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      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reveals he’s in a secret club that no other Premier League manager can join

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      THE mighty All Blacks have played their part in Arsenal’s return to the summit of English football as Premier League title contenders.Ahead of today’s crunch-clash with England at Twickenham, the New Zealand rugby union team prepared by using the Gunners’ London Colney training facilities on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta is getting coaching support from some of the world’s best bossesCredit: GettyNew Zealand chief Scott Robertson meets with Arteta on ZoomCredit: PABoss Mikel Arteta was hoping to spend some time with their coach Scott Robertson — nicknamed ‘Razor’ — only to miss out due to Arsenal’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie away at Preston.Arteta and Robertson formed a close bond over the years after sharing ideas and philosophies in an international group of coaches who chat regularly in person and on Zoom calls.That group also includes Green Bay Packers chief Matt LaFleur, NBA hall-of-famer George Karl, basketball coach Mike Dunlap and former Red Roses head coach Eddie Jones.Aussie Jones — who is now in charge of Japan’s national rugby team — likened the collection of elite managers and their swapping of ideas to ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd Arteta said of Razor and his three-time world champion All Blacks side: “He’s an inspiration, such a character. I had the chance to meet him and we are in one of the groups together.“It was a shame that the day that we were leaving for Preston when they were coming.“I read a great book. I recommend it to everybody, called Legacy.“It talks about the All Blacks and their culture and their winning mentality and how they approach sport, life, and relationships.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s especially about the importance of clarity, or what it means when you put on a jersey. The sense of belonging to something.“When somebody plays with that feeling, it elevates his level of commitment, it elevates his capacity to perform and impacts the organisation in a different way.”How Arteta dominated Liverpool with stealth Havertz trick before genius Slot switch saved the dayArteta often cites Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as a mentor, but their relationship has changed over the last few years due to Arsenal’s title rivalry with the Citizens.So, Razor has been a go-to sounding board — a man known for thinking outside the box, including breakdancing on the pitch for his players after winning trophies.Arteta has gone down a different route, with unusual pre-match motivational tools such as squeezing lemons, blaring club anthems from speakers during training sessions and hiring undercover pickpockets and freestylers.The Spaniard added: “What I like the most is that you can talk openly with somebody who is doing a very similar job in terms of the demands that we all have.“But, there is no competitive approach there and you can really be transparent and honest and share things that probably with a football coach that is playing in the league, you cannot do.“That’s a really good thing because somebody that is in your shoes daily, needs to make very similar calls even if they are different sports. So, it’s great to have that option.”Arteta will be relying on those tricks of the trade as Arsenal travel to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle in today’s early kick-off knowing there can be no more title race slip-ups.Arsenal ratings vs PrestonARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.Tommy Setford – 6A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.Jurrien Timber – 7Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-timeWilliam Saliba – 7Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.Jakub Kiwior – 8Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.Jorginho – 7Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.Mikel Merino – 7A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.Ethan Nwaneri – 9Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.Raheem Sterling – 7The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.Gabriel Jesus – 8Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.SubsThomas Partey – 6Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.Kai Havertz – 8Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.Bukayo Saka – 6More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.Ayden Heaven – 6Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes.Three red cards in their opening eight Premier League outings have cost them seven points already, leaving them five points off the pace-setters and reigning champions City.Arsenal return to the ground that ultimately cost them the title last season thanks to Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner in a heated 1-0 defeat. They eventually finished the campaign two points off Guardiola’s winners on the final day.Arteta was charged by the FA but found not guilty by an independent regulatory commission for calling officials “embarrassing” and a “disgrace” for passing on three VAR checks on Gordon’s goal — including an offside call, a foul and the ball being out of play.The showdown itself was also close to boiling over after Kai Havertz’s rash lunge on Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes’ elbow on Jorginho.However, Arteta says his squad have become more emotionally “evolved” and “controlled” since then.He added: “The players have a memory of all the games that they play when there are certain situations in specific moments as an individual or a collective at certain grounds.“You relate that particular moment, or that smell, or that visual, with something that happened to you or the team. That’s inevitable.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDefenders Gabriel [knee] and Jurrien Timber [muscular] are expected to be fit after hobbling off during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with title rivals Liverpool.But skipper Martin Odegaard, with an ankle knock, and Riccardo Calafiori, suffering from a knee problem, remain out.The All Blacks trained at London Colney this weekCredit: Facebook/All BlacksGreen Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is also in the elite groupCredit: APHis relationship with Pep Guardiola has changed now they are title rivalsCredit: ReutersArsenal are desperate to avoid another slip-up at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty More

