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      Brighton 1 Southampton 1: Fuming Martin has to be held back from Hurzeler after controversial VAR call denies him win

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      RUSSELL MARTIN was left seething after Southampton were denied only a second win of the season as VAR caused chaos once again. Saints were in dreamland when Cameron Archer looked as though he had slotted home a 67th-minute winner to finally provide the club with a glimmer of hope. Cameron Archer’s goal was ruled outCredit: GettyArcher at the back post was judged to be onside yet Adam Armstrong in the middle was offsideArmstrong threw a trailing leg at the ball as it went behind him and was deemed to be interferingRussell Martin’s temper flared and he had to be held back from Fabian HurzelerCredit: PATheir argument continued onto the pitchAnd the bosses eventually had to be separatedIt came after Flynn Downes had cancelled out Kaoru Mitoma’s opener for the high-flying Seagulls who had the prospect of soaring into the heady heights of second-place in the table with a draw or a win. But you can always rely on VAR to inflict more misery on a Southampton side who look all but down before the advent calendars have been opened. A lengthy check by VAR ref Jarred Gillett which involved lots of zooming in and out and lines resulted in the goal being chalked off for offside, leaving Martin and co gobsmacked. It was ruled out not because Archer was offside but because Adam Armstrong was offside and deemed to be interfering with play as the cross came in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe cameras panned to Martin who was effing and blinding on the touchline with Saints rock bottom of the table. He continued his fury after the full-time whistle when he had angry words with Brighton gaffer Fabian Hurzeler. Injured keeper Aaron Ramsdale hit out at the decision on Twitter, writing: “You can not be serious.”After the game, Martin raged that he had sympathy for on-field officials but “struggled to accept” errors from those in Stockley Park.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHurzeler added: “I think it’s about respect. You should ask him [Martin] about it.”It’s worth remembering his Southampton strugglers would stay at the foot of the table no matter what happened at the Amex last night. It was a huge let off for Brighton who are now sitting pretty in second, bang on level with Manchester City on goal difference. Brighton’s model as a football club has always been revolutionary and refreshing in equal measure, but last night begs the question of whether they have got the minerals to become real little contenders?’Referees don’t understand football!’ Ex-Prem ref slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea & Liverpool errorsStats driven recruitment is the beating heart of their success while their young and ambitious manager, Fabian Hurzeler has produced an exceptional start to the season, but consistency will be key. With 23 points from their first 13 games, this remains Brighton’s best start to a top-flight season.And since the beginning of October, only leaders Liverpool have won more points.As expected, the hosts burst out the traps, with Georginio Rutter teeing up Mitoma, who would have lashed in the opener had it not been for Joe Lumley’s finger tips. Rutter was back for more with his twinkle toes twisting inside and out of three pink shirts before he flicked a shot just wide. It was no surprise that the French 22-year-old produced Brighton’s best chance as he cut inside and drilled a shot off the far post. Brighton were building and got their deserved opener on 28 minutes as Tariq Lamptey pulled away from Taylor Harwood-Bellis to tee up Mitoma who headed home. It was dreadful defending though as Saints allowed the ball to bounce around the penalty spot while the defenders shirked their duties once again. The cameras panned to a dejected Martin who was shaking his head as the goal replayed on his ipad. He should have played Candy Crush on his ipad instead of looking at his side’s abysmal defending. Meanwhile Mitoma, another hidden gem unearthed by Tony Bloom, is now one goal short of Shinji Okazaki’s 14-goal record as the top Japanese scorer in the top-flight. Chants of “You’re going down with the Palace” rang out from the boisterous North Stand, but it only riled up Martin and co. The Saints boss shouted “f***ing come on” just after a huge chance for Archer who latched onto an inch-perfect Yukinari Sugawara cross before shinning it over from eight-yards. Brighton looked as though they were bossing it again after the break as Lamptey and Welbeck linking up before Matt O’Reily fired in a cross, but Mitoma was unable to make the crucial touch. The hosts were stunned though when out of absolutely nothing Downes hammered the ball home on 58 minutes. The leveller was fired in on the edge of the box after the ball ricocheted out to the Saints midfielder after Armstrong and Ryan Manning both had shots blocked. READ MORE SUN STORIESSouthampton couldn’t believe it when Ryan Fraser’s cross found Archer six-yards out and he slotted into the bottom corner, sparking mayhem in the away end on 67 minutes before the VAR misery. Brighton hit back strongly with Rutter nearly making it 2-1 with an outrageous bicycle kick from Welbeck’s cross but they couldn’t find a second.Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring for BrightonCredit: RexFlynn Downes equalised with a thumping finishCredit: Getty More

