Premier League

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ruben Amorim is considered one of the brightest young managers in the world.Bursting onto the scene in 2021 when he ended Sporting Lisbon’s 19-year title drought, he quickly started receiving interest from the best clubs and that intensified after winning the Primeira Liga once more last season.Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim used to be the ‘changing room clown’Credit: AFPThat is according to Amorim’s former team-mate Roderick MirandaCredit: GettyMiranda never throught Amorim would switch to coachingCredit: RexHowever, one former team-mate of the Portuguese head coach remembers him more for his dressing room pranks than his tactical nous.Roderick Miranda and Amorim both started out at Benfica’s academy and spent seven years together as part of the European giants’ fold.And Roderick, 33, never thought he would ever see his former team-mate switching to coaching and experiencing so much success.That is because the former Wolves defender, who currently plays for Melbourne Victory, remembers him as the “changing room clown”.Read More on Man UtdHowever, upon reflection, the centre-back thinks Amorim’s rise makes sense as he was a very intelligent midfielder with a “great understanding of the game”.Roderick told Flashscore Australia: “I never thought he’d become a coach! “Not because of his football skills or his intelligence, but because he was the changing room clown.”He had a really fun personality and was always doing something to make people laugh.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”When I heard he started as a coach I was a little bit surprised and wondered how the guy I played with could become so serious!”But he was a very intelligent player. He could play in many different positions, so maybe that’s why he’s a brilliant coach, because he has such a great understanding of the game.”Ed Sheeran reveals he was ten pints down before awkward Sky Sports moment that left Ruben Amorim looking fuming Amorim has struggled this season with United, who are set for their worst ever Premier League finish as they are currently 13th in the table.However, the Red Devils boss still has the boardroom’s trust and will get the chance to build the team to his liking this coming summer. More

ERLING HAALAND looked sheepish as he arrived at Manchester City training after it was revealed he left the club mascot with suspected whiplash and concussion.SunSport exclusively told how the Norwegian striker twice struck the woman dressed up as furry alien Moonbeam across the head before a game with Southampton.Erling Haaland hid from the cameras as he arrived at Manchester City trainingCredit: ZenpixHe refused to smile following SunSport’s revelationsCredit: BackGridHaaland was accused of leaving the woman with whiplash and concussion after the playful hitsCredit: mancityThe lady dressed up as the furry alien vomited and made a furious complaintCredit: GettyThe lady vomited and struggled with neck pain as she went to hospital, believing she had been hit by a stray football before being told it was Haaland. Her CT scan revealed no damage but she accused “arrogant” City of sweeping her complaint under the carpet as a “cover-up” to protect Haaland.City’s probe concluded Haaland did not cause the uni graduate’s injuries.But on Saturday morning, the two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner kept a low profile on his way into the training ground as he was spotted for the first time since SunSport’s shock revelations.READ MORE ON ERLING HAALANDHaaland drove his outlandish lime green Aston Martin DBX 707 in through the gates of the Etihad Campus.But he turned his head away from the camera inside the £350,000 motor to avoid having his face snapped. City face Bournemouth away in their FA Cup quarter-final tomorrow afternoon, hoping to book their place at Wembley.And Haaland will be keen to get back to scoring goals – and away from the drama surrounding the mascot. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe woman, who does not want to be named, was posing for photos on October 26 when she felt the two blows to the back of her head, leaving her in shock as she left the pitch.She said: “I was pretty upset and I was crying and my head was thudding and I think I was in shock.How Pep can ignite Marmoush and Haaland partnership with aggressive attacking shape in FA Cup“I later realised he’d come behind me and hit me on the head and then leaned on my head.”She told City’s safeguarding boss who allegedly laughed it off, saying: “At least you can say Erling Haaland hit you.”Following the incident the woman was offered the chance to go home but continued to work the shift. City’s health and safety head Paul Kenyon launched the internal investigation and told the woman they wanted to look at CCTV. But the report stated: “Erling Haaland always does a gentle touch on the back or head of Moonbeam as recognition.”It also described his contact with Moonbeam’s head as “grazing”. The lady also lodged an assault complaint with police.She returned to her role in the ticket office but was told she would have to reapply to get her contract renewed.Following a half-day interview, she was informed last December she had not been successful.She said: “I have never had any complaints from any of the managers about my work before.The unnamed woman also went to the police about the incidentCredit: GettyThe striker drove his lime green £350,000 Aston MartinCredit: ZenpixHe covered his face with the sun visorCredit: Zenpix“They said they didn’t feel like I’d performed in the interviews to the 100 per cent I usually do.”Greater Manchester Police also told her Haaland had not acted with malice. Last night she hit out at City, saying: “I’m sure Erling would have apologised to me if they had given him the chance.“But they just wanted to sweep it under the carpet.”A  City spokesperson said “Manchester City refute the complaint that was made in this regard.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The Club fully investigated and found that none of the evidence, including video footage backed up the claim that an injury was sustained in the manner alleged.“We’re also aware a complaint was made to Greater Manchester Police and no further action was taken by them either.” More

ENZO MARESCA cancelled a day off for senior Chelsea stars after they flopped in a training session with the club’s U21s.The first-team players who did not go away on international duty were supposed to enjoy a rest on Thursday.Enzo Maresca cancelled a day off for his senior Chelsea stars after a loss to the U21sCredit: GettyBut Maresca was so incensed by the standards he witnessed during Wednesday’s session that he changed his mind and demanded they show up again at the club’s base in Cobham.The Italian told the players in no uncertain terms that he would not tolerate any slacking off as Chelsea approach the business end of the season.The Blues boss made it clear that he expected every member of his squad to give the maximum as the team chase Champions League qualification and Europa Conference League glory.During the international break Maresca worked with the first-team squad members who remained at the club after the likes of captain Reece James and Enzo Fernandez joined up with their countries.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the Blues boss was bitterly disappointed to see Chelsea youngsters outwork and outperform senior stars.It was claimed that a team made up of under-21 players and even some from the under-16s won 3-0 against a side whose core was first-teamers.Donnell McNeilly, of the Under-21s, was said to have scored twice, with Chizzy Ezenwata, 16, claiming the other.But it is understood there was no formal match and the action was part of a stop-start training session.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNevertheless Maresca was upset enough with what he saw to punish the first teamers and lay down a marker for the rest of the season.A number of Chelsea’s international stars returned to training today [FRI] and the standards are believed to have been much higher.Chelsea transfer target gets instantly booked for pointless skill as all out brawl is sparked in derby clash Players who were unavailableInternational Duty:Enzo FernandezFilip JorgensenMoises CaicedoLevi ColwillReece JamesPedro NetoMarc CucurellaJosh AcheampongTyrique GeorgeMathis AmougouInjured:Cole PalmerNicolas JacksonNoni MaduekeOmari KellymanSuspended:Mykhailo MudrykThe Blues are back in action next Thursday with a London derby against Tottenham.Meanwhile off the pitch Chelsea’s estranged owners are united in their mission to demolish Stamford Bridge.Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have put aside their differences to agree to pursue a completely new stadium instead of redeveloping their current home.But it remains to be seen if Chelsea will stay at the Bridge during construction of a new ground.Boehly is believed to favour building a new stadium at Earl’s Court, while Twickenham could end up being used as a temporary home. More

A FORMER Manchester United star looks unrecognisable with a new haircut and grey beard.The ex-player in question, now 46, is currently the manager of National League North side Scarborough Athletic.This former United star is unrecognisable from his playing daysCredit: InstagramHe now sports shorter hair and a grey beardCredit: InstagramThe ex-midfielder also played for Middlesbrough and West BromCredit: InstagramHe took the helm back in 2021, four years after retiring from professional football.As a player, he starred for the likes of Middlesbrough, West Brom, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Man Utd.The midfielder made 252 Premier League appearances in total, with four Champions League outings also under his belt.Having joined United back in 1998, he played alongside the likes of David Beckham, Gary Neville and Roy Keane during his time at Old Trafford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDuring his three-year spell with the Red Devils, he won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Champions League.He was recognisable at the time for his long hair, which he would later hold back with a headband.If you haven’t guessed already, the player in question is… Jonathan Greening.The 46-year-old called time on his playing career in 2017 following a two-year spell with non-league side Tadcaster Albion.