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      Ruben Amorim press conference in full: New Man Utd manager gives very honest answers including January transfer plans

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      RUBEN AMORIM held his first press conference since being confirmed as the new Manchester United manager on Friday night.Strangely, though, that came after his current side Sporting smashed Estrela Amadora 5-1.Ruben Amorim spoke to the media following Sporting’s 5-1 win over Estrela Amadora on Friday nightCredit: PAAmorim will take charge of two more matches as head coach in Portugal – against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday and then his final game against former club Braga next Sunday.Then Amorim officially replaces Erik ten Hag as the new permanent Red Devils boss on November 11 after United stumped up £9.2million to get him out of his Sporting contract.And following Friday’s announcement of his imminent arrival at Old Trafford, Amorim was quizzed on his new job.That included giving a host of very honest answers, including his January transfer plans.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHere’s what Amorim had to say…ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT  “It was a very unusual week.“Obviously, since this whole situation came about I’ve felt different. I understand the anger of some fans and the disappointment. But that’s life. I was moved by the ovation and that’s how it is. “Even the other statement, when it came out, was on a match day. But clubs are now listed companies and they have to present all these things. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”There were two statements. But that’s how things are, there are things that we can’t control. “ON SPORTING FANS’ REACTION“I’m very grateful to the fans and to everything here. People think I wanted to leave straight away. Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarre”In the next home game, whether we win or lose by 15-0, I’ll be there to see what the fans want to give me. “I understand their anger, but we move on and time heals everything. It was the best period of my life.”ON DECIDING THIS WAS HIS FINAL SEASON AT SPORTING”At the beginning of the season, and the chairman is there to confirm it, I had a conversation with him and director of football Hugo Viana.”I said that, whatever happened, it was my last season at Sporting. The president can confirm that.”The season started and we started to have a very good season. United came along, paid the clause, above the clause, and the chairman defended his interests. “I never discussed anything with the chairman.”ON WANTING TO JOIN UNITED NEXT SUMMER”The only request I made to United was that it would be at the end of the season and they told me that wasn’t possible, that it was now or never or Manchester would go for another option. “So I had three days to decide on something that would radically change my life.”ON OTHER OFFERS”It’s not the first time that I’ve been requested and had my clause paid by another club. Nor the second. It’s very hard for me to leave.”I don’t want another team.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.”After Sporting I wanted that one, Manchester, and I want that context because that context allows me to do things my way and the club believes me that way.”There’s a time when I have to take a step forward in my career. That’s what happened. “It was harder for me than for any Sporting fan, believe me, but I had to do this.”ON DIFFICULT DECISION”There was no confusion at all. We have to safeguard everyone’s interests. “Far from playing the victim, I’m sorry. “I said I would stay for as many games as necessary. I didn’t say anything earlier because I couldn’t. That’s how the decision is. “The club knew that if I rejected it, I wouldn’t have it in six months. And I knew that in six months I would know that I wouldn’t be at Sporting. “The only club that I wanted and that moved me was United. It got to a point where I had to decide and I did. “Now I’m going home much more relaxed because I have explained. “People say ‘it’s about the money’, but there was another team that wanted to hire me before and they paid three times more than Manchester.”ON THREE MORE GAMES AT SPORTING AFTER ANNOUNCEMENT”I have to do what Sporting decides. I prefer it that way. “I don’t leave the players in the lurch. “Against Nacional, I felt they were more anxious because I felt they didn’t know what to expect. “I’m happy to stay and I won’t leave my players in the lurch.”ON SPEAKING TO ANY UNITED PLAYERS”As for United, I haven’t spoken to anyone, not even the players. “I’m totally focused.”On the 11th we will have the opportunity to talk about Manchester United. At the moment I am at Sporting. “I wanted to explain all this to Sporting fans. The focus now is on Sporting. Then we will talk about Manchester United.”I changed my mind several times. My concern is not to harm the Sporting team, we’ll see later. I’ll have that concern when I’m at United.”ON JANUARY SIGNINGS FROM SPORTING”Viktor Gyokeres costs 100m and it’s very difficult. “I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January. “I will take my staff with me. That was always one of my conditions. I brought them with me since Casa Pia.”What does it mean to me? It was the best period of my life. Everyone at Sporting knows how important it was to me. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I understand the disappointment of the fans and that leaving in the middle of a season that could be historic.”But today is not the farewell, we still have two important games against City and Braga, to maintain our lead.”The Portuguese gaffer has two more games in Portugal before taking over at Old TraffordCredit: GettyAmorim promised not to poach Viktor Gyokeres in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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      Aston Villa to give Morgan Rogers bumper new deal after stunning form despite being one of Prem’s LOWEST-PAID players

