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      I’m a former Premier League star from a trailer park, if I hadn’t been a footballer I’d have grown weed

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      PREMIER LEAGUE legend Rafael van der Vaart has revealed he would be growing weed if it was not for football.The former Tottenham and Real Madrid midfielder, 41, reflected on his career with fellow Dutchmen Wesley Sneijder and Marco van Basten.Rafael van der Vaart has claimed he would grow weed if he was not a footballerCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThe Dutch icon played for Tottenham, Real Madrid and AjaxCredit: GettyOn Ziggo Sport’s chat show, Van der Vaart was quizzed on what “normal job” he would be doing if he was not a famous face.And he hilariously replied: “I grew up in a trailer park, so I’d probably run a weed shed.”Sneijder and Van Basten were left in hysterics and exclaimed: “That’s a normal job.”Fans were also left in stitches, with one saying: “You can see he was shocked by their reaction, man was actually serious.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Gotta appreciate the honesty.”A third reacted: “Dutch legends are really different than the rest.”Van der Vaart grew up in the town of Heemskerk in the north of Holland and the trailer park he once called home belonged to a Dutch cultural minority called the Woonwagenbewoners.The name translates as “caravan dwellers” and they have ties to Irish travellers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVan der Vaart joined Ajax at the age of ten after learning to play football on the street.On his upbringing, he said: “That was the way my family lived. My father was born there and it is a lifestyle. Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promise”Maybe it is not a normal lifestyle but I always liked it. “I always played football on the street. It was an easy life, then I was ten and went to Ajax and played there for almost 12 years.”Van de Vaart played over 500 times for clubs including Real, Spurs, Hamburg and Ajax – scoring 171 times.He was also capped a staggering 109 times by Holland, scoring 25 goals.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Man City’s title bid is being derailed by the loss of Pep Guardiola’s secret weapon he feared it was a ‘mistake’ to sell

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      MANCHESTER City’s title bid is being derailed by the absence of a key player from last season.And we’re not talking about injured midfield lynchpin and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.Julian Alvarez was a key figure in Manchester City winning their fourth title in a rowCredit: GettyBecause although the Spain midfielder was undeniably crucial to the triumphs of his club and country, Julian Alvarez was front and centre (and sometimes wide) in Pep Guardiola’s side in 2023/4.And selling Alvarez to Atletico Madrid for a massive profit in the summer is no longer looking like quite as good a deal for City.It was not only the Argentinian World Cup winner’s 11 goals and nine assists in 36 PL appearances that was important to City.Nor was Alvarez just a useful replacement for Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne when they were injured.READ MORE FOOTBALLThe versatile star also gave Guardiola the freedom to rotate his attacking options during or between games, keeping them out of the “red” zone and giving them the chance to perform at their peak more often.But Alvarez wanted to be the main man, playing regularly in a No 10 or No 9 role. That was not going to happen any time soon, so when Atletico offered him the chance to swap Manchester, where he had never really settled, for Madrid, he wanted the move.And City regarded as good business a fee of up to £81.5m for a wantaway player who cost an initial £14m in 2022.Yet Guardiola knew at the time that the sale of Alvarez could come back to bite his team, admitting “if we have many, many injuries it will be a problem”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGuardiola added: “Maybe it is a mistake, I don’t know, but I don’t like leaving players without playing for a long time. Pep Guardiola admits Man City were ‘hungover’ for FA Cup final defeat against Man Utd following Premier League title bash “When everyone is involved with a chance to play, the performance of the teams is always better.”Unfortunately for City, they have a lot of players without a chance to play at the moment.On the flipside, title rivals Arsenal are also feeling the effects of losing key players.And the Gunners are more dependent on their starting 11 than City and so less equipped to cope with injuries.Last season, four of Mikel Arteta’s squad played more than 3,000 minutes in the Premier League – William Saliba, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Magalhaes.Not a single City player did the same, with Rodri’s 2,937 league minutes putting him top of their workload charts but also behind Ben White (2,995) and only just ahead of Bukayo Saka (2,933).Phil Foden, second in the City rankings with 2,865, would have been eighth in the Arsenal list.The Gunners are undoubtedly suffering from the loss of injured captain Odegaard, whose skillset would be difficult for anyone to replace.But a slight drop-off in form from 2023/4 ever-present Saliba and partner Gabriel is also being felt, because of injuries and a lack of match sharpness among the defensive cover.Last weekend both Arsenal and City learned once more what can happen even to them if their best players are not fit and/or firing.Josko Gvardiol gave City hope at Bournemouth but the champions slipped to a 2-1 defeatCredit: AlamyFor most of the defeat against Bournemouth, Guardiola’s men looked pretty toothless, with Haaland struggling to make an impact and a lack of options on the bench to replace him.Andoni Iraola’s men were good value for their win.And Arsenal gave one of their flattest performances of the last two and a bit seasons at St James’ Park, as hosts Newcastle deservedly completed back-to-back home victories over the Gunners.At one point on Saturday, all three favourites for the title were losing.But although Liverpool came back to beat Brighton and return to the top of the league, no one at Anfield will be complacent.So far the Reds are coping well with the absence of the injured Diogo Jota, such is the array of attacking options that Arne Slot has.Yet how would they perform if player of the season so far Ryan Gravenberch or Alexis Mac Allister were to be unavailable for an extended period, despite the good form of Curtis Jones?And what if captain Virgil Van Dijk was out? When the Dutchman, like Rodri, suffered a serious knee injury that kept him out for much of the 2020/1 season, Liverpool’s title defence collapsed.While Van Dijk and fellow centre back Joel Matip spent months on the sidelines, then Kop boss Jurgen Klopp desperately tried to plug the gap by moving central midfielders Jordan Henderson and/or Fabinho into the back four.The entire balance of the team was thrown off and the Reds only just scraped into the top four.READ MORE SUN STORIESCity’s overall strength in depth and potential spending power in the January transfer window mean they should still be well capable of maintaining a title challenge. But in a battle that could come down to a handful of points, the sale of Alvarez, as much as Rodri’s injury, may prove crucial. More

