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      Steve Cooper SACKED by Leicester after just 12 games despite keeping Foxes out of relegation zone

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      LEICESTER have sacked manager Steve Cooper following yesterday’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.The Foxes were treated to regular boos from their own fans after being outplayed at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.Steve Cooper has been sacked by Leicester after just 12 matchesCredit: GettyCooper cut an irate figure throughout after claiming his Foxes side should have been awarded a second penalty.But the loss, his sixth in 12 games, saw Leicester drop to 16th in the table.And Cooper has now parted ways with the club just five months after replacing now-Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca.He picked up only two wins after a topsy-turvy summer transfer window.Former Nottingham Forest boss Cooper saw star man Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall follow Maresca to Stamford Bridge.But the Foxes were reduced to bargain shopping in the summer.And the lack of quality reinforcements quickly showed as Leicester struggled to pick up points.Cooper’s assistants Alan Tate and Steve Rand have also left the King Power.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCoach Ben Dawson will now oversee training ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brentford.And Foxes chiefs will now conduct a search for Cooper’s eventual permanent replacement.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Ruben Amorim names first Man Utd XI as new boss springs selection surprise and Luke Shaw back on bench

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      RUBEN AMORIM’S first Manchester United XI has seen him appear to STICK with Erik ten Hag’s four-defender system.The Portuguese boss named his first-ever Red Devils side for this afternoon’s Premier League clash at Ipswich.Ruben Amorim has picked his first-ever starting XI for Man UtdCredit: GettyAnd United fans were eager to see if Amorim would adopt his famed 3-4-3 formation from Sporting Lisbon.He led the club to two league titles with the versatile shape.But on his United bow, Amorim appears to be continuing with Ten Hag’s 4-2-3-1 system.The gaffer named just two centre-backs in his side, with Matthijs de Ligt partnering Jonny Evans plus Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot either side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn midfield, it appeared to be a three of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen with Bruno Fernandes pushed further forward.While in attack, Marcus Rashford was selected as striker with Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho out wide.Amorim also opted to select a strong bench, with left-backs Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw both deemed fit after their long-term injuries.Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte made for impressive midfield options.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile the forward line consisted of Antony, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.But there was no sign of 16-year-old defender Goodwill Kukonki, who travelled with the squad but did not make the bench.Gary Neville admits ‘I got it wrong’ and apologises over Rashford criticism as Amorim demands Man Utd ‘change standards’ Speaking earlier in the week, Amorim warned fans that he was unlikely to stray far from Ten Hag’s previous team.He said: “As a coach you have to choose one way or another, I choose always 100 percent our way. I choose to risk a bit. “I believe so much in our way of playing, they will believe too. There is no second way. We will adapt some players because we don’t have a different profile. “Maybe on Sunday you will see the starting 11 and not feel a lot of change but you will see it in the game and the positioning or where they receive the ball.”United XI to face Ipswich: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Evans, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen; Amad, Fernandes, Garnacho; RashfordBench: Bayindir, Malacia, Shaw, Mainoo, Mount, Ugarte, Antony, Hojlund, Zirkzee More

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      Ipswich vs Man Utd LIVE SCORE: Luke Shaw BACK in squad as Ruben Amorim takes charge of first game – latest updates

