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    Man Utd legend reveals what players had to do for Sir Alex Ferguson to agree to sign off on bigger dressing room

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON promised Manchester United stars a bigger dressing room on one condition.Patrice Evra has revealed that Britain’s most decorated boss refused to sign-off on new facilities unless his players achieved football immortality.Patrice Evra opened up about the dressing room saga on a recent podcastCredit: Getty – ContributorThe United legend revealed that Ferguson would only change the facilities on one conditionCredit: ReutersEvra and Ferguson worked together at United for seven years between 2006 and 2013Credit: Mark Robinson – The SunThe dressing room is now much bigger compared to when Evra joined the club in 2006Credit: GettyFerguson was reluctant to change the area of Old Trafford where he gave his legendary team-talks simply because of the history within it.But the players were after a bigger, more lavish space to get ready before matches back in 2008.Evra recalled the anecdote while referencing how the current younger generation are often handed things without putting in the work. The United legend told the Tea With Me Podcast: “I’ll give you a crazy story. READ MORE ON MAN UTD“We had to win the Premier League and the Champions League to get a bigger dressing room.“Our dressing room at Old Trafford was like maybe the size of this room. Sir Alex Ferguson never wanted to change the dressing room.“We were like, ‘come on boss it is too small’. But this is the history, George Best, Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, this is why he doesn’t want to change the dressing room.“But he said if you win the Prem and the Champions League maybe you are going to have a dressing room.”Most read in FootballThe changing room used to be much smaller than thisCredit: GettyFerguson agreed to an upgrade if his players won the Prem and Champions League in 2008Credit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited did just that in 2008 when a penalty shootout win against Chelsea in Moscow capped off the unforgettable double.Ferguson kept true to his word but Evra revealed the hilarious conversation the pair had about it.Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noThe former French left-back added: “He was like, ‘f*** sake, I’m going to have no money’. I was like, ‘it is not even your money boss’.“I remember the first time we came in and we had big TV screens, a speaker, and I was so happy, like Christmas, just because we got a bigger dressing room.“But we had to win those trophies to do that.” Sir Alex’s Man Utd trophy haul Sir Alex Ferguson won 49 major trophies during his time as manager of Manchester United:13 Premier League titles5 FA Cups4 League Cups10 Community Shields2 Uefa Champions Leagues1 European Cup Winners’ Cup1 European Super Cup1 Intercontinental Cup1 FIFA Club World CupWhat 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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    Juventus consider shock transfer move for Man Utd star Joshua Zirkzee with new manager Ruben Amorim ‘unconvinced’

    JUVENTUS are reportedly considering a shock move to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United.Zirkzee, 23, has failed to impress at Old Trafford since his £36.5m move from Bologna this summer.Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a move to JuventusCredit: GettyNew Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim is said to be ‘unconvinced’ by ZirkzeeCredit: GettyThe Dutch forward has managed just one goal in his 17 appearance for the Red Devils this season.And his time in Manchester could be coming to an abrupt end already with Calcio Mercato reporting that Juventus are considering making a January move for the Netherlands international.It’s claimed that Juve are searching for a new back-up striker to Dusan Vlahovic after concerns over the future of Arkadiusz Milik and the injury record of Nico Gonzalez.Juventus manager Thiago Motta is a huge fan of Zirkzee having managed him at Bologna last season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLZirkzee excelled under Motta, scoring 11 Serie A goals and registering five assists as the club secured Champions League qualification. While his disappointing start to life at Man Utd has also made Zirkzee “open to a change of scenery” according to Repubblica. That could be something easy to agree on after it was claimed that new United boss Ruben Amorim is “unconvinced” by the towering striker.Amorim, who will take charge of his first game after the international break, would likely have to settle for a loan exit for Zirkzee, however.Most read in FootballZirkzee has struggled since arriving at Man UtdThe striker excelled under Thiago Motta at Bologna last seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat’s because Ineos execs are understood to be keen to back the striker after forking out a significant chunk of cash on his arrival.Juventus are said to be open to a loan move too, but could try push for a loan with an obligation to buy this summer if they are unable to tie Vlahovic down to a new deal.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsThe Serbian’s current contract expires in 2026 and is set for crunch talks over a new deal.Should Vlahovic, who has long been linked with Arsenal, fail to agree new terms, then Juventus could look to sell him on this summer.Zirkzee’s form at Man Utd continues to cause concern amongst fans of the club with the star now unable to find the back of the net in any of his last 16 appearances in all competitions.And despite scoring on his debut, life in Manchester got off to a bad start for Zirkzee.Sun Sport exclusively revealed that the former Bayern Munich bagsman arrived at the club ONE STONE OVERWEIGHT.His condition left then-manager Erik ten Hag unhappy as he was not his choice of striker in the first place.Zirkzee would reunite with former manager Thiago Motta if he joins JuventusCredit: Alamy More