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      MORGAN ROGERS is in talks over a new deal with Aston Villa.The attacking midfielder, 22, has made a huge impression, despite only signing from Middlesbrough in January.Morgan Rogers is in talks over a new deal with Aston VillaCredit: RexBoss Unai Emery said: “Yes, we want to extend his contract — already he’s progressing a lot.“But I want more from him and I think he can do that. What’s most important is that we want to extend his contract. We want him to be here for a long time.“A player like him, young, with the potential and talent he has, to exploit that is another challenge for me.”Rogers is on wages of around £20,000-per-week, making him one of Villa’s lowest paid regular starters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut with two goals and three assists in 12 games he looks to be rewarded with a new deal. Villa – who qualified for the Champions League under Emery last season – sit fourth in the table with only one game lost in nine. And their manager is feeling the pressures of the back of such a breakthrough campaign. Emery said: “I am feeling an increase in our standards, being demanding and being something we want.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“We are trying as well to get these demands, being comfortable and feeling in a good position when we are keeping this level in the table in the Premier League or Champions League.“It’s really fantastic to try to feel something in our demands increasing, and getting it. It can never feel like something negative, like pressure damaging us.“We want to feel something comfortable and really happy and keeping the same level in our demands, and more and more trying to get even better.”Aston Villa hothead Jhon Duran rages as he’s subbed moments after scoring and kicks back of team-mate’s chair More

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      Ruben Amorim begins Sporting farewell tour with 5-1 thumping of Estrela as Gyokeres shows why Man Utd must get him too

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      RUBEN AMORIM is heading to Old Trafford – and now Manchester United should sign Viktor Gyokeres.On the night Amorim started his three-game farewell tour at Sporting, former Coventry striker Gyokeres maintained his stunning record at the club with a hat-trick in the first 42 minutes before grabbing the fourth in the second half.New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim led Sporting Lisbon to a dominant winCredit: PASporting star Viktor Gyokeres, who’s been linked with a reunion with Amorim at Man Utd, scored four past EstrelaCredit: PAGyokeres is one of the hottest strikers in EuropeCredit: ReutersThe red-hot forward, a £20million bargain from the Championship, has now scored 20 goals in 16 games this season on top of his 43 strikes in 50 matches last term.How United, the third lowest scorers in the Premier League, would love someone like the Swedish international.Gyokeres’ opener was well placed from an acute angle while the next two – the third being a penalty – were just raw power.His fourth in the 70th minute was a brilliant individual effort oozing with self confidence.Read More on Man UtdThat was before Maximiliano Araujo made it five for the hosts minutes before full-time.Yet United fans will hope their team do not defend under Amorim like the moment Sporting allowed Rodrigo Pinho to pull one back for 2-1 with an easy header.As you would expect, the announcement of Amorim’s departure has been mixed here.Outside the stadium, there was a banner which read: “Amorim, this is not your home anymore, thank you.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNew Man Utd boss Amorim received applause but also some whistles and jeersCredit: PAOther fans, though, took flags into the ground declaring their love for the coach who led the club to two titles.When Amorim’s name was first read out 30 minutes before kick-off, there were whistles and jeers followed by applause.Watch Sporting Lisbon fan reveal how you’ve been pronouncing incoming Man Utd manger Ruben Amorim’s name all wrongBut when the 39-year-old came out of the tunnel for the game, he received a standing ovation and applauded the fans.Gyokeres said about Amorim and reports suggesting he could follow him to Manchester: “We’re sad to see him go. He did an extraordinary job here. We all wish him the best. “Follow him to Manchester? I don’t know, I’m here and I like it here. I don’t think about it.”Speaking after the game, Amorim ruled out a move for Gyokeres, or any Sporting player in January.And the incoming Red Devils chief even put his own very lofty price-tag on the Swedish striker.Amorim said: “Gyokeres costs 100 million (£84m) and it’s very difficult.”I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother player who enjoyed a good reception from the home supporters was former United winger Nani. He started his career at Sporting and the 37-year-old came on as a second half sub for Estrela.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