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAfter earning all of his coaching credentials, he was appointed the manager of Scarborough Athletic in 2021.During his first season, he led the club to promotion from the Northern Premier League and won the North Riding Senior Cup.Paul Scholes feels like Man Utd are ‘begging’ for money to build new stadium Greening is now contracted to Scarborough until the end of the year.The ex-United star lives with his wife, Anna, and the couple have three children together.He also recently became a grandad and now has plenty of photos and videos with his new grandson on his Instagram.Greening spent three years with Man UtdCredit: Getty More

A MONUMENTAL summer awaits Arsenal with incomings and departures aplenty.But there is also a pressing need to tie down their Holy Trinity for the foreseeable future.Mikel Arteta will soon need to decide on how to tackle Bukayo Saka’s contract futureCredit: APWilliam Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are also out of contract in 2027Credit: GettyBukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel are all out of contract in June 2027 – a daunting prospect with Mikel Arteta’s Emirates project so close to landing major silverware after five years of promise and progress.This simply cannot become a saga that is dragged into next season.Liverpool are a prime example of the mess it can cause with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold set to walk away in a few months.But Arsenal fans can be fairly confident of avoiding a similar meltdown with Arteta at the helm – a manager who has the knack when it comes to convincing world class talent that North London is the place to be, and that the future remains bright and exciting.Arteta’s ability to win one trophy since December 2019 while keeping hold of his best players and strengthening year on year – as well as maintaining the trust and support of the board and the majority of the fan base – should not be underestimated.And when it comes to correcting a turned head or wandering eye of a player considering his options, Arteta often finds the right words to enthuse and motivate – just like Sir Alex Ferguson did in those early United days before finally tasting league glory in 1993.Arteta is honest and respectful, but he is also ruthless and direct.Behind the scenes, he enjoys heated debates with his staff and players during good times and bad to constantly get the very best out of them and to never feel comfortable.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWhen trying to land new players, Arteta plays an active role in the negotiation process, a dominant voice in presentations that leaves those in the room in awe of his level of tactical detail and immense personalisation and passion.Battling Manchester City for Declan Rice’s signature in the summer of 2023, Arteta and ex-sporting director Edu double-teamed the sit-down discussions in person, using the analogy of: ‘The train is leaving – are you getting on board?’Arsenal Fan TV presenter Robbie credits ‘nature’s ozempic’ for incredible body Rice’s camp had met with several clubs but Arsenal and Arteta’s proposal had blown everyone else’s out of the water.The art of persuasion is also about subtlety, knowing when to push and when to back off.Granit Xhaka was practically out the door in October 2019 after being booed off by his fans and stripped of the captaincy by Unai Emery before Arteta took over two months later.In a heartfelt sit-down with Xhaka in his office, Arteta pleaded with the player to stay until the end of the season, but said he would respect his decision with his family a priority.Xhaka ended up staying, signed a new contract a year later and played a vital role in Arsenal’s transformation into title challengers before departing in July 2023.Talks on horizonSo what of Saka, Saliba and Gabriel? SunSport understands that Arsenal are keen to hold talks with the trio in the coming months. The club’s policy in the past has been to avoid allowing top talents getting into the last two years of their deals.But Arteta is usually hesitant to get into negotiations mid-season. On this occasion, they still have a Champions League quarter final to look forward to.While a deal for Hale End star Saka, 23, is a formality, Arteta knows Real Madrid are sniffing around Frenchman Saliba. In the unlikely event Arsenal were open to selling, he would be valued well past the £100m mark.At 24, Saliba has spoken of his desire to one day be the best defender in the world, and recognises he is best placed to continue his