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    Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic slams club’s recruitment and questions the ‘character and resilience’ of players

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nemanja Vidic criticised the club’s players and recruitment with a brutal assessment.Vidic, 43, won five Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League and three League Cups during his eight-year stint at Old Trafford where he amassed a staggering 300 appearances.Nemanja Vidic slammed Manchester United’s players and recruitmentVidic experienced tremendous success under Man Utd legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Action ImagesThe centre-back continues to watch his beloved club and didn’t hold back on United’s worst ever start to a Premier League season.The ex-Serbia international questioned the players’ “character and resilience” and even dismissed claims that they are under too much pressure.In fact, the former defender insists the Red Devils’ flops could do with some real pressure so that they can finally understand the true demands of the club they are playing for.Vidic told Sky Sports: “Honestly, I don’t think it’s [the] pressure [of] playing for Man Utd. The way Man Utd fans support the club and the players… Read More on Man Utd”They don’t have pressure at all. Because they’re still behind the players and the coaches. I think they need pressure. I think those players, they definitely need pressure. We are all expecting more from them. “Even now we have some fantastic players. I think my question is more about the characters, resilience, [being] ready to compete, to give extra and compete week in week out.”I remember when I was playing for Man Utd: Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans – [I was thinking] they were coming to take my place. “I was scared I was going to lose my place. And that’s normal. If I’m not performing well, they will bring in a new guy. No one had to tell me that.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd have splashed well over £1billion since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and bought hefty flops, such as Angel Di Maria, Alexis Sanchez and Antony.Vidic insists the team’s recruitment needs to change and focus on the right characters rather than the biggest names.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsThe Serbian added: “So a job needs to be done in the next few transfer windows. Not just players they are going to bring in, I think some players definitely have to try and find new teams.”Sometimes you don’t need the best player in the world to play for your club, but you need the right character.”If you want to play for the big clubs, competing for the trophies, you have to be consistent. “And that’s not just down to quality, it’s down to mentality. That’s the key for me.” More

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    Ruben Amorim reveals reason why Cristiano Ronaldo gave him the nickname ‘the poet’ in revealing first Man Utd interview