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      MANCHESTER UNITED travel to Ipswich for a huge Premier League clash this afternoon.Today’s match marks Ruben Amorim’s first game as Red Devils boss since he officially arrived from Sporting earlier this month.The Portugese coach is set to deploy his trademark 3-4-3 formation at Portman Road as he looks to be the man to turn Man United’s fortunes around.Amorim will be hoping to get off to a winning start with a favourable fixture for his opener.Kick off time: 4.30pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueLive stream: Sky Sports app/NOWIpswich team: Muric, Tuanzebe, O’Shea, Burgess, Davis, Morsy, Cajuste, Burns, Hutchinson, Szmodics, DelapMan Utd team: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Evans, Amad, Casemiro, Eriksen, Dalot, Fernandes, Garnacho, RashfordFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Ruben sets out stallIt is always intriguing to see a new manager’s first team selection.What this one tells us is that he sees Rashford as the best striker currently at Old Trafford.Add to that, he prefers to have the experience of Casemiro and passing of Eriksen than the likes of Ugarte and Mainoo.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dave Kidd at Portman RoadSo Manuel Amorim has been grappling for the last month on how to fit this weird Manchester United squad into a 3-4-3 formation and it looks like Amad Diallo as a wing-back with Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes supporting Marcus Rashford as centre-forward. Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are not the most dynamic central midfield duo. There is no place in the starting line-up for Rasmus Hojlund or Manuel Ugarte, not Mason Mount the man Amorim has already expressed his ‘love’ for. Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Kobbie Mainoo all return to the bench after injury. A new manager often helps to get players off the treatment table.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd subs:1. Bayindir, 12. Malacia, 23. Shaw, 37. Mainoo, 7. Mount, 25. Ugarte, 21. Antony, 9. Hojlund, 11. ZirkzeeCopy linkCopiedMan Utd starting XI:The first Ruben Amorim team selection sees Hojlund relegated to the bench while Eriksen comes into the heart of midfield.24. Onana, 20. Dalot, 4. de Ligt, 35. Evans, 3. Maraoui, 18. Casemiro, 14. Eriksen, 8. Fernandes, 16. Amad, 10. Rashford, 17. GarnachoCredit: @ManUtdCopy linkCopiedIpswich subs:28. Walton, 2. H.Clarke, 6. Woolfenden, 22. Townsend, 25. Luongo, 14. Taylor, 10. Chaplin, 47. J.Clarke, 16. Al-HamadiCopy linkCopiedIpswich starting XI:The big news for the hosts is that Omari Hutchinson is fit to start against the Red Devils.1. Muric, 40. Tuanzebe, 26. O’Shea, 15. Burgess, 3. Davis, 5. Morsy, 12. Cajuste, 7. Burns, 20. Hutchinson, 23. Szmodics, 19. DelapCredit: @IpswichTownCopy linkCopiedRed Devils come into game confidentMan Utd have four of the last five games between these two teams.They won the most recent Premier League encounter at Portman Road courtesy of a Ruud van Nistelrooy penalty in 2002.However, the only time United have won back-to-back games at Portman Road was in 1962 and 1963.Copy linkCopiedTractor Boys looking for first home winAfter their impressive outing in North London last time out, McKenna will be keen to do the same at Portman Road.Home form is often key for newly promoted sides in their plight to ensure they survive for a second season in the top-flight.The former Man Utd coach should know the opposition well today, whether he can plot their undoing remains to be seen.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHoneymoon period for new manWhen a club installs a new manager, it can often lead to a good run of form as a result.Amorim will be hoping for some of this form as Man Utd look to turn around one of their worst ever starts to a campaign in the top-flight.It will be interesting to see if some of the underperforming players up their game as a result of the arrival of a new manager.Copy linkCopiedMcKenna looking to haunt old friendsPrior to taking the job at Ipswich, Kieran McKenna was on the coaching staff at Man Utd.He was linked to the Old Trafford role after he led the Tractor Boys to the Premier League as well as some other jobs with big clubs.Having won at Tottenham last time out, he will be looking to put back-to-back wins for his team this afternoon to relieve their relegation fears somewhat.Copy linkCopiedAmorim looking for change in new eraThe much-anticipated arrival of Ruben Amorim will finally happen at Portman Road today.Following his success at Sporting Lisbon, much is expected from the new manager.Fans are expecting him to turn around the Red Devils and get them back to challenging for major honours once again.Copy linkCopiedWelcome to Ipswich vs Man UtdFresh off the back of their first win of the Premier League campaign, the Tractor Boys welcome Man Utd to Portman Road with their new manager Ruben Amorim.Kieran McKenna’s side will have Kalvin Phillips eligible after his recent ban although he is struggling with a knock and may not start.Nathan Broadhead, Wes Burns, Jacob Greaves and Omari Hutchinson are all on the touch-and-go list but Chiedozie Ogbene and George Hirst are definitely out.Conor Chaplin is on standby to operate off Delap while ex-Man Utd defender Axel Tuanzebe is set to start at right back against his former employers.Amorim could be boosted by the returns of Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw after all three were involved in the Portuguese manager’s first training session earlier in the week.Yoro and Shaw may not be risked due to the length of the injuries that kept them out. Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are all major doubts.Jonny Evans and Matthijs de Ligt are expected to take the two centre-back spots unless the new manager decides to play Casemiro there instead.This is an important game for both teams, for very different reasons, but they will be looking for three points to improve their standings in the Premier League table.Copy linkCopied More

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      Southampton vs Liverpool LIVE SCORE: Latest Premier League updates as top take on bottom on the South Coast

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      LIVERPOOL have gone eight points clear at the top of the Premier League after a 3-2 win over Southampton. The Reds went ahead through Dominik Szoboszlai in the first half but goals from Adam Armstrong and Mateus Fernandes put the Saints in front. Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah pulled the rabbit out of the hat again, though, equalising with a deft touch before slamming home a late penalty. Kick off time: 2pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueLive stream: Sky Sports app/NOWFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below… More