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      Premier League club chairman admits texting refs’ chief Howard Webb DURING game before controversial decisions

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      IPSWICH TOWN’S chairman has admitted he texted referees chief Howard Webb DURING his side’s controversial draw with Leicester.The Tractor Boys were 1-0 up at home on Saturday when star man Conor Chaplin was shoved in the box by Foxes ace Abdul Fatawu.Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton texted Howard Webb during the 1-1 draw with LeicesterCredit: PAAshton was desperate to talk to Webb about recent VAR decisions against his sideCredit: GettyDespite it appearing to be a clear penalty, the incident was bizarrely waved away by the referee and VAR.Things then got even worse for Ipswich when Kalvin Phillips received a second yellow card and trudged off for an early bath.And Ipswich’s worst fears were realised when Jordan Ayew nabbed a 94th-minute equaliser for Leicester to split the points.It’s not the first time Kieran McKenna’s side feel they have been hard done by since their return to the top flight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn their 2-0 defeat to Everton, Ipswich were given a penalty for a foul on Jack Clarke before the ref’s decision was reversed by VAR.And in the following week’s 4-3 defeat at Brentford, the promoted side saw VAR overturn a decision to award a free-kick while instead handing the Bees a decisive penalty.Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton has now revealed he messaged ref chief Webb DURING his side’s game against Leicester, begging for talks on VAR clarity before his side were denied a penalty.Ashton told BBC Radio Suffolk: “I thought Saturday was a real injustice. Those who know me know I care passionately about this club and will give my last breath defending it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“And I made that very clear to Howard Webb. I actually messaged him when we were 1-0 up because I had a sense of the way this was going to go.“I said, ‘Can we speak directly after the game?’ We spoke and some of that conversation needs to remain private because I’ll end up being on a charge.Ipswich Town Football Club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre Ipswich feel they were denied a clear penalty against LeicesterCredit: RexThey also saw Kalvin Phillips sent offCredit: Rex“I’ve seen on international broadcasters today, former refs giving their opinion it’s not a penalty. You cannot be serious. Come on, don’t just back your former colleagues. It’s a stonewall penalty.“All I look for is consistency and right now I’m confused. The culmination of that conversation with Howard is that we will meet this week at Portman Road to discuss it because we need answers.“I can’t understand some of the decisions and I struggle to understand why we weren’t awarded a penalty.” More

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      Huge Arsenal boost as Martin Odegaard returns to training ahead of Inter Milan clash

