Premier League

IT was Jose Mourinho who best summed up how a footballer’s career can be here and gone in a flash.Former Manchester United manager Mourinho said: “I am 56 now and yesterday, I was 20. Time flies. One day, you will regret if you don’t reach what you can reach.”Marcus Rashford has to start afresh with Ruben AmorimJose Mourinho best summed up how quickly a footballer’s career can come and goMourinho was talking to Dele Alli in a documentary series while he was manager at Tottenham.It could be a conversation Ruben Amorim has with 27-year-old Marcus Rashford now he is Old Trafford boss.We all know what Rashford can do.He burst on the scene aged 18 in 2016 with a Europa League double — his first United goals — on his debut against Midtjylland.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd we saw it two seasons ago, when he posted a career-best of 30 goals as United finished third and won the Carabao Cup.The kid who grew up in Wythenshawe with the dream of playing for the Red Devils was in the spotlight.But the floodlights have faded.In the last 18 months, he has lost his place in the England squad, the United team and hit more headlines for what he did off the field than on it.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPartying after a defeat in the Manchester derby, out until the early hours in Belfast when he was due to train later that day.Just recently as he prepared for life under new boss Amorim, he took the time off given for the international break to jet to New York.Gary Neville admits ‘I got it wrong’ and apologises over Rashford criticism as Amorim demands Man Utd ‘change standards’ He was court-side for the NBA match between New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, dressed in a long Louis Vuitton coat and sporting glitzy grillz.Fine if you are on top of your game… not such a good look when you cannot find it.And Rashford has not been able to find it for some time.There were nine cry-offs from the last England squad for their final two matches under Lee Carsley and still he was not worth a call.Which tells you where he is at.Amorim employed Rashford up front for his first game in charge against Ipswich, on Sunday, mainly because Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are so bad. Inside two minutes he took advantage of some great work by Amad Diallo to put United into the lead and then…he faded.Red Devils fans have started cheering when he gets subbed now.Previous boss Erik ten Hag was at his wits’ end with Rashford by the final days of his reign.Rashford didn’t seem to be enjoying his football during the final 12 months of Ten Hag’s reignThe 27-year-old was in tears when United beat Man City in the FA Cup in MayThe Dutchman privately admitted he would have dumped him into the reserves after that Belfast party incident in January had he had enough players available to take his place.Ten Hag did everything to protect Rashford and help him but was let down by the player.Everyone knows there is a good guy there. Rashford’s MBE for charitable work, helping the poor and hungry, tells you all you need to know about a man with a good heart.And his tears when United won the FA Cup last season told you how much he loves the club. But he has been too easily swallowed up by the celebrity and party lifestyle on offer to all young stars if they want it.Amorim emphasised ahead of Thursday’s Europa League match against Bodo/Glimt — who, with 6,500 fans at Old Trafford, will have one-eighth of the Norwegian city’s population in attendance — that the drive to get back to his best has to come from Rashford first.It was the same mantra that came from Ten Hag.Amorim knows playing through the middle is not his best position and will employ him wide, in the long run, in a 3-4-3. Amorim needs A LOT of time on training pitch to fix Man Utd… unfortunately he won’t get it, writes Charlie WyettIN theory at least, the only way is up for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.We are nearly a third of the way through this Premier League season and it is still staggering to see United lurking in 12th place.They have managed just four wins with a goal difference of 0. Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less.It is certainly not a false position and a point at Ipswich illustrated the massive job that Ruben Amorim faces.United’s fans sang the name of their new manager throughout the game.They also gave the players rapturous applause on the final whistle and although this was an improvement on some of the performances this season, the bar has been set pretty low.The club’s optimistic supporters will see that their team is only six points off the top four.  Ultimately, though, it is difficult to see United even reaching last season’s final position of eighth as they look worse.United’s patched-up defence will improve – and a three-man formation at the back will help them – but you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from. Marcus Rashford struck after 81 seconds and then went missing for the rest of his 68 minutes on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were also introduced in that double change midway inside the second half but added absolutely nothing. What a terrible couple of signings they have proved to be and United’s fans would swap both of them for Ipswich’s Liam Delap.Amorim did not celebrate the Rashford goal and paced around his technical area throughout looking uneasy.Each time there was a break in play, he called over players for instructions.Alejandro Garnacho headed over to the touchline on a couple of occasions while there were also