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      Ruben Amorim forced to get creative in Man Utd training due to lack of time with stars given walkthroughs

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      RUBEN AMORIM has adapted his coaching methods to get Manchester United players to learn his system quickly.The new boss has so far overseen a 1-1 draw with Ipswich and a 3-2 victory over Bodo/Glimt.Ruben Amorim has revealed he has had to tweak his coaching methodsCredit: GettyHe has been doing walkthroughs with his playersCredit: GettyBut he has little time on the training pitch to break down the games as the fixtures come thick and fast, with seven Premier League matches and two cup ties in December.The schedule is squeezing the ex-Sporting manager’s chance to work with his new players and he has resorted to a new approach to get his 3-4-3 style across.Amorim said: “I was a football player. Football players, videos more than 12 minutes? Forget. Because they lose the concentration.”So, we have to work on… imagine there’s an indoor stadium. We have that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Instead of video, we do it like walking and jogging. It’s a way to do it and showing some videos.”Then we have all the staff. For example, Carlos Fernandes (assistant) is with the strikers.”They will show individual moments, so we will try to cope with that.”Everybody has a job in the staff, and they are more important maybe than me.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So, that’s it. Trying to see the game, what is missing. “They are very good players, they need to believe and we will show individual stuff, team stuff and work. Ruben Amorim bizarrely SLAPS Man Utd stars in training as fans joke ‘I hope Luke Shaw doesn’t get injured'”If you cannot run, you can jog and make the same exercise.”Ahead of facing Everton on Sunday, Amorim said: “Win. I am hoping to win.”It’s going to be a different match with a lot of fighting, long balls, second balls. “They have a quality coach that understands the league, that understands the moment of the opponent.”We need to have the ball because we have a short time to recover.”We need to rotate the team, so I hope for a win and I hope to see different things in my team.”Improve like we did from Ipswich to now, with Everton without training. But I expect to see different things and better things.”Man Utd ratings vs Bodo/Glimt More

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      Ruud van Nistelrooy CONFIRMED as Leicester manager as Man Utd legend makes instant return to Premier League

