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      ‘Our aim is to challenge to try to win the WSL’, says Manchester United Women’s boss Marc Skinner

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      WHILE  Manchester United have parted company with two senior men’s team bosses in the last three years, one Red Devils gaffer is set to reach a new milestone. Today against Arsenal Marc Skinner will oversee his hundredth game at the helm of their Women’s Super League side. Man United are currently unbeaten having registered four wins and a draw from their first five WSL games this termCredit: GettyMarc Skinner hopes to guide his side to victory on his 100th game in charge of the Red Devils’ WSL teamCredit: AlamyIt is the first time in a top-flight coaching career, that began at Birmingham City in 2015, that Skinner has reached this mark across all contests at one club. And the head coach has another target in his sights – a first WSL title win for the club. Skinner, 41, who was appointed in July 2021, said: “There’s been lots of ups and downs as a manager reaching 100 games here. “It’s the first club I’ve achieved this for and I’m really proud. I want to be successful and be here for another hundred games.Read More Football Stories”Regardless that it’s a great milestone, we’ve got to try and win this game. “We’ve got to win trophies and keep progressing this team and that’s what I’m here to do. “I’ve got to make sure I maintain focus on every single game and see where we go. “Our aim is to be challenging to try and win the WSL. Most read in Football”But we also have to understand the competition we’re up against and that it’s not a give-me.”In May Man United made history under Skinner winning the Women’s FA Cup for the first time following a 4-0 defeat of Tottenham. The Red Devils boss also faced criticism at times from some supporters following losses to Liverpool and Chelsea preceding a fifth-place finish last term. This season his side have got off to a flying start and are currently third and three points off leaders Man City with a game in hand. Along with Chelsea and the Cityzens, they are the only top-flight side yet to lose a league game this term. So far they have been defensively solid, conceding just once in four WSL games this term with Phallon Tullis-Joyce impressing in goal. However today’s game will see the American shot stopper come up against a side in the top five for the first time this term. Skinner adds: “We’re looking to test ourselves. It’s a big test on game five, so we’ll see where we’re at”.Arsenal’s visit comes after their return to winning ways before the international break under interim boss Renee Slegers.One win from their first four WSL games was among the results that led to former boss Jonas Eidevall resigning on October 15.However, Slegers, 35, has backed the Gunners to remain on track following their 2-0 win against West Ham last month. Arsenal’s stand-in gaffer said: “I can imagine how you can look at it from the outside. “We know what’s happening on the inside and we’ve seen a lot of positive things”We’re very positive about what’s ahead of us, but we know a lot of hard work and ownership is going to be needed.”Slegers hopes to help Arsenal remain unbeaten since the team picked up two wins in the WSL and Champions League before the October international breakCredit: GettyDespite their mixed results in the league Skinner believes Arsenal will be a threatREAD MORE SUN STORIESHe adds: “We’re going to face a team that could either be wounded and really want to show that or hopefully a team we can take advantage of. “But they’re a fantastic team and one that will be difficult to play against.” More

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      Sporting expect Ruben Amorim to raid his old club for Man Utd next summer with THREE stars tipped for pricey transfers

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      RUBEN AMORIM revealed he will not sign any Sporting Lisbon stars in January.But the new Manchester United boss refuses to rule out a summer move for sensation Viktor Gyokeres.Ruben Amorim could bring three Sporting Lisbon players to Manchester UnitedCredit: EPAViktor Gyokeres has been linked with Man Utd but is also being monitored by ArsenalCredit: PAUnited have only scored eight goals in nine top-flight games this season.Ex-Coventry striker Gyokeres, 26, has already netted 18 times so far — having hit 43 last term — but the Swede’s release clause is £84million.Amorim said: “I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January. Gyokeres costs 100 million and it’s very difficult.”Despite promising not to make any moves when the winter transfer window opens, Sporting bosses are privately admitting they expect Amorim to come in for his former players next summer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDGyokeres — also being followed closely by Arsenal — refused to rule out a potential move to the Premier League.He said: “Going with Amorim to Man Utd? I don’t know… I’m here.“As you can see, I enjoy it at Sporting. It’s nothing I think about.“I’m just sad about him leaving. We wish him all the best.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThree 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.Goncalo Inacio is another player Amorim could look to take with him to Old TraffordCredit: GettyAnother player Amorim could move for is centre-back Ousmane Diomande.Portuguese Amorim, meanwhile, has yet to speak to any of United’s players, including countrymen Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.Ruben Amorim showed flashes of a young Jose Mourinho is his latest press conference – and teased a big announcementAhead of joining on November 11, he added: “As for United, I haven’t spoken to anyone — not even the players. I’m focused on Sporting.”Ex-Red Devils winger Nani is backing Amorim to be a success.Nani said: “He is in an excellent place and has all the conditions to do well.”Morten Hjulmand is the third man Amorim may bid for as Man Utd bossCredit: Getty More

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      Erik ten Hag seen for first time since jetting back to Holland after Man Utd sacking as he’s spotted at Eredivisie match