words for Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Jonny Evans.Amorim, a manager with infectious enthusiasm, will be hopeful he can get his message across to all of the players in the next few weeks.But the problem for the Portuguese coach is that this was the first of 10 games in the space of 33 days.What he really needs are spells on the training ground without a midweek game but he does not have that luxury.The only problem is the shortage of alternatives.United’s lack of goals has been a problem for some time and just three teams have scored fewer than their 13 goals in the Prem this season.Rashford is top scorer with five in all competitions. Hojlund has two and Zirkzee one.Amorim said: “There is a concern but we have to improve as a team. We have quality players who can score so many goals. “But you could feel it in the second half on Sunday, we controlled possession of the ball but we were not dangerous.“Maybe because we spend the week trying to work on build up and then the rest was not working.“We will try to improve as a team and Rasmus and Josh and Rash will score more goals.“Even Bruno Fernandes has to score more goals! Amad has to be better near the goal.”READ MORE SUN STORIESRashford has to improve and quickly. Because today he might be 27 but tomorrow he could be 56.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

LEICESTER CITY owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha blew his ‘Top’ at his underperforming players during a tense showdown earlier this week.The Foxes supremo launched an angry blast at his senior pros over their antics during a Christmas party in Copenhagen on Saturday night, which took place hours after they had lost at home to Chelsea.Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha was furious with the team in the wake of their trip to CopenhagenCredit: GettyLeicester players partied in Copenhagen following their defeat to Chelsea at the weekendCredit: ekstrabladet.dkThey held up a sign that read: ‘Enzo I miss u’Credit: ekstrabladet.dkThe players were in Copenhagen for a Christmas partyCredit: XTwenty-four hours later Steve Cooper was axed by Srivaddhanaprabha – nicknamed Top – who believed his players had under-performed under the Welshman.The Thai owner was incensed to discover his players were partying in the Danish capital hours after their latest defeat left them 16th in the table, just one point off the relegation places.He confronted his players during a hastily convened summit at their Seagrave Training complex on Tuesday.The usually amiable owner accused his players of letting down Cooper – who lasted just 12 top-flight games – with their under-par performances on their return to the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport understands Top was also livid at the antics of his players who were filmed partying in a nightclub – images which then went viral on social media.In particular he was annoyed by a sign displayed by Leicester players saying: “Enzo I miss u,” a reference to their former boss Enzo Maresca, who had just inspired Chelsea’s victory over them.Leicester’s party animals were also pictured in fancy dress at Copenhagen’s Villa Hotel – conduct their owner believed was unbecoming of his highly-paid stars.Leicester were last night unavailable for comment, although it is believed senior players accepted the criticism and took it on the chin.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRuud van Nistelrooy is on the brink of replacing Cooper after impressing during his four games in charge of Manchester United as interim boss following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.Ironically, two of Van Nistelrooy’s three victories in charge of United came against the Foxes in the Carabao Cup and Premier League. Chelsea player ratings: Enzo Fernandez silences his doubters but Robert Sanchez endures a few shaky moments vs LeicesterHowever one of his first tasks if he does accept the challenge will be to raise morale which is currently low in the wake of Top’s meeting. More

FEW retired footballers hang up their boots and go on to become the president of their country.But that is the career path one former Manchester City striker is set to embark on.Mikheil Kavelashvili looks set to become the new Georgian presidentCredit: AlamyThe ex-Manchester City midfielder, standing, is the Georgian Dream party’s nomineeCredit: AFPMikheil Kavelashvili spent two seasons at Maine Road between 1995 and 1997, scoring three goals in 28 appearances.He is best-known for netting against Manchester United on his debut in a 3-2 defeat in April 1996.Just weeks after that loss, Man City were relegated from the Premier League. Kavelashvili left for Swiss side Grasshoppers 12 months later and spent most of the rest of his career in Switzerland – aside from a brief stint in Russia. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe forward, who scored nine times in 46 caps for his country, retired in 2006.A decade on from the end of his football career he was elected as a member of the Georgian parliament.And now he has been nominated by Georgian Dream – the country’s ruling party – to be their candidate in the December 14 elections.It puts him in pole position to become Georgia’s next president – which will be confirmed by an internal parliamentary body that contains a controlling majority of Kavelashvili’s party.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis makes it a near-certainty that the ex-Man City man will be elected.The role of Georgian president is understood to be largely a ceremonial one.Football stars’ weird phobias More