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has been confirmed as Leicester’s new manager.The Dutchman, 48, has made a quick return to management after working as Manchester United’s caretaker boss following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.Ruud van Nistelrooy has been confirmed as Leicester’s new managerCredit: GettyHe will be in the stands as the Foxes take on Brentford tomorrow and his first in the dugout will be against West HamCredit: GettySteve Cooper was sacked by the Foxes after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to ChelseaCredit: PAVan Nistelrooy succeeds Steve Cooper as Foxes manager, after the former Nottingham Forest boss received the axe following a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.The Dutchman is set to be in the stands for their game against Brentford tomorrow, meaning his first match in charge will be against West Ham on Tuesday. On his Leicester arrival, Van Nistelrooy said: “I’m proud, I’m excited. Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City Football Club is enthusiastic. “They have great stories about the quality of the people working at the club, the supporters and, of course, the recent history of the club is impressive. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m excited to start and to get to know everyone and give everything I can for the football club.”Van Nistelrooy also revealed he spoke to ex-Foxes-turned-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca about taking the job, who was his team-mate at Malaga. He revealed: “When the interest came, the first one I called was Enzo. He was so positive about it. He absolutely loved his time. “When you hear these things, it’s a club you want to be a part of. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVan Nistelrooy’s controversial appointmentBy Neil Custis, Football writerRUUD VAN NISTELROOY walking into the Leicester job must have managers further down the leagues tearing their hair out.This week at the Northwest Football Awards, for example, Dave Challinor of Stockport was named manager of the year ahead of Pep Guardiola.Now that may be because organisers felt he would probably turn up to get his gong, unlike Guardiola.Still, two promotions in 2½ years to lift the area’s poor relation from the National League to League One — where they sit fourth — is incredible.Yet that and a managerial background at Colwyn Bay, AFC Fylde and Hartlepool would sadly never put him on a Premier League club’s radar.Van Nistelrooy was on that radar at the Foxes in the summer after one season managing at PSV Eindhoven before they went for Steve Cooper.Now after a further four games as interim Manchester United boss and he is in at the King Power and Cooper is out.Big names excite fans and Van Nistelrooy has one, literally.But he also comes with a red flag or two…”Obviously, with the interest coming, I phoned him and I asked him more detailed questions about the Club, the structures, the people that work there, the squad, the stadium, the fans, the town, the surroundings… it was a fantastic conversation. “It’s always a pleasure to talk to him.”Leicester stars party in nightclub next to ‘Enzo I miss you’ sign hours after Chelsea loss on night before Cooper sackedChairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha added: “It is my pleasure to welcome Ruud to Leicester City. “He joins a Club with a rich history, passionate supporters, and a talented squad, and we are all excited to see the impact he can have as we embark on this new chapter together. “Ruud’s experience, knowledge, and winning mentality will undoubtedly bring great value to us, and we look forward to supporting him in achieving success for our fans and our club.”I have to say, when the interest came, the first one I called was Enzo. He was so positive about it. He absolutely loved his time.Van Nistelrooy on speaking to Maresca before taking the jobDuring his spell as Man Utd caretaker, Van Nistelrooy twice beat Cooper’s Leciester.They met in the Carabao Cup on October 30, with the Red Devils running out 5-2 winners.And he beat Leicester again 3-0 just 11 days later in the Premier League.Cooper won just two of his 12 Prem encounters at the Leicester helm, having succeeded Enzo Maresca in the summer, who guided the club to the Championship title last term.The players seemingly miss their old boss as they were spotted partying next to a sign that read “Enzo I miss u” during their Christmas party.Just hours after the loss to Chelsea, the squad jetted off to their festive Copenhagen bash signed off by Cooper, unaware he was about to be axed.According to The Telegraph, Cooper fell out with Jannik Vestergaard, Harry Winks and Hamza Choudhury during his ill-fated 157-day stint in charge at the King Power, with the former even being banished from training at one stageThe Foxes are 16th in the Prem table, a point above the relegation zone.Prior to joining Ten Hag’s Old Trafford coaching staff, the former Man Utd and Real Madrid striker managed PSV Eindhoven.He won 33 of his 51 games in charge, winning the KNVB Cup in 2023.Van Nistelrooy stepped down a week before the end of that season, citing a lack of support from above.READ MORE SUN STORIESFollowing Cooper’s sacking, Leicester were linked with Graham Potter and David Moyes.But club chiefs quickly settled upon Van Nistelrooy as their main target and have now got their man.Van Nistelrooy on joining Leicester “I’m proud, I’m excited. Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City Football Club is enthusiastic.”They have great stories about the quality of the people working at the club, the supporters and, of course, the recent history of the club is impressive. “I’m excited to start and to get to know everyone and give everything I can for the football club.“Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City Football Club is enthusiastic, has great stories about the quality of the people working at the Club, the supporters, also of course, the recent history of the Club is impressive. “I’m dead excited to start and to get to know everyone and give everything I can for the Football Club.“It’s also something I hear a lot about. I can’t wait to find that out, to be part of the Club, in a manager role, which is a big responsibility. I take it very seriously. “Also, getting to know everybody, the community and the supporters, I can only imagine what it means to them. I want to feel it.”I want to get started and get to know everybody and take time to invest in the relationship with all the other departments and community of the Football Club. That can make us a really strong movement to go forward and get results.“Of course, when you’re in football a long time, you know so many people and that’s why I said about the stories about the Club and its people and its supporters. That’s always positive. “It’s a stable club, you can see within the leadership structures that it’s all good and organised and with an idea. “Also, the squad, of course, is exciting with young emerging talents, also experienced players… a good mixture. I can’t wait to get on the pitch and start with them.”There are two players in every position of good quality. There’s young, emerging talents, with very experienced players and, obviously, the captain, Jamie Vardy, has the most experience and the character. He’s the face of the Football Club. As a former striker, I can’t wait to work together with him as well.“A lot of principles and structures that I see, on the ball and off the ball, are structures that I use a lot myself as the PSV manager and at United. “Not all of them, of course, but many of them. The way Leicester City played under [Enzo] Maresca, winning the Championship and going into the Premier League, I see also that line continuing in those structures and the idea of playing.”I have to say, when the interest came, the first one I called was Enzo. He was so positive about it. He absolutely loved his time. When you hear these things, it’s a club you want to be a part of. “Obviously, with the interest coming, I phoned him and I asked him more detailed questions about the Club, the structures, the people that work there, the squad, the stadium, the fans, the town, the surroundings… it was a fantastic conversation. It’s always a pleasure to talk to him.” More