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      MARTIN ODEGAARD has given Arsenal a huge boost by returning to training ahead of their Champions League clash with Inter Milan.The Gunners will face off against the Italian champions at the San Siro on Wednesday evening.Martin Odegaard returned to Arsenal training on TuesdayCredit: GettyThe captain has not played since early SeptemberCredit: GettyIt is not yet known when he will be available to playCredit: GettyOdegaard’s return will be a huge boost to manager Mikel ArtetaCredit: PACaptain Odegaard, 25, has been sidelined since suffering an injury while away on international duty with Norway at the beginning of September.Since then, Mikel Arteta’s men have won just three of their last seven Premier League games and are without a victory in three matches.Defeats to Bournemouth and Newcastle either side of a draw with Liverpool have left Arsenal seven points adrift of Arne Slot’s pacesetters.So the return of Odegaard after two months out will be a welcome sight for Arsenal fans.READ MORE ON ARSENALHowever, it is not yet known when he will be ready to play.Odegaard scored 11 goals and assisted 11 more in 48 appearances last season.Arteta has tried a number of players in the No10 position during his skipper’s absence.Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri have all attempted to fill Odegaard’s boots, but with little success.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollowing their game against Inter, Arsenal travel to take on Chelsea in a huge London derby on Sunday.Defeat could leave them 10 points behind in the title race.Jamie Carragher SAVAGES Arsenal on Monday Night Football and says they’re ‘like a Mourinho team without the trophies’Arsenal’s injury list currently stands at three – Takehiro Tomiyasu, Riccardo Calafiori and Kieran Tierney.Raheem Sterling will also be absent for the Chelsea game as he cannot face his parent club.How Edu made Arsenal great againBy Jack RosserEDU GASPAR has been on a mission to ‘Make Arsenal Great Again’ ever since returning to the club he played for 2019.After a few wobbles early on – signing Nicolas Pepe will never reflect well – the Brazilian has, alongside Mikel Arteta, been crucial in the club’s transformation.Arteta was brought in as the new manager within months of Edu’s return to North London and the former midfielder stuck by the boss when the pressure was on two years into the job.Instead of making the knee-jerk decision to change manager again, the former Brazil international, joined forces with Arteta to institute a huge change of culture at The Emirates.Overpaid toxic influences such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were purged from the dressing room and Arsenal set about adding strong characters.Edu finally got the club competing in the transfer market again, with Martin Odegaard an outstanding capture for the club. In landing Declan Rice ahead of Manchester City last year Arsenal showed they couple compete for and sign some of Europe’s biggest talents once more.Arsenal have become one of the most attractive clubs in the Premier League and one of the most efficient in the market.While there have been big deals for the likes of Rice and Calafiori, there have been smart ones too – picking out value where others have lost hope.Kai Havertz appeared as a surprising signing after a dreadful season at Chelsea. But after Edu gave the German space and support to rebuild his confidence he has developed into a fine asset for Arteta.Edu does not only have a tight relationship with Arteta – who many fans will be glad signed a new deal before the sporting director’s departure – but the players too, always ready and waiting to check in, keep them going.London Colney and The Emirates will feel a very different place for all of them without Edu. More

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      Man Utd face being forced into end-of-season firesale if they want to back Ruben Amorim in January transfer window