A BODY language expert has revealed the key clues that show Pep Guardiola “has no idea” how to turn things around at Manchester City.The champions are suffering their worst run under the Spanish manager after going six games without a win.A body language expert reckons Pep Guardiola ‘has no idea’ how to turn things around at Man CityCredit: GettyThe Spaniard was left with red marks on his face after City’s 3-3 collapse against FeyenoordCity recorded five defeats on the trot heading into last night’s Champions League clash with Feyenoord.They looked to have finally ended the slump by racing into a 3-0 lead at the Etihad.But City’s Dutch visitors piled on the misery by netting three late goals to steal a point.And Guardiola’s last win came a month ago in the league against bottom-place Southampton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe tactician, who has signed a new contract, appeared shellshocked following last night’s result.He was covered in scratches after rubbing his face throughout the game.And Pep has since released a statement apologising for saying “I want to hurt myself” when commenting on the marks.But one man reckons Guardiola is giving tell-tale signs that he does not know how to turn things around.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHuman lie detector and body language expert Darren Stanton told OLBG that the perennial title winner is under real pressure in the dugout.Stanton claims actions such as touching his head, flashing fake smiles and sitting in the foetal position reveal that Guardiola is no longer in control of City’s situation.Guardiola left scratching his head as City blow 3-0 lead against FeyenoordGuardiola scratched himself during last night’s Etihad gameHe has apologised for saying ‘I want to hurt myself’And despite signing a new contract to stay until at least 2026, Pep could be leaving his role sooner than expected.Stanton said: “Guardiola is a broken man. There are around 20 red flags in his behaviour. There are combinations of anger, frustration and devastation.“These are normal things to expect from someone in his situation, but he’s had disappointment before and not been as animated as he was against Feyenoord. “He buries his head in his hands and it’s the opposite of a power stance which would be hands on his hips and feet spread apart. “He’s almost in a foetal position and trying to curl up in a ball, it’s like he just wants the current situation that he’s found himself in to end. He wants it to be over. I think he has no idea how he’s going to turn things aroundDarren Stanton, body language expert“He’s going through purgatory and I think these are the most extreme gestures that we’ve seen him make. I really believe he feels like he’s not going to be around at Manchester City for long.“He’s dejected, he’s disappointed, he’s angry, when players are mentioned he turns his face away which suggests that they are going to be in for a rollocking.“Guardiola’s press conference is even more telling, it shows that he is absolutely at the end of his patience. He is touching his head, shrugging his shoulders and doing hand to mouth gestures.“He flashes a fake smile and keeps talking about what his team already has rather than what needs to change. I think he has no idea how he’s going to turn things around.“Non-verbally he is saying that they have no issues which means he cannot work out a strategy going forward which will end this run of form. READ MORE SUN STORIES“When asked about his cuts he offers a sarcastic response and that is used as a deflection. “The fact he has scratched himself is showing extreme anguish and I think it’s because he thinks that he is doing everything right but it hasn’t worked.” More

PEP GUARDIOLA has apologised after saying “I want to harm myself” while his face was covered in scratches.The Manchester City boss appeared with red marks on his face and head after seeing his side concede three late goals to Feyenoord.Pep Guardiola has apologised for comments made after Man City’s 3-3 draw with FeyenoordCredit: AMAZON PRIMEThe Spaniard appeared with red scratch marks over his face and head at full-timeGuardiola said ‘I want to harm myself’ when questioned about the scratchesSpeaking at his press conference after the match, Guardiola commented “I want to harm myself” when he was questioned on the scratches, adding: “My finger, here [makes a scratching motion]. My nail.”But the Spaniard has now released a statement saying he did not intend to make light of self-harming with his words.Guardiola said: “I was caught off guard with a question at the end of a press conference last night about a scratch which had appeared on my face and explained that a sharp fingernail had accidentally caused this.”My answer was in no way intended to make light of the very serious issue of self harm.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I know that many people struggle with mental health issues every day, and I would like to take this moment to highlight one of the ways in people can seek help, by calling the Samaritans hotline on 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.”Guardiola was left frustrated last night after Man City were held to a 3-3 draw by Feyenoord in the Champions League.City were desperate for a win after losing their previous five matches in all competitions.And an Erling Haaland double looked to have helped City on their way to victory, with the 2023 winners 3-0 up with 15 minutes remaining.Most read in FootballBut Feyenoord launched a stunning comeback that saw them level things up in the 90th minute.It means City remain without a win in six games.Guardiola left scratching his head as City blow 3-0 lead against FeyenoordHelp for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.And qualifying for the Champions League knockout stage has become even more difficult.City have won just two of their five group games, leaving them needing to play a qualifier to reach the next round.They still have trips to Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain to navigate.Commenting on City’s struggles, Guardiola said: “I don’t know if it is a mental thing.”The game was fine at 3-0, playing good, but then we concede a lot of goals because we were not stable. We gave them the first and then the other one, that is why it was difficult.”The situation is what it is. We played a good game but at that level we can’t give them away.” More