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

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

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      Fan spots DEAD RAT in puddle under Old Trafford seat as Man Utd’s crumbling stadium hits new low

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      A DEAD rat was seen at Old Trafford during Manchester United’s clash with Bodo/Glimt last night, a fan on social media has claimed.The Red Devils hosted the Norwegian side in what was new boss Ruben Amorim’s first home game in charge.A supporter posted this image from Old TraffordCredit: X / @Connor_LomasClub chiefs have recently received a backlash from fans after it was confirmed that ticket prices would be rising to a minimum of £66 for members, regardless of age.And during last night’s match, a social media user claimed that a “dead animal” had appeared beneath their seat.Man Utd have endured several instances of rain water getting through the Old Trafford roof during recent seasons.The social media user, named Connor Lomas, last night posted a picture that appeared to be taken of beneath his seat.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt showed a soaking wet floor, with what appeared to be a dead rat lying there.Tagging several fan accounts, Lomas posted: “#mufc will let anyone in Old Trafford for £66, including dead animals apparently. Block N3401.”The image has been viewed more than 300,000 times on social media.A Man Utd spokesman acknowledged the picture when SunSport went to the club for comment.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe club stress they undergo regular pest control inspections but the stadium’s location next to a railway and canal, as well as the cold weather, can drive pests into buildings. A mouse was also seen on the pitch during last night’s game.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Since purchasing a minority stake in the club earlier this year, Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has begun the process of improving the Red Devils’ home.It is currently being explored whether the club would be better off upgrading Old Trafford at significant cost, or building a new stadium from scratch.Man Utd chiefs have polled supporters over which option they would prefer.Of the 50,000 polled, 52 per cent claimed to be open to a new build, with 31 per cent favouring an Old Trafford redevelopment and 17 per cent unsure.A decision over the project, which could cost up to £2billion, is expected to be made in early 2025.A mouse was seen on the pitch at Old Trafford last nightCredit: GettyOld Trafford has had several flooding incidents in recent yearsCredit: PAThe roof at Old Trafford has struggled with containing heavy rainfallCredit: Getty More

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      Maurizio Sarri on regret at quitting Chelsea, love for an unlikely star and why he can’t quit addiction to fags and Prem