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      Man Utd fans face travel chaos as Storm Bert threatens to ruin chance of seeing Amorim’s first game in charge vs Ipswich

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are facing a travel nightmare as the country continues to feel the full force of Storm Bert.New manager Ruben Amorim takes charge of his first game this afternoon against Ipswich.Ruben Amorim takes charge of his first game as United bossCredit: GettyFans are facing travel chaos getting to IpswichCredit: PABut some away supporters are having difficulty getting to Portman Road for the 4:30pm kick-off.Train lines between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent have been flooded, causing cancellations and huge delays.There are also several road closures and lengthy detours in place in the North West.For United fans living in the capital, there is disruption on trains from London to Ipswich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Met Office have issued a yellow weather warning as torrential rain, heavy snow and strong winds continue to batter the UK.These conditions are set to continue into the evening, giving United fans potential difficulty getting home from Ipswich too.Liverpool supporters are facing similar challenges as they travel down to face Southampton this afternoon.The police are advising against non-essential travel due to the dangerous weather in some areas.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSStorm Bert has already caused chaos in the EFL after several matches were postponed yesterday. In the Championship, Blackburn vs Portsmouth was called off due to flooding and League Two games Bradford vs Accrington Stanley and Fleetwood vs MK Dons also got axed.’Thunder and hail’ on route amid flooding & second overnight Storm Bert warningAll Premier League games are set to go ahead this weekend, including tomorrow’s clash between Newcastle and West Ham.The North East has been hit with 70mph winds and the storm could wreak havoc for the Hammers’ travel plans. More

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      Shaken Pep Guardiola admits title race could be over NEXT WEEK as ‘fragile’ Man City suffer fifth defeat in a row

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      SHAKEN Pep Guardiola admitted “fragile” Manchester City are in crisis after suffering a FIFTH successive defeat.The four-in-a-row champions’ title defence is in tatters after Guardiola’s heaviest home loss as City boss — days after signing a new two-year deal.Man City will be eight points adrift of Liverpool if Arne Slot’s men beat Southampton… and play the Reds nextBrennan Johnson slide in to score Spurs’ fourth in stoppage time at City where thumped 4-0Credit: ReutersPep Guardiola was far from happy after losing a fifth game in a rowCredit: ISNTVGuardiola said: “Of course everything is not fine. In eight years we have never lived this kind of situation. In this moment we are fragile.“There are no fairytales in life and sport. Sometimes you have to live through these situations.“You have to accept it. You can’t blame each other, you have to stay together.“It would be a mistake to change. Run away? Absolutely not, we have to stand up more than ever. What will define us is when we fail, we stand up and face it.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSGuardiola, who suffered a FIFTH successive defeat for the first time in his managerial career, added: “We are concerned when we don’t win. It’s normal.“There would be a problem if my players were not worried or that I wasn’t worried.“I don’t know what will happen this season, but not for one second will I not believe in the players.“There is no team in the world that can sustain success for eight, nine, ten years in a row.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“We will analyse it, go to the next game and see what happens.”A double from birthday boy James Maddison, plus goals from Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson sealed Spurs’ Etihad rout.Moment Pep Guardiola launches furious F-word rant at ‘unacceptable’ Phil Foden captured in Man City documentaryThe defeat leaves City five points behind Prem leaders Liverpool, who play at rock-bottom Southampton today.It was the first time since Chelsea in 1956 that the top-flight champions have lost FIVE games in a row.Spurs’ stunning victory also ended City’s 35-match unbeaten home Prem run.A defeat to Liverpool at Anfield next Sunday could see them 11 POINTS adrift and, asked if that gap would be too big to overcome, Guardiola said: “Yep, because Liverpool keep winning.”Delighted Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said: “I’m proud of the lads. To come to City is a daunting prospect. It challenges every part of you.“We had to be disciplined and work hard — and play decent football — and we did that.”And he heaped praise on two-goal Maddison.Postecoglou said: “He was outstanding. Madders was great.”Maddison, 28, added: “That’s a birthday I’ll look back on quite fondly.“To come here to the champions and perform like that and get the result. You have to cherish these ones, they don’t come around often.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We were brilliant. It was everything we wanted to show of a top Spurs team.“We were clinical, we pressed at times. We weathered the storm, had determination and scored four brilliant goals.” More