THREE years on from the euphoria of the Geordie Arabia takeover, it all looked a bit ‘Mike Ashley’ at St James’ Park on Monday.A mid-table team, ­scoring fewer than one goal per home match, deservedly losing to West Ham and their dreams of world domination a distant memory.Newcastle’s progress under the Saudi revolution has stalledCredit: GettyThings started well after Mike Ashley’s exit but PSR concerns have now taken centre stageCredit: GettyThe Saudi revolution on Tyneside has not just stagnated over the past year, it has headed into reverse.During those past 12 months, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have won 15 and lost 14 in the Premier League.They have better players than in the miserable era under Ashley — the Saudis have spent the sharp end of half a billion in the transfer market — yet they are bang-average all the same.There is still greater ambition and optimism than in the wretched years before the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s morally dubious influx of cash.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA home Carabao Cup quarter-final with Brentford next month may not compete with the dizzy heights of thrashing Kylian Mbappe’s Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 early last season.But it offers the hope of silverware — 70 years on from the Toon’s last domestic trophy — and any such triumph would be greeted with elation throughout the ­Geordie nation. Although Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham have also reached the last eight — all part of the Big Six ‘cartel’ who fear Newcastle’s  owners and are behind the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) which have hindered them.Since the Newcastle takeover, the PIF has showered money on the Saudi Pro League, as well as on the sports of boxing and golf.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNewcastle have become less of a priority for the Saudis than originally planned because of PSR.While outsiders may rejoice at the stifling of a sportswashing project by a human rights-abusing regime, there are wider questions here about the competitiveness of the Premier League.Forgotten former Newcastle star who swapped national teams now a rapper after leaving Saudi minnows Aces like Alexander Isak are unlikely to be happy without Champions League footballCredit: PAPSR has slowed Newcastle’s spending so much that Lloyd Kelly — a free transfer from Bournemouth — was the only summer arrival to feature on Monday night — and he was badly at fault for West Ham’s opener.PSR forced Aston Villa, who broke into the top four last year, to sell Douglas Luiz in the summer.Unai Emery’s men host Juventus tonight  but — like Newcastle last term — are struggling to  juggle Premier League and Champions League football and are winless in six games.The Saudi revolution on Tyneside has not just stagnated over the past year, it has headed into reverse.Neither Emery — the Saudis’ first choice as Newcastle boss after their takeover — nor Howe enjoy the squad depth of the Big Six.And those ambitious characters who arrived on Tyneside amid that wave of euphoria in 2021 have since become restless.Sporting director Dan Ashworth quit for Manchester United, while it is believed Howe would have been interested in the England job had the FA been willing to pay £6million in compensation.How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story…Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes — three players of undoubted  Champions League quality —  will be frustrated Newcastle are not in elite European competition.The summer exits of Amanda Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi — seen as the acceptable face of the takeover — after an internal power struggle, hinted at further problems behind the scenes.A feeling of positivity and unstoppable momentum has been replaced by discord and stasis.Howe overachieved in his first full campaign as boss by securing Champions League football and reaching a first domestic knock-out final for 24 years.But while PSR has put a roadblock in the way of the Saudi juggernaut, Newcastle still ought to be much better than this.While last season’s regression was mitigated by fixture congestion and severe injury problems, there are no such excuses this time around.If results do not improve soon — and Newcastle have some kind fixtures before  Christmas — then Howe could be fighting to save his job.Unless the Saudis really have taken their eyes off the ball.READ MORE SUN STORIESPlans for a major redevelopment of St James’ Park, or a completely new stadium, may reveal the extent of their continued ambition.But while PSR has put a roadblock in the way of the Saudi juggernaut, Newcastle still ought to be much better than this. 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