record in Portugal, leaving Sporting top of Liga Portugal with nine wins from nine to start the season.Sources close to United say he is determined to adopt a three-at-the-back system in the Premier League.The formation has served him well in Portugal, and he thinks it can help deliver success at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have three top-quality centre-back options to ensure Amorim can implement his favoured three-man backline, once Leny Yoro returns to fitness.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA centre-back trio of Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez provides the balance at the back.But United lack quality options in reserve, with Harry Maguire unlikely to be at the club for much longer.Victor Lindelof has long been linked with an exit, and, at 36, Jonny Evans won’t be around forever.With that in mind, Amorim is keen to bring Ousmane Diomande to the club from Sporting.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne of Europe’s most in-demand young defenders, landing Diomande would be a major coup for United.He’s previously been chased by Liverpool and Arsenal, with Bayern Munich also linked.Ruben Amorim responds to questions about Man Utd job after Sporting match Sporting will only be willing to sell Diomande if a club were to activate his £70m release clause.The 20-year-old came through the youth academy of Danish club Midtjylland.He joined Sporting in 2022 for just £6.1m, enjoying a breakout season last year and catching the eye of Europe’s elite. Diomande (L) celebrates Sporting’s Liga Portugal titleCredit: 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.Man Utd confirmed on Friday afternoon that Amorim has joined the club as their new manager.A club statement read: “Manchester United are delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Head Coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He will join until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club. “He will join Manchester United on Monday 11 November.” More