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      ‘We’ll send the MRI’ – Arteta hits back at Saka injury doubters as Arsenal star scores after missing England duty

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      MIKEL ARTETA says he will send a scan of Bukayo Saka’s injury to anyone claiming the winger was fit for England duty.Three Lions skipper Harry Kane questioned the commitment of some players after Saka and eight others withdrew from the latest squad.Mikel Arteta has hit back at critics of Bukayo Saka after he withdrew from England duty with injuryCredit: GettySaka scored in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on SaturdayCredit: GettySaka scored for Arsenal on Saturday after recovering from his thigh injury.Boss Arteta said: “We can send them the MRI scan, it’s very simple.”Saka scored one and made one in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.Arteta added: “The communication was very clear between the medical staff of Arsenal and the national team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He needed time to heal. He has done one training session.”Saka and club-mate Declan Rice were named in Lee Carsley’s original 26-man squad for the Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.Both had come off in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea.Arsenal sent Saka for a scan and the results were shared with England’s medical team who said the player should remain with the Gunners for treatment.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRice pulled out as he was playing with a broken toe.Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill also withdrew, as did Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, plus Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite — those five all played for their clubs yesterday.Moment Jude Bellingham gives Arsenal transfer hope after fan asks him to join GunnersSouthampton’s Aaron Ramsdale (finger) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh) of Liverpool also called off Three Lions duty.Kane, who was himself carrying a knock, did not hide his disappointment.He had said: “England comes before anything. It comes before club.”Palmer, 22, played 90 minutes before and after the international break.But his Blues boss Enzo Maresca denies Chelsea are pressuring him to put club before country.He snapped: “Absolutely not. I’m not thinking about Harry Kane, or what he’s saying.” More

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      Nicky Butt attends Man Utd charity gala with mystery blonde as he’s seen with date for first time since split from wife

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      NICKY BUTT attended a Manchester United charity gala with a mystery blonde as he was seen out with a date for the first time since splitting from his wife.Club legend Butt, 49, was accompanied by the glamorous new woman as he returned to Old Trafford for the event on Saturday evening.Man Utd icon Nicky Butt has been spotted with a mystery womanCredit: mancpicss66The glamorous blonde arrived with Butt at Old Trafford for a charity eventCredit: mancpicss66She wore a white dress despite the blustery conditionsCredit: mancpicss66Butt’s mystery woman protected herself from the rain with an umbrellaCredit: mancpicss66His companion looks glamorous in a short white dress and sparkly high heels despite the blustery conditions.She protected herself from the rain with an umbrella as United favourite Butt, who was dressed in a suit, bravely faced the wet breeze uncovered.Six-time Premier League winner Butt was previously married to Shelley Barlow.They got hitched in 2008 and had two children together.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the couple split in 2019 when Butt was arrested for alleged domestic assault – before later seeing charges dropped.Police were called to a property in Hale, Greater Manchester and said they found a woman at the address who had suffered a small cut to her hand which did not require hospital treatment.Butt denied attacking Barlow and also pleaded not guilty to causing £800 of criminal damage to her Apple iPhone 7.And in February 2020 the assault charge was dropped after the Crown Prosecution Service declared there wasn’t enough evidence.Most read in FootballA CPS spokesperson said at the time: “We have a duty to keep all cases under review and following the receipt of new material have decided to discontinue this prosecution.“Mr Butt has agreed to accept a caution for criminal damage.”Sir Alex Ferguson booked me a flight home from my holiday and hauled me back to Man Utd – I hadn’t done anything wrongButt and his mystery date braved the Manchester rainCredit: mancpicss66Butt returned to his old club for the eventCredit: mancpicss66Butt’s date looked glamorous despite the weather conditionsCredit: mancpicss66In June this year, Butt was banned from driving for 12 months after admitting causing serious injury by careless driving.The former United star smashed into victim Andrew Fielding while driving carelessly in his Land Rover Defender through Burnley.Fielding suffered a broken left leg, which needed metal rods inserted following an operation, and severe bruising.Butt admitted causing serious injury by careless driving and was banned from getting behind the wheel for 12 months — while also being ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.Butt separated from wife Shelley Barlow in 2019Credit: PA:Press AssociationButt played 387 times for United during 12 seasons under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning six titles, three FA Cups and one Champions League.Butt also played for Newcastle and Birmingham before ending his career in 2011 with Hong Kong side South China.He also won 39 caps for England between 1997 and 2004.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd until 2021 Butt coached youth sides at former club United.He is also a part-owner of Salford with Class of 92 pals Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, serving as CEO until quitting last month. More