development in the Premier League under Arteta – so long as Arsenal are competing for and winning major titles, which is now the case.Gabriel, 27, has eye-watering interest from Saudi Arabia. A move was blocked in August 2023 which saw Arteta briefly drop the Brazilian to make sure his performances would not suffer as a result.He has since emerged as one of the Prem’s most complete players and his family is settled and loving life in London.Arteta has Arsenal’s prestige and history on his side, pointing to the fact this group can go down as club legends if they lift a Prem or European title.Saliba and Gabriel are coming into their peak years. Uprooting now – with a World Cup next summer – would be a huge risk to their form.There will also be a nudge towards their rivals. While Manchester City are undergoing a major rebuild, Arne Slot’s Liverpool may well lose three of their best players to contract disputes this summer.There is a belief within the club that Arsenal are perfectly positioned to take advantage next term, especially as they look set to finally end their search for a top No.9 this summer – the missing piece.Getting all three to commit by the start of next season will be a huge relief, but Arsenal are confident in Arteta’s power of persuasion.THE NUMBERS BEHIND ISAK VS EKITIKEALEXANDER ISAK is the striker all Arsenal fans want to see arrive this summer.But should Newcastle stand firm in their stance that he is not for sale, Mikel Arteta will have to look elsewhere.SunSport revealed this week that Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is being monitored as an alternative, and the young Frenchman compares well to Isak.Ekitike was even targeted by Newcastle before they signed the Swede.The France Under-21 international has a similar profile to the Toon forward, tall and imposing but sharp on the ball and blessed with pace.Alexander Isak is a prime target for ArsenalCredit: GettyHugo Ekitike is also on Arsenal’s list this summerCredit: AFPWhile Isak has four more goals in five fewer games, Ekitike has three more assists and is not far behind when it comes to goal contributions per 90 minutes with 0.88 compared to the Newcastle man’s stunning 0.97.The 22-year-old spent half of the season playing alongside Omar Marmoush before the Egyptian’s move to Manchester City and has stepped up since his departure.Ekitike bagged three goals in the two games after Marmoush left for The Etihad.The stats show that the Frankfurt forward is constantly involved up top, having more shots and shots on target compared to Isak per game, though the latter has a better conversion rate.While Isak is clearly the more complete forward, any signing which isn’t the £150million rated Newcastle striker will have an element of risk.Ekitike is confident that, after learning a lot during his struggles at Paris Saint-Germain, he is ready to take the next step.A PIECE OF CAKE FOR NWANERISUNSPORT can exclusively reveal that Ethan Nwaneri was given celebratory cupcakes on the plane back from England U21 duty this week to celebrate his 18th birthday.And the Hale End star has left a lasting impression on his Young Lions teammates, not just from his brilliant debut goal in the 4-2 win over Portugal at the Hawthorns on Monday.SunSport understands that Nwaneri, along with Ipswich Town’s Omari Hutchinson – formerly of the Arsenal academy – were often the last ones to leave the training pitches at St George’s Park during their international camp.His professionalism, attitude and mentality are second to none, highly impressive for someone of his age and limited experience so far.There are those in the FA and the England senior set-up who feel it is only a matter of time before Nwaneri struts his stuff in the seniors under Thomas Tuchel.Ethan Nwaneri was the toast of England’s U21s on international dutyCredit: GettyMERINO’S BUSY BREAKMIKEL MERINO has not taken his foot off the pedal during this international break.The Arsenal midfielder – currently deputising as a striker with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus out for the season – played a combined 12 minutes off the bench across two Nations League games for Spain against the Netherlands, scoring in last week’s 2-2 draw.But not satisfied with that, he also visited his old pals back at former club Real Sociedad.He then got in some extra strength and conditioning training with trusted Spanish personal trainer Miguel Azanza.After breaking his shoulder in his first Arsenal training session following his summer switch, Merino has been working overtime to ensure he remains fit and available for Arteta.The work with Azanza included weighted ball throws and band work to maintain his shoulder strength heading into the home stretch to the season.SunSport understands Arteta and Arsenal’s coaching staff have been impressed with Merino’s physicality and competitiveness in training sessions, not one to hold back in challenges and aerial duels with teammates.Mikel Merino has been a hit up top for the GunnersCredit: Getty More