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      Nottingham Forest vs West Ham set to make Premier League history with unique managerial record

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      IT is the Premier League’s first Glove Affair for 31 YEARS.Uniquely among the managerial fraternity, both Julen Lopetegui and Nuno Espirito Santo were goalkeepers in their playing careers before becoming bosses.Former goalkeeper and Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo hosts West Ham on FridayWhile ex-LaLiga stopper and West Ham gaffer Lopetegui makes up the historic clashThe last time two stoppers faced each other in opposing dugouts in the top flight was on Friday, April 9, 1993.Tottenham crushed Norwich 5-1 at White Hart Lane — ex-Colchester keeper Mike Walker was manager of the Canaries, while former England No 1 Ray Clemence was in caretaker charge of Spurs along with Doug Livermore.However, Friday’s clash at the City Ground, as surprise package  Nottingham Forest face under-performing West Ham, represents the FIRST time two permanent chiefs who were former goalies going head to head.Any suggestion you have to be crazy to become a keeper in the first place has been shot down by the Hammers manager.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWell-travelled Spaniard Lopetegui laughed: “This is a big lie! A very big lie.“Normally the most sensible people in the dressing room are the goalkeepers. Believe me.“You can say they are different but not crazy.”There is an eight-year age gap between Lopetegui, 58, and Nuno, 50, but they are both ex-Porto managers and they crossed paths earlier this century in LaLiga combat.Most read in FootballJulen Lopetegui played 149 LaLiga matches over nine seasonsNuno was called to the senior Portugal squad competing in Euro 2008, replacing the injured Quim, but did not play a matchFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLopetegui, who also coached at Real Madrid and Sevilla, said: “I’m a little bit older than him. “Yes, I remember him as a keeper. I played against him as a coach, too. But we were never keeper on keeper. I didn’t play against him as a keeper.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese model“Who was the better goalkeeper? Ha, I forgot my time. I don’t remember a lot. Maybe me. I don’t know.”Goalkeepers is a key theme of West Ham’s selection approach, as matchday 10 represents their first league visit outside of London.Frenchman Alphonse Areola was dropped after the 4-1 defeat at Spurs even though he had started in the opening eight league ties.Pole Lukasz Fabianski was given the responsibility for the home match with Manchester United last Sunday and pulled off several great saves to help the Hammers win 2-1 — a result that saw the Old Trafford axing of Erik ten Hag.Lukasz Fabianski was instrumental in keeping United goalless before half-time on SundayAsked if he empathised with Areola’s disappointment, Lopetegui said: “I was a goalkeeper a long time ago. But I understand.“I can change other positions. I repeat, you don’t change one player, it’s not about thinking that something is wrong with him.“It’s thinking that maybe you’re going to be positive with this change.“Sometimes it’s going to happen or not. In football, we don’t have a crystal ball. But we try to take the decision that we think will always help the team.“Did I get dropped? A lot! In my opinion, to my coaches, I was right! It’s like this.“We trust Alphonse a lot. He did very well in this team before. But we decided that in this match, Lukasz was more ready and maybe it was good to put him in for different reasons.READ MORE SUN STORIES“All of them have to be ready to play. It’s up to us to decide who is going to be in or not.“It’s not because we don’t trust them. It’s good, this kind of inside competition, to be more competitive.” More