    RUBEN AMORIM has lifted the lid on why Cristiano Ronaldo referred to the new Manchester United boss as a “poet”.Amorim arrived at Old Trafford on Monday and met with members of the club’s hierarchy having been named Erik ten Hag’s successor.Ruben Amorim was asked for the backstory behind Ronaldo’s nickname for himCredit: GettyUnited legend Cristiano Ronaldo nicknamed Amorim ‘the poet’Credit: GettyThe 39-year-old gave his first interview as Man Utd manager on Friday.And he’s already been encompassed the club’s folklore, walked the iconic grounds, and even gatecrashed a fan tour of Old Trafford.While Amorim is known for his work ethic, his effective and no-holds-barred communication skills earned him the nickname “poet” from Ronaldo.When asked about it, Amorim told MUTV: “Yeah. But it’s like a funny thing because I like to speak.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Not too much but when I speak, I speak, I think I speak from the heart.”‘I think the people feel that it was something just to have fun.”Amorim is just nine days older than Ronaldo and his playing debut came just months after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined United in 2003.The pair appeared together on multiple occasions for Portugal between 2010 and 2014 before Amorim hung up his boots to embark on a career in the dugout.Most read in FootballAmorim and Ronaldo played for Portugal togetherCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter spells at Casa Pia and Braga, Amorim would join Ronaldo’s boyhood club Sporting Lisbon.In his first full season at the club he led Sporting to their first league title in almost two decades, before adding a second last season as interest from Premier League clubs grew. He leaves the Portuguese giants with a perfect record of 11 wins from 11 league games this season — yet the lure of Old Trafford was too good to turn down.Amorim has vowed to lead United into a new era of no-fear football.He added: “United are the engine of the Premier League. We know that we are the engine of the football.“I’m really honoured to be here. It was my only choice because I feel how big this club is. I will do everything for the team.“I will defend my players if I have to and I will do everything to put this club in the place it belongs. And I believe we are going to succeed.”Amorim is the sixth manager to try and haul United to their feet after the dismal decade since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.He was also nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’ after the young coach spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018. Amorim met Mourinho threw his brother-in-law Antero Henrique – a former Porto communications director who worked with Jose during his ‘Special One’ years at the Estadio do Dragao where he lifted the Champions League in 2004.READ MORE SUN STORIESIronically, Henrique was also targeted by United as a sporting director before switching their attention to Dan Ashworth.But Ashworth 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.” More

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    Man Utd wonderkid eyed by Premier League rivals Aston Villa for shock transfer after missing out on signing before

    MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid Harry Amass is being targeted by Premier League rivals Aston Villa, reports suggest.Amass, 17, has been considered as a very promising young prospect at United ever since his arrival from Watford in 2023.Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Manchester United wonderkid Harry AmassCredit: GettyVilla have been monitoring Amass, front, third left, since last year, before Man Utd signed himCredit: GettyThe left-back impressed former manager Erik ten Hag, who called him up to train with the first team in February.Ten Hag also issued the England Under-18 international his first ever senior call-up with the Red Devils.Amass was included in the matchday squad against Liverpool in April but remained an unused substitute.However, the teenage sensation has yet to play for the senior squad and mostly featured for Man Utd’s Under-18s and Under-21s last season.Read More on Man UtdAccording to TEAMtalk, that has led to to interest from Villa who are monitoring developments around the young defender.The Villans have been keeping tabs on Amass since last year when they missed out on his signature by losing the bidding war to United.The full-back is under contract until 2027 and the Manchester giants would probably not welcome any interest in the youngster.However, reports suggest Man Utd may look to strengthen at left-back despite Amass impressing during pre-season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPlus, both Ten Hag and former interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy wouldn’t use him despite injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.But Ten Hag was sacked last month and Van Nistelrooy will not be included in new manager Ruben Amorim’s coaching staff.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourAmorim is planning to try new things at Old Trafford and could continue the same tactics he used at Sporting Lisbon that saw him fielding three defenders at the back.But in order for that formation to work the Portuguese tactician will need very capable wing-backs, which could create an opportunity for Amass. More

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    Ruben Amorim says Man Utd are ‘the engine of the Premier League’ and reveals how his team will play under his management