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      THERE ARE two habits that Maurizio Sarri cannot kick – cigarettes and his love of English football.The vastly experienced Italian manager deeply regrets the decision to walk away from Chelsea after just one season. And he wants to put things right.Maurizio Sarri won the Europa League during his one year in charge of ChelseaCredit: Getty – ContributorThe Italian memorably enjoyed a smoke on the sidelinesCredit: AP:Associated PressHe also forged a reputation for his brand of ‘Sarri ball’ footballCredit: Alamy Live NewsDespite guiding the club to the Europa League title, a top four finish and a Wembley final, chain-smoker Sarri ‘panicked’ and headed home for safety’s sake.The gradual breakdown of former owner Roman Abamovich’s deteriorating relationship with the UK government was behind him asking to leave just when he should have been negotiating a new contract.Sarri is still puffing away as he talks exclusively to SunSport about his unfinished business with the Premier League. And more importantly, whether he would pack up fags because stadiums over here are no-smoking arenasIn answer to that question, he declared: “No.”READ MORE CHELSEAHe then goes into great depth detailing why he felt he had to leave Chelsea despite winning a European trophy in his one and only season.Russian Abramovich had his UK visa revoked. Technical director Michael Emenalo had quit the year before Sarri arrived.Transfer guru Marina Granovskaia was left juggling several roles – and it scared Sarri.He said: “I could have stayed at Chelsea.Most read in Football“I wanted to come back to Italy because the situation at Chelsea was not easy. In that period Abramovich was not allowed to go to England. I only saw him at games abroad. We had some telephone calls but not very often.“My point of reference was only Marina. There wasn’t a sporting director so the situation was not so clear. So I wanted to come back to Italy but it was a mistake.’Referees don’t understand football!’ Ex-Prem ref slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea & Liverpool errors“It would have been better to stay there. I was a little worried about the situation with Chelsea, the situation inside the club. It was not clear.“I asked Marina if it was possible to go back to Italy and Marina asked for some money from Juventus to set me free.“They said if I wanted to stay at Chelsea it was possible. But at the end of the season with Chelsea it was a good experience and good results.“We got third place in the Premier League table, reached the final of the Carabao Cup and won the Europa League. We played a lot of good matches.“Of course at times there were two or three disasters, like at Manchester against City, like at Bournemouth.“Now I am ready to start again. I don’t know where at the moment. But me and the staff are ready.”Sarri has a tricky relationship with Chelsea owner Roman AbramovichCredit: AP:Associated PressA year after leaving Chelsea, Sarri won the Serie A title with JuventusCredit: GettySarri faced an uphill battle to convince Chelsea fans that his possession-based philosophy, or ‘Sarriball’ as it has become known, suited the blood and thunder of the Premier League.His team was trounced 6-0 at Manchester City and 4-0 by lowly Bournemouth during his sole year in charge. But there is no arguing with the end result.Sarri left Chelsea and went on to win Serie A with Juventus the following season. Then a proud second-placed finish with Lazio in 2023.He said: “I managed at the top level. We won the Scudetta with Juve but it is not the same as the Premier League.“England is the top level for players, for teams, for clubs, for stadiums, for fans. For everything. So I’d like to come back.“If I had a team and had the opportunity to be the coach of a team at the same level I think that I could do even better.“If Chelsea were able to get into the top four then my football must have been suitable. Probably the disaster at Manchester and Bournemouth made the fans unhappy about my situation and my football. But I think it was a feeling for a couple of months, no more.”Sarri on his favourite Chelsea playerMAURIZIO SARRI was blessed with a galaxy of stars during his one year as Chelsea boss.Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cesc Fabregas, Olivier Giroud, N’Golo Kante and Jorginho among them.But the Italian has a special place in his heart for an unlikely lad in Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who came so close to making it big with The Blues but is now with AC Milan in Sarri’s homeland.Sarri said: “I loved them all; Luiz, Rudiger, Azpi. But for me one very important player in my season was Loftus. Very, very important. I think he could have done more.“But the injuries were a really big problem for him. He had to go 11, 12 months without playing.“Then it takes another season to reach the same level as before. It is a big thing for one but I think in time he will reach a great level.”Silky midfielder Loftus-Cheek came through the Chelsea ranks and over nine years managed just over 150 Premier League appearances.But nightmarish issues with his Achilles tendon in particular got in the way. He ruptured it playing in a Holocaust Memorial match for Chelsea in Boston.Sarri said: “I hope now there is a great future for him. He deserves it. Achilles was a big, big problem for him.”Sarri also believes current Chelsea boss and fellow countryman Enzo Maresca has settled the club down after several dramatic years off the pitch and in the transfer market with 43 registered first team players at one point.Sarri said: “The situation at the beginning of the season was difficult with so many players but for sure he is doing a good job.“My feeling now is that Chelsea are becoming a team again now- not 11 good players. My feeling is that the future for Chelsea could be good. A winning future I think.“Maresca is an Italian coach but is more an international coach. Maresca in Italy worked only for one or two seasons, no more. He has worked more in Italy than in England.“He is a very young coach. We have to wait I think but at the moment the work at Chelsea is going well. He has the possibility to become one of the best in Europe.”Two Premier League managers have already been sacked this season – Erik ten Hag at Manchester United and Steve Cooper from Leicester.It is at this time of year that top flight clubs start getting twitchy.Julen Lopetegui at West Ham and Russell Martin at Southampton must be looking over their shoulders.At Chelsea, Sarri used a terrace next to his first floor office at the training ground for smoking.His only requirements from any new club are an outside space and potential.Sarri said: “It is very important to get 101 percent from your team. This is more important than winning a cup, a trophy, or the Premier League.“To get 101 percent from the players, the team as a whole. It is better than winning. Real Madrid can win with 98 per cent of the potential of the team. The real win is getting 101 per cent of the potential.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I wanted to leave Chelsea – but only because of a particular situation. Not because of England. “I want to be a coach again.” More