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      Man Utd say Amorim is ‘one of most exciting coaches in Europe’… but we’ve heard it ALL before with Ten Hag, Moyes and Co

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      ALL the messages coming out of Manchester United were very positive.The appointment of a coach who “has proved himself to be one of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe, renowned for his team’s attractive, attacking football and commitment to youth”.Ruben Amorim will officially take over at Old Trafford on November 11Credit: EPAErik ten Hag was sacked on Monday after two years at the clubCredit: GettyThat was April 21, 2022, and the words of then football director John Murtough on the announcement that Erik ten Hag was becoming the new manager of Manchester United.Hang on, haven’t we heard all of this before?Remember, there was also the bloke after Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2013 who had “all the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy”.So said chief executive Ed Woodward and yet just ten months into a six-year contract, David Moyes was gone.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWait. Then Woodward also introduced the next man who had “a track record of winning leagues and cups across Europe making him the perfect choice… we have secured the services of one of the outstanding managers in the game today”.That was Louis van Gaal, who went on to bore Old Trafford rigid with his football and get the boot straight after winning an FA Cup.Fear not! Because in May 2016 it was announced by Woodward that United had secured “quite simply the best manager in the game today”.A man Woodward was barely on speaking terms with two and a half years later as Jose Mourinho exited after two cups and a second-placed finish, which the Special One described as one of his greatest achievements.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe was not even ‘Special’ enough.So, that was five years since Sir Alex went and three bosses down.Sporting fans give verdict on Ruben Amorim ahead of move to Man UtdDavid Moyes endured a horrid time as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successorCredit: PA:Press AssociationIt was now time to rediscover ‘the soul’ of Manchester United under a man who said he knew it’s DNA.He would also find the revolving door at Old Trafford that had spun out those who went before.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left with tears in his eyes after believing he had come “so close” to achieving something special.Let’s not forget too all the interims and caretakers along the way — Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and, of course, Ralf Rangnick, who told the club they needed “open heart surgery” and now Ruud van Nistelrooy after Dutchman Ten Hag’s sacking on Monday.But the club believe they really have cracked it this time because in Ruben Amorim they have, as a club statement said, “one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football”.Sorry, I thought that was Ten Hag.The 39-year-old is also “highly decorated as both a player and coach”.Highly decorated in Portugal anyway, as Ten Hag was in Holland.Louis van Gaal won the FA Cup but was dismissed after two seasonsCredit: PA:Press AssociationJose Mourinho won the League Cup and Europa League before being sackedCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe Premier League, however, is another level again and 11 years since Sir Alex bid farewell, the club is as far away as ever from challenging to win it.The point here is that there are no guarantees coming with this bloke either.Ten Hag had studied United long before Murtagh and the then chief executive Richard Arnold arrived to interview him.They were bowled over by the amount of information he had on them and the details of his plans to put United back on track.He will claim he did just that with two trophies but after that first season it just never looked right.The club wanted a disciplinarian and yet the way he handled Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho was, in the end, used as a stick to beat him with.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.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was let go after a trophyless three years at the helmCredit: AFP‘Head coach’ Amorim will find dealing with this club and this level of player very different to Sporting Lisbon, where he was the highly lauded and respected boss who landed them two titles.The players responded to him, the football was marvellous — and he is now going to try and make that happen at Old Trafford.There will no doubt be a jump when he first arrives, there always is under a new boss. Ole won ten of his first 11 games.The problem comes when performances dip and you are left dealing with a dressing room of highly paid stars all too ready to down tools because they know, in the end, the manager will carry the can.This is probably a bigger job now than it was for any manager post-Fergie.That has happened in every instance since Sir Alex went. So why won’t it happen again?Amorim will have his own ideas on how to play in a 3-4-3 as he tries to reprogramme players and club who have been reprogrammed so many times it is a wonder Carrington has not short-circuited.The facts are that while £545.9million was lavished on this squad under Ten Hag, it is still not very good.The first team can be beaten by anyone in the Premier League. At their best they are not as good as any club currently in the top six.The mood in the dressing room is rock-bottom and there are sulky stars everywhere you look.This is probably a bigger job now than it was for any manager post-Fergie.This club is a giant, a monster and nobody seems able to control it.It has eaten up and spat out some of the biggest and best names in the game.Now we have someone who it clearly seems won’t have it all his own way as he is the first to be named ‘head coach’ in the club’s history rather than the manager.Which suggests there will be plenty of influence from the management team assembled above him by new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox are set to be much more hands-on than they felt able to be in their brief time working with Ten Hag.So, welcome Ruben, hope it goes well… until the next best coach in Europe is left to pick up the pieces.Above them, new chief exec Omar Berrada has spoken about a three-year plan to have the club winning the Prem by the 2027-28 season and celebrate their 150th year in style.Amorim will still be in charge at Old Trafford then, if the club have triggered the year extension in his contract — but nobody should be holding their breath.The state the club are in at the moment, it will take until then just to get back into the top four.READ MORE SUN STORIESSorry to sound cynical but how else can you view the current situation on the evidence of the last decade or more.So, welcome Ruben, hope it goes well… until the next best coach in Europe is left to pick up the pieces. 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      Why Ruben Amorim must SACK Ruud van Nistelrooy now to have any chance of fixing Man Utd ‘s***show’