    RUBEN AMORIM vowed to lead Manchester United into a new era of no-fear football.And the boss, 39, promised not to hang around in making it full steam ahead for the Red Devils — who he branded “the engine of the Premier League”.Ruben Amorim vowed to lead Manchester United into a new era of no-fear footballCredit: GettyAmorim described Man Utd as the ‘engine of the Premier League’Credit: GettyAmorim is the sixth manager to try and haul United to their feet after the dismal decade since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013Credit: GettyAmorim takes charge of 13th-placed United for the first time at Ipswich on November 24.The Portuguese gaffer, whose deal runs to June 2027, said: “We know it will take time and we will try to win time with the games.“But from day one we have to play without fear, without thinkingthey are not used to playing like this. This is not on my mind. They will start on the first day with our idea, no matter what.”Amorim is the sixth manager to try and haul United to their feet after the dismal decade since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.Read More on Man UtdJose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal were among those post-Fergie gaffers to fall short.And there was more fear than flair in two-and-a-bit seasons under Erik ten Hag.Yet Amorim is not fazed by the weight of history.He added: “It’s a great responsibility but you feel honoured and excited to be part of that.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“If the team plays well and wins games, everything looks so much better. We are the engine of football — Manchester United is the engine of the Premier League in my opinion.“For a long time we haven’t won the Premier  League but United is the biggest club in England.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tour“This is part of the history but it isn’t now, so we have to address that and try to win again.“All the people are hungry for success and this is the place I want to be because of that — because you can be part of something special.”That opportunity convinced Amorim to leave Sporting Lisbon — where he ended a 19-year title drought with two in four years.He leaves the Portuguese giants with a perfect record of 11 wins from 11 league games this season — yet the lure of Old Trafford was too good to turn down. And for all he was on the radar of others at times — including Liverpool and Chelsea — he claims he would not have left his homeland for anyone else.Amorim added: “I’m really honoured to be here. It was my only choice because I feel how big this club is. I will do everything for the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I will defend my players if I have to and I will do everything to put this club in the place it belongs. And I believe we are going to succeed.”For the full interview check out manutd.com, MUTV and the club’s social-media outlets. More

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    Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giants

    RUBEN AMORIM may have been at Old Trafford for less than a week – but already there is no doubt that he is a quick learner.As the latest man charged with bringing the glory days back to Manchester United, Amorim knows the mountain he must climb.Ruben Amorim gave his first interview as Manchester United bossCredit: Manchester UnitedAmorim replaces Erik ten Hag as new permanent Man Utd managerCredit: GettyAmorim is focused on finding Man Utd’s identity as managerCredit: GettyThere will be no quick fix, no magic wand and no guarantee a 21st title is just around the corner.He might be one of the youngest gaffers in the game, but the Portuguese boss is already way too old-head wise to make promises he will struggle to deliver.But Amorim – like his fellow countryman Jose Mourinho – knows the value of words. Not the Special One so much as the Shrewd One.This is a guy who Cristiano Ronaldo once dubbed The Poet because he is such an impressive speaker.Read More on Man UtdThere was certainly much to like in his first interview since becoming the sixth man of the post-Fergie decade to fill the Old Trafford hotseat.And the loudest message will have been music to the ears of every United fan – every football fan in fact – who scratched their head throughout the Erik ten Hag reign.When Ten Hag packed his bags for the final time last month, no-one – supporters, pundits, most worryingly of all players – could give a definitive answer as to United’s identity.United had none when he arrived and an even more confusing one when he left. Amorim arrived armed with that knowledge – and rest assured, those days have gone.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere will be no muddy waters in that respect under the new chief. No wasting time in proving it either – he wants it now, from day one, as clear as a bell.Forget all talk of formations, of 3-4-3 or 4-3-3. Ignore whether he’ll go with wing-backs or wingers. All that can come over time.Ruben Amorim arrives in Manchester ahead of starting role as Man United managerRight now the job is to bring back that identity. And he isn’t prepared to wait.Amorim insisted: “A lot of people talk about the 3-4-3, 4-3-3 and all that stuff. But when I think as a player or as a team-mate at United, it is not a system of formation.“It’s the character of the players, the way they see the club. So we have to focus on that before everything about how we play, how we press.“The most important thing for me at this moment is to create the principles, the identity and the character that we had in the past.“It’s about the team, that’s the most important thing for me, because if you work as a team, then the talent individually is going to shine.“But if I had to explain the important thing, it is the character, the way we fight, the way we play – we must have an identity.Amorim is determined to get Man Utd back to the top of English footballCredit: Getty’We must have an identity’“If our players take the shirt, they will know it is the Manchester United team. Where everybody thinks the same, running back, playing, enjoying it.“I can say the popular thing, which is to win. And of course everybody wants to win – I want to win with my players and with the fans.“But to win with an identity and one idea, that is the thing that I am focused on all the time.”After the often deadpan and straight bat days of Ten Hag – for all it brought two Cups – Amorim is already blowing through Old Trafford like a breath of fresh air.Don’t be fooled into thinking the smile is the sign of a soft touch. He showed in four years that turned Sporting Lisbon from fallen giants into champions there is a ruthless streak too.So when United’s stars return from international duty next week, there will be no honeymoon period, no gentle easing in under the new gaffer.The Portuguese gaffer will have a job on his hands to bring back the killer instinctCredit: GettyNo honeymoon periodHe wants them at it straight away – in his eyes, the only way to buy breathing space is through victory. So they’d better be prepared to graft.Amorim added: “We know we need time, but we have to win time and the way to do that is to win games.“But again the most important thing for me is identity. So from day one we will start with our identity.“Of course we are going to prepare, how to play, how to press, these small things, small details.“But you cannot go 100 per cent on every detail because it will be confusing for the players – so if I have to say one thing, my main goal, my first goal, is identity.”Amorim already knows all about the United one of old, too, after a top-to-bottom tour of the place. He reckons it’s a trip every one who pulls on a red shirt should make.Amorim left Sporting fans devastated when he opted to move to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty’You have to FEEL this is Man Utd’He added: “You see the trophies, you see the tragedy we have as a club. You can understand the history, after the crash, then we were European champions.“It is important to put that kind of strength in our team. So when players come here, they should make the same tour.“You have to FEEL this is Manchester United because if you go a lot of years without winning, you start losing that.“So you have to be very clear on the message you want to put to the players.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhatever the next couple of years bring, there will be no doubting that under Amorim. Maybe not happy days are here again just yet…but you sense they might be just around the corner.FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW GO TO MANUTD.COM, MUTV AND THE CLUB’S SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS.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. 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    Ruud van Nistelrooy ‘applies to become Coventry City manager’ just days after brutal Man Utd axe

    RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has applied for the vacant Coventry City managerial job just days after leaving Manchester United.Van Nistelrooy, 48, was axed by United on Monday despite an undefeated short stint as interim boss that saw him winning three out of four matches in charge.Ruud van Nistelrooy has applied for the managerial job at Coventry after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: PABut the Dutch tactician seems keen to forge a coaching career in English football after a successful spell in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven, where he won the Dutch Cup in 2023.According to talkSPORT, the legendary striker has put his name in the hat for the Coventry job to replace Mark Robins in the Championship.Robins’ dismissal was met with shock by Sky Blues fans after an impressive seven-year stint that saw him turning the club from League Two strugglers to Premier League promotion contenders.Coventry owner Doug King claims the EFL side has received plenty of CVs from “high-quality” managers.Read More on Man UtdOne of which is reportedly ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, which means Van Nistelrooy may face some intense competition for the job.The Real Madrid great would have a tough act to follow at the CBS Arena after a brilliant job by fellow Man Utd hero Robins, who also has a lot of history at Old Trafford.The former striker famously saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s job back in 1990 when he scored the winner in a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup, which led to the Scottish legend’s first ever trophy with the Manchester giants.However, Van Nistelrooy did an impressive job at United after replacing Erik ten Hag at the helm as he restored excitement and confidence.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnder the Netherlands legend, the Red Devils beat Leicester twice, drew with Chelsea and registered their first European win in a year by beating PAOK in the Europa League.Many were sad to see the former assistant boss go following the decision to start anew under Amorim, who is bringing in his own team from Sporting Lisbon.Ruud van Nistelrooy impressed by Amad Diallo after Man Utd end European drought Van Nistelrooy penned an emotional farewell message to the fans insisting the club will always have a “special place” in his heart More