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      MANCHESTER UNITED may need to hold an end of season fire sale to give new boss Ruben Amorim January transfer wriggle room.The Portuguese boss will step into the Old Trafford firing line on Monday after finally severing his links with Sporting Lisbon at the weekend.Ruben Amorim could look to make signings in JanuaryCredit: GettyStriker Viktor Gyokeres could follow from SportingCredit: AFPMan Utd may need to sell to meet PSR requirementsCredit: GettyAmorim will be inheriting a squad that appears way short of what is required for United to challenge at the top of the Prem.The new manager is expected to play his preferred back-three system with wing-backs forced to work hard at both ends of the pitch.But while the United leadership will be keen to give the new manager the tools he needs to make an early impact – the club’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules position is likely to require departures before the end of the financial year on June 30.This is due to be the last year of the Prem’s current PSR regulations, with clubs moving to a Uefa-style “squad cost ratio” system for next term.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the breach penalties handed out to Everton and Nottingham Forest last season mean all clubs including United will know they risk points deductions for next term if they exceed the “permitted loss” limit of £105m over three seasons to the end of this campaign.United’s summer transfers under now-axed Erik ten Hag saw the arrivals of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee for a combined £172m.For PSR calculations, those arrivals are “amortised” over their contract lengths, meaning a seasonal cost of £37.1m.That outlay came with a huge influx of transfer income, as United sold players including Scott McTominay, Mason Greenwood and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for a total of £86m, more than making up for the money spent.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThree 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.But United’s amortisation bill for this season does not just include the summer 2024 spending.The club has to include the money spent over the last SIX years, with accumulated costs of £44m for last term, just under £45m for the previous campaign, Jadon Sancho’s 2021 arrival costing them £17m even though he will spend the season at Chelsea.Dimitar Berbatov tips Viktor Gyokeres to follow Ruben Amorim to Man Utd United’s amortisation spending even includes £42m for the arrivals of Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes in the 2019-20 season – when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge.That adds up to £168m in PSR transfer costs for this season.United’s wage bill last term was £364m, with the club announcing losses of £69m, added to the losses of £11m in 2023 and £87m the previous years.That does not mean losses of that size in their PSR accounts, as the £105m limit is reached with significant discounts for spending on infrastructure, the youth and women’s teams and community projects, with United also benefitting last term from the final Covid adjustment.But new club chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already noted that United were close to the PSR limit last season.And with the club in the Europa League rather than the Champions League this season, it will mean a reduction of up to £50m in TV revenues – although it will also see wage bonuses reduced.The rules do not prevent clubs from spending in January – but they do have to balance their books by the end of the financial year.Selling the likes of Antony or Casemiro is not as easy a get-out as it might appear either.They would have to receive a fee of £30m for Casemiro to get to zero in accounting terms, with Antony’s five-year deal meaning £49.2m would be taken off any agreed fee received.Alternatively the Red Devils could sell an academy graduate like Marcus Rashford as his transfer fee would count as pure profit, since he did not cost United a penny.But if Amorim is going to be allowed to bring players in – there are no limits in the Prem but clubs can only change a maximum of three players in their Uefa squads for the knock-out stage – it appears likely that exits will have to come before the end of June.The end of last term saw the likes of Newcastle, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Everton engage in a series of deals that saw them get under the PSR limits.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited might have previously been above those sort of financial requirements.But they may not be this term – especially if Amorim demands some significant action in the winter window. 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      Liverpool put three left-backs on transfer wishlist to replace Andy Robertson including two Premier League stars

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      LIVERPOOL are tracking three left backs as potential long-term replacements for Andy Robertson.The Scottish international, 30, was on the bench at the weekend, and there are question marks over how long he will be an automatic starter for the Merseysiders.Andy Robertson has struggled for Liverpool so far this seasonCredit: RexReds boss Arne Slot is searching for a new left-backCredit: AFPAnd although new boss Arne Slot has shown faith in Kostas Tsimiskas, 28, SunSport understands the club have made recruiting a left-back one of their key priorities.Two players high on Liverpool’s wishlist are Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and the impressive David Raum from RB Leipzig.Both are seen as potential first-team players who could fit into Liverpool’s system.Scouts have watched both players several times this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is believed Slot is personally involved with the process and will play a key role in all future recruitment decisions.Liverpool are also tracking Ipswich’s impressive Leif Davis, who has made a strong start to the season for The Tractor Boys despite their difficult introduction to the Premier League.Slot believes Robertson is paying the price for playing with an injury last season but thinks he will recapture his flying form.The Scotland captain has had a difficult start to the campaign by his lofty standards.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFulham’s Antonee Robinson is a highly-rated talentCredit: PARB Leipzig and Germany full-back David Raum is another being linked to LiverpoolCredit: ReutersSlot remains relaxed about the 30-year-old’s form, however.Robertson sustained a serious ankle injury on international duty in March but continued to play through the pain as Liverpool chased a quadruple, before Scotland competed at Euro 2024. Antonee Robinson shows off his keepie uppie skills as he trains in his back garden He missed most of Slot’s inaugural pre-season as a consequence, including the head coach’s first games on tour in the US, leaving him playing catch-up physically and tactically.Slot said: “I think his current situation is what you can expect if a player misses out on pre-season and a new manager comes in – you miss quite a lot.”You have to go into a programme where you’ve missed the base tactically when it comes to us [a new management team], and physically as well.”Leif Davis is another left-back being monitored by LiverpoolCredit: Getty More