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      WHEN Ruben Amorim arrives in Manchester, he has got a LOT of mess to sweep up in a short space of time.I really like Amorim — he is an excellent coach and everything about him is world class, even the way he has conducted himself in leaving Sporting Lisbon.Ruben Amorim has been confirmed as the new Man Utd managerIt is not yet known if interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will stay on as part of Amorim’s staffTroy Deeney has urged Amorim to kick Van Nistelrooy to the curbBut he has a heck of a job.I am not saying these United boys are not fit but they will be nowhere near fit enough for Amorim. His Sporting teams run their arses off.There are going to be a lot of ups and downs between now and January 1 and then — oh my God — is he going to have to come out with a broom and sweep the lot.If you’re walking into that s**tshow with that ball of yarn to untangle, where do you begin? Good luck with that, Ruben.READ MORE ON MAN UTDYou’ve got to get rules in place, because sacked Erik ten Hag apparently tried to lead that club like a dictator and, from what I have heard, the Carrington training base is completely divided as a result.The expectation is going to be high because United have just spent over £10million getting you and your coaching team over from Portugal.You’re going to have your own fitness and nutrition guys in.Can these players do what you want them to do? Are they fit enough? Probably not.Most read in FootballRasmus Hojlund has been in and out of the starting XI as United sit 14thFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYou’re going to have to tweak everything from gym work to the training routines and during that period you will have a few players dropping like flies because of it.I am glad United got Amorim sorted quickly. Had they not, they would have gone down the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer route again with Ruud van Nistelrooy.The new manager ‘bounce’ and 5-2 thrashing of Leicester in the Carabao Cup was always going to happen. It is no coincidence.Ten Hag would have been watching, thinking ‘How f***ing frustrating is this?’ even if he did deserve to lose his job.Bruno Fernandes scoring his first goals of the season and Casemiro suddenly firing in screamers with an Old Trafford hero like Van Nistelrooy on the sidelines.But a club legend taking over, playing a seriously poor Leicester team in a cup, with a new manager on the way… that was always going to be the case.Marcus Rashford has looked a shadow of his former self during the last 12 monthsMeanwhile, Casemiro has been both criticised and praised in recent weeks after scoring three in two games either side of Erik ten Hag’s sackingIt is like when you’ve been with your partner for a long time.You get dumped, so you go to the gym to get in shape to get someone new. It never lasts.And make no mistake, after this weird ‘new-manager bounce’ phase, reality would have hit them again, because you cannot bulls**t it over the course of a season.They’re 14th in the Premier League for a reason.With the games they have coming up after a free hit against Chelsea on Sunday — PAOK and Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League and Leicester, Ipswich and Everton in the Prem — suddenly United could have picked up some points and the board would think ‘Why not Ruud?’But that would just be bulls**ting it again until the next tough run heading into December with Arsenal, Manchester City and Spurs in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.I remember when Marco Silva was sacked at Watford and Javi Gracia came in and we went on a real run.Why? Partly because we were a really fit team and that paved the way for a clean transition. It is a really underestimated part of it.My one bit of advice to Ruben? Don’t keep Ruud on. You want to clear the decks once you are there, with only your people around you.Troy DeeneyThe person who will come out of this the best? Ruud. He will have a nice pay packet. His stock will rise and he won’t be tarnished with Ten Hag’s tenure.Even if United lose 7-0 to Chelsea, Ruud can say: “It’s not my fault. The players were distracted by Ten Hag going and the new manager.”My one bit of advice to Ruben? Don’t keep Ruud on. You want to clear the decks once you are there, with only your people around you.Only then can you figure out what the problems are — and how to solve them.What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.”VIN SNUB NOT ABOUT RACEYOU look up ‘Ballon d’Or’ right now and the first name that comes up is: Vinicius Jr.A lot has been made of him not turning up to the award ceremony after losing out to Rodri. Was it petulant? Yes. Embarrassing? It depends how you look at it.Vinicius has been exceptional this year, winning LaLiga and the Champions League, but he didn’t do well for Brazil, and that is what has cost him.You look at previous winners, like Lionel Messi last year — he was playing for Inter Miami but won the World Cup for Argentina.Vinicius Jr was shocked after he placed second in the Ballon d’Or on MondayThat’s what clinches a Ballon d’Or, it seems.Rodri did the same with Spain at the Euros. Had England beaten them in the final, it probably would have gone to Jude Bellingham.In my opinion, Vinicius has had the wrong people in his ear telling him he was a cert to win it and it would be unanimous and, I imagine, that has got to him.He has got caught up in it thinking he is going to be elevated to superstar status.I don’t think we should be making this a race issue, which is what is perhaps being implied by his cryptic tweets in the aftermath.Man City ace Rodri was named the world’s best player – but was hit with controversyTo think you’re going to win it, and then you don’t, it must take a lot out of you, especially after a bad weekend where his Real Madrid side have just been battered by Barcelona in El Clasico.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor what it’s worth, I think he should have won the Ballon d’Or.Should he have gone to the award ceremony? Probably, but let’s not pile in on him too much.Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and Ukraine More