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

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

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      ‘I love that kid’ – Ruben Amorim backs Mason Mount to become key player for Man Utd and says ‘he wants it really bad’

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      RUBEN AMORIM has backed Mason Mount to prove why he became a European Champion.The new Manchester United boss says the midfielder “wants it really bad” too.Mason Mount was in action against Bodo/Glimt last nightCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim is a big fan of the former Chelsea starCredit: XMount has had an unhappy time with injury since he moved to Man Utd from Chelsea with whom he won the Champions League in 2021.He cost United £55million in July of last year but there has been little in the way of returns with just seven league starts in that time.But on Thursday night the 25-year-old returned to the Red Devils first team in his first start for 90 days playing 59 minutes of their 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.Amorim saw enough in that time and in the short time he has had with him at the club’s Carrington Training base to convince him the forgotten can become a main man at Man United.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “The first thing is he is working really hard. And then you have to understand the human also. He wants this really badly. That is the most important thing.“I have to tell you I love that kid.“You can see in his eyes that he wants this so bad.“He has proven to all of you that he is a talented player. He was European champion.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“So we believe a lot in him.”Of course, the main obstacle is steering clear of those injuries that ruined his first season.Ruben Amorim bizarrely SLAPS Man Utd stars in training as fans joke ‘I hope Luke Shaw doesn’t get injured’Indeed, injury problems throughout the squad that plagued Erik ten Hag’s second season as boss.Mount was confidently talking of putting that all behind him at the start of this campaign when his hamstring went in only the second league game at Brighton.Now he goes again but Amorim says it is not just about fitness but belief that will help take him back to the top.Amorim said: “I know he was suffering from injuries, he was not on the pitch, but now he’s trying to stay fit and we hope he can continue to be fit, to show all the talent that he’s shown, for example, in Chelsea.“He has to stay fit. And like all the guys in the team, they are quality players, they have to improve and believe in themselves.”He certainly saw that belief in Mount against Bodo on Thursday.It was his superb flick that helped to set up the winning goal as he found Bruno Fernandes to square for Rasmus Hojlund.’A PROPER FOOTBALLER’Amorim said: “He did a great job, and you see in some moments and details that Mason Mount is a proper footballer. So we believe a lot in him.”Having played in a 3-4-3 at Chelsea in the past Amorim believes the adjustment to the style he is trying to bring to Old Trafford will not be a problem for the midfielder.The Portuguese said: “He played in this system, so it’s perfect for him.”After an opening draw away to Ipswich, Thursday night was a confidence boosting victory for Amorim in his first game in charge of United at Old Trafford.He was blown away by the reception he got and is now aiming to take the momentum built from the comeback victory over the Norwegians into Sunday’s visit of Sean Dyche’s Everton.He said: “It’s going to be a different match with a lot of fighting, long balls, second balls. They have a quality coach that understands the league, that understands the moment of the opponent.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I hope for a win and I hope to see different things and to see my team improve.“I expect to see different things and better things.”Man Utd ratings vs Bodo/Glimt More