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      ‘We’re probably gonna see him in a Man Utd shirt because of his special connection with Ruben Amorim’

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      RUBEN AMORIM will bring Viktor Gyokeres to Manchester United because of his “special connection” with the striker, according to Dimitar Berbatov.Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim, 39, will arrive at Old Trafford on November 11 as Erik ten Hag’s successor.Ruben Amorim is being linked with bringing Sporting Lisbon players to Manchester UnitedCredit: ReutersViktor Gyokeres has been sensational since arriving in PortugalCredit: GettyEx-Man Utd striker Dimitar Berbatov believes Amorim will bring Gyokeres to Old TraffordCredit: Sky SportsEx-Coventry striker Gyokeres, 26, has been thriving under Amorim, scoring 43 goals in 50 games last season.He has continued that form at the start of the new campaign, bagging 20 in just 16 matches.Amorim has already ruled out signing Gyokeres in January, despite Man Utd having scored just nine goals in 10 Premier League games.He said: “I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Gyokeres costs €100million and it’s very difficult.”However, former Red Devils striker Berbatov, 43, believes the relationship between Amorim and Gyokeres will see the Swedish forward eventually sign for Man Utd.Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “This guy, Viktor Gyokeres, he’s scoring goals for fun right now.”So I think there’s a special connection with the coach, so maybe we are probably going to see him in a United shirt at some point.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSViktor Gyokeres’ career statsClub appearances: 296Club goals: 139International caps: 24International goals: 10Honours: Swedish second division, Primeira LigaWhen asked whether he would be happy with the Gyokeres transfer, Berbatov added: “From what he’s showing right now, I think yes.”Our strikers at the moment are not doing and producing goals, like we see with them 18th in the league for scoring goals, which is embarrassing for a club of the stature of United.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter “This is a position that I’d like to see improvement.”Gyokeres, who is being linked with a move to Barcelona, has already addressed rumours of him joining Amorim in Manchester.He said: “Going with Amorim to Man Utd? I don’t know, I’m here. I really like being here, it’s not something I think about.”I’m enjoying it here. I’m sad about him leaving. We wish him all the best.” More

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      Fans ‘cringe so hard’ at ‘incredibly awkward’ Ruben Amorim interview as new Man Utd manager is grilled by reporter

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      RUBEN AMORIM was involved in an awkward moment with an English journalist ahead of Sporting Lisbon’s game against Manchester City.The new Manchester United manager, 39, will face off against Pep Guardiola’s side in the Champions League on Tuesday night.Ruben Amorim had an awkward exchange in his press conference on TuesdayCredit: PAHe was unwilling to speak English which led to a moment fans labelled ‘cringe’Credit: XHe has the opportunity to beat the Red Devils’ local rivals before he even arrives at Old Trafford on November 11.And on Monday he was quizzed about earning a win over the Premier League champions by Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill.But Cotterill was keen for Amorim to speak in English… which led to an awkward moment between the pair.The Sky Sports journalist asked: “I wondered if you were aware that obviously to win tomorrow night will be brilliant for your current club [Sporting] but also brilliant for your new club [Man Utd].READ MORE ON MAN UTD”You could be a hero even before you get on a plane to Manchester. Has that crossed your mind? In English please.”A sheepish Amorim, who has been praised already for his excellent English skills, replied: “Sorry, I cannot speak in English now.”Cotterill proceeded to ask “why” on two occasions, before Amorim added: “I’m sorry, they [the other journalists] will miss me in Portuguese so I have to speak in Portuguese.”Cotterill said: “They’ve had about 25 minutes in Portuguese. We want 10 seconds in English.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe press officer then intervened to say: “We will proceed in Portuguese, next week you can hear him talking English.”Before Cotterill added: “It’s like a cold shoulder to your English fans.”How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyAmorim laughed off the comment, but those on social media were quick to react.One said: “Cringing so hard watching this clip. Fair play to Amorim for keeping his cool.”Another added: “He shoulda trolled the journalist in Portuguese. Easy pickings.”A third responded: “This is stomach-churning.”And a fourth said: “Huge respect to Ruben Amorim for standing firm on his beliefs.”The less said about having to answer questions in English whilst he’s in Portugal the better 🤦🏿‍♂️.”Amorim’s first game in charge of Man Utd comes away at Ipswich on November 24.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