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      Erik ten Hag breaks silence after Man Utd sacking as axed boss tells fans ‘the dream has come to an end’

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      ERIK TEN HAG said his “dream has come to an end” as he broke his silence after being sacked by Manchester United.Ten Hag, 54, was dismissed on Monday morning after a dismal start to the season which sees the Red Devils languishing in 14th in the Premier League table.Erik ten Hag has sent a letter to Manchester United fans following his sackingCredit: GettyThe Dutchman, who has already been replaced by Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim, won the League Cup and FA Cup during his two years at Old Trafford.And he graciously thanked both the fans and club staff in a lengthy farewell statement.In a letter to the Man Utd fans, he said: “Dear fans, Let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable.”The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England, Europe or during the summer tours.”I always enjoyed meeting Manchester United fans throughout the world.”Walking the streets and being able to chat with fans in England, Europe, Asia, Australia, the USA – you inspired me and radiated a strong sense of unity. That’s what makes United supporters so special.”I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad.”Ten Hag then turned his attention towards the successes and failures on the pitch.Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarreHe added: “We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.”I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home.”Thank you for this chapter in my life. Erik.”Ten Hag arrived in 2022 and won the Carabao Cup in his first season, while he also guided Man Utd to a third-place finish in the Premier League.Despite finishing eighth last season, he was handed a one-year contract extension in July after Man Utd beat Man City to win the FA Cup. He subsequently spent almost £200million in the transfer market to strengthen his squad – only to lead them to their worst ever Premier League start.They are also without a win in three Europa League matches.READ MORE SUN STORIESRuud van Nistelrooy took interim charge on Wednesday night as Man Utd beat Leicester 5-2 to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.Former Man Utd striker Van Nistelrooy, 48, will remain at the helm for the games against Chelsea, PAOK and Leicester, before Amorim begins his new job on November 11.What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More