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      ERIK TEN HAG has been spotted for the first time since jetting back to Holland after his sacking from Manchester United.The manager was finally put out of his misery at Old Trafford earlier this week following the club’s disastrous start to the season.Erik ten Hag has made his first public appearance since being sacked by Manchester UnitedCredit: RexHe was spotted watching a match in the Dutch ErediviseCredit: RexHe was watching Heracles Almelo beat NAC Breda 2-0Credit: RexThe Red Devils had only won three of their league games under the Dutchman this season – their worst start EVER.And, with the Red Devils all the way down in 13th in the Premier League, club chiefs decided they had to act.The final nail in the coffin came after Ten Hag’s side lost 2-1 to West Ham at the London Stadium.Despite dominating the match, his side failed to take their chances, and a Jarrod Bowen penalty confirmed the defeat.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter his sacking, Ten Hag, 54, hopped on a private jet back to his homeland in Holland.But it seems he has no intention of taking a break from football.In fact, Ten Hag waited just days before attending a match in the Dutch Eredivisie, between Heracles Almelo and NAC Breda.Heracles won the game 2-0 thanks to a brace from Brian De Keersmaecker at the Erve Asito stage.Most read in FootballThe ESPN commentator, Sjors Blaauw, pointed to Ten Hag during the coverage.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “Of course Erik ten Hag has time. He’s using that time to watch a nice game of football in Almelo.”Man United have won their only game since Ten Hag’s exit.Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarreRuben Amorim is the new Manchester United managerCredit: PARuud van Nistelrooy oversaw the 5-2 drubbing of Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.Despite that win, they club wasted no time in appointing a full-time successor to take over at Old Trafford.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim has agreed to take over the job on a contract until 2027.Amorim, 39, has agreed a £6.5million-a-year deal and has claimed he turned down THREE TIMES that amount from another club who met his £8.3m buy-out clause.However, he admitted that he has not made the decision to leave Sporting lightly.He said: “United came along, paid the clause, above the clause, and the chairman defended his interests.“The only request I made to United was that it would be at the end of the season and they told me that wasn’t possible, that it was now or never.“I had three days to decide on something that would completely change my life. It’s not the first time that I’ve had my clause paid by another club.“Nor is it the second. It’s very hard for me to leave.“The club knew that if I rejected it, I wouldn’t have it in six months.“And I knew that in six months I would know that I wouldn’t be at Sporting. The only club that I wanted, and that moved me, was United.“It got to a point where I had to decide — and I did. Now I’m going home much more relaxed.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I would earn three times more with the last club that offered to pay my clause. I gave everything I had for the club.“I changed my mind several times. My concern is not to harm the Sporting team. And we’ll see later. I’ll have that concern when I’m at United.” More

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      New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim stunned players as he tried to QUIT his first managerial role after just TWO GAMES

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      RUBEN AMORIM will take the reins at Old Trafford as one of the most feted and fawned-over young bosses in football.Yet the latest man charged with dragging Manchester United off the canvas was once so convinced he would not cut it as a boss that he tried to quit… after only two games.Ruben Amorim started his managerial career with Casa PiaHe lost his first two games and believed he was not cut out for managementCredit: GettyIt was 2018, and Amorim, then just 33, had begun his management career at Portuguese third-tier outfit Casa Pia with two defeats.And as he walked into the dressing room after the second of them, his mind was made up. It would be best for everyone if the relationship came to a swift end.As a rookie still chasing his Level 1 coaching qualification, Amorim felt the club needed a bigger, more experienced name. And with brutal honesty, he told his astonished players so.Among them was Evandro Roncatto, a team-mate from their playing days at Belenenses and signed by his close pal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrazilian Roncatto, now sporting director of Oliveira do Hospital, remembers it well.Amorim may have had huge doubts, but his players had already seen enough to have none — and they wasted no time giving president Victor Franco a brutal message of their own.Roncatto revealed: “I was playing for Kalamata in Greece when Ruben called and right away I was very impressed.“But he had doubts as he did not have a professional coaching qualification.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“He was so honest with his concerns and worried about harming the team because he wasn’t a big-name coach.“And that day he came into the dressing room when we were still getting changed, in front of the president and vice-president and said, ‘I’m leaving’.Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarreRuben 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.“In an instant, all the players stood up and told the president if he let Ruben go, all of them would leave the club along with him.“We told the president we were with the coach to the death. We were all emotional and all defending Ruben“When the president found himself in that situation, I think any idea of firing Ruben disappeared in seconds!“All the players were with Ruben to the death, no matter what.”The belief in that dressing room was well founded, as Casa Pia went on to win the title and Amorim’s coaching career took off.That day he came into the dressing room when we were still getting changed, in front of the president and vice-president and said, ‘I’m leaving’.Evandro RoncattoA year later Braga had poached him as their reserve boss, three months later he was in charge of the first team, and after only 13 games, Sporting Lisbon paid £8million to get him.It was also an indication of the loyalty so many who have worked under Amorim insist he inspires in players — Roncatto more than most.He had grown close to the new United chief when he arrived at Belenenses in the noughties.Amorim became his unofficial guardian, from meals at the family home to easing him into a new life in Portugal.Roncatto, 38, added: “The way he treats his players is spectacular.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When he left Casa Pia for Sporting Braga I said, ‘This is where the story of an elite coach begins’.“I wasn’t wrong and United have picked the ideal person.” More

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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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