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      Whisky brand poke fun at incoming Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim with billboard outside Old Trafford

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      A whisky brand has delivered a cheeky warning to the new Manchester United manager – not to ‘balls it up’ when they get behind the desk.The job, one of the biggest in world football, has been described as a poisoned chalice in the past.The van said the Man Utd job ‘sounds like Heaven, burns like hell’Credit: Anthony Devlin/PinPepThe cheeky whisky company were not slow to capitalise on Amorim’s appointmentCredit: Anthony Devlin/PinPepMan Utd have announced that Ruben Amorim will become the new head coach on November 11Credit: X formerly Twitter / @ManUtdBut interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy started them off on the right foot with a thumping 5-2 win at home against Leicester last night.Fireball cinnamon whisky liqueur parked the tongue-in-cheek van outside Old Trafford, which also offering a free drink to the incoming coach.And the new full-time boss, Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim, is going to need more than Dutch Courage to succeed.Lorenzo Farronato for the brand said: “As the next stage of Manchester United’s managerial saga appears to be almost decided, we’re thrilled to be able to give United fans something to spice up the occasion.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“We want to wish the manager the best of luck in their new role and to let them know that Fireball is here for any celebrations (or commiserations) that come with the next rollercoaster era of club leadership.”Man Utd today announced Amorim as their new head coach on a three-year deal.But the Portuguese boss will stay at Sporting until the international break, formally taking charge of the Red Devils on November 11.His first match will be away at Ipswich, whose manager Kieran McKenna was linked with the United job in the summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRuud van Nistelrooy will remain in temporary charge until Amorim formally begins work.United have home games against Chelsea, PAOK Thessaloniki and Leicester before Amorim takes over.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.Sporting fans give verdict on Ruben Amorim ahead of move to Man Utd More

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      Mikel Arteta debunks claims referees and VAR have conspiracy against Arsenal after flurry of controversial decisions

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      MIKEL ARTETA has rejected claims that Premier League referees have a conspiracy against Arsenal.The Gunners have been on the wrong end of some controversial decisions this season.Mikel Arteta is not entertaining claims that Prem officials are against his teamCredit: PADeclan Rice was sent off for tapping the ball away against BrightonCredit: GettyLeandro Trossard saw red for the same thing against Man CityCredit: ReutersBoth Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard saw red for delaying the restart of play against Brighton and Manchester City respectively.And William Saliba was sent off for denying Bournemouth an “obvious” goal-scoring opportunity – despite fouling Evanilson on the edge of the centre circle.Many fans also slammed referee Anthony Taylor after he denied the Gunners a potential late winner against Liverpool on Sunday.However, Arsenal boss Arteta is not willing to entertain any conspiracy theories that suggest Prem officials are intentionally out to sabotage his team.Read More in FootballAsked about the suggestions in a press conference today, the Spaniard insisted: “No, because every club has got its history and they have games and situations and comments.”That is part of the game and we have to understand it as it is. Every decision I make I am going to be criticised, or nobody is going to understand or they will understand and praise it.”There are always going to be opinions about our jobs, that’s normal.”Arteta lambasted officials following his team’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle last season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal 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.He branded the decision to award Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner a “disgrace” and “embarrassing”.However, the 42-year-old has let go of the grudge ahead of this weekend’s meeting with the Magpies.How Arteta dominated Liverpool with stealth Havertz trick before genius Slot switch saved the dayQuestioned about his row with the PGMOL, he said: “No, hopefully we are past it.”We talked through it in depth and that’s done. It is a year. A year in football is a long, long time.”Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara recently berated Arsenal fans for their suggestion that officials are against them.He told Grosvenor Sport: “Arsenal fans need to stop moaning, there’s no referee conspiracy against them.”There’s no match official going, ‘yeah let’s stitch up Arsenal’. You get some decisions, and you don’t get some decisions – that is football.”You can’t argue against the red cards that they’ve received. By the rules, they’ve all been dealt with correctly.”William Saliba’s against Bournemouth was a last man foul; Leandro Trossard kicked the ball away at the Etihad and Declan Rice did the same against Brighton!”You can’t get away from that, so to say there’s a conspiracy against them is nonsense. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It might be harsh but that’s just football. Look at the penalty Manchester United conceded to West Ham last weekend, are you telling me there’s a conspiracy against United?”Are United out saying there’s a conspiracy against them? It happens every game and it happens to every team, get on with it Arsenal. Just deal with it and win the game.” More

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      Ruben Amorim to Man Utd LIVE: Red Devils ANNOUNCE Sporting boss as new head coach days after Ten Hag sacking – updates

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have appointed Ruben Amorim as the club’s new head coach.The 39-year-old Sporting boss replaces Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman’s two-and-a-half-year tenure came to an end on Monday.Amorim will take the reigns on November 11, with his first game in the United dugout coming away at Ipswich.The Portuguese coach has signed a deal until 2027, with the Premier League giants holding an option for an additional year.Follow our live blog below…Enzo – Ruud a ‘fantastic guy’Chelsea and Enzo Maresca will go up against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s United on Sunday. And the Blues boss can’t wait to face off with his former teammate, who is acting as interim boss at Old Trafford.The pair spent a season together at Malaga in 2011-12.Maresca said: “I didn’t speak with Ruud. I will give him a big hug before the game. “We expect a tough game. Fantastic guy. Humble, very professional. “We had a very good group of human beings with Malaga. It’s nice to remember that kind of moment.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPep talkManchester City boss Pep Guardiola has welcomed Ruben Amorim to English football.But he claims he has “no advice” for his crosstown rival.Guardiola said: “Welcome to Manchester United, to England, and I congratulate him next Tuesday [when City play Sporting]. “We faced each other two or three seasons ago in the Champions League.”No advice. I’m not the right person to give advice to colleagues. “Not because he’s [at] United, I think they have a lot of people in United that will tell him the situation in the club, so I cannot give him advice.”Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedRuud era continuesRuud van Nistelrooy will stay on as interim boss until Amorim arrives at Old Trafford on November 11.The former United striker will be in charge for another three matches, all of them at home. He oversaw Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Leicester, where United ran out emphatic 5-2 winners. Man Utd vs Chelsea, November 3Man Utd vs PAOK, November 7Man Utd vs Leicester, November 10Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAmorim on ArtetaMan Utd’s new boss will come up against Mikel Arteta and Arsenal on December 4.It’s not the first time the two bosses have come face-to-face.Prior to a Champions League clash between Sporting and the Gunners last year, Amorim declared he was full of admiration for the Spaniard.And he preached the need for fans to have patience in the modern game. Amorim said: “Arteta is a [good] example because he was able to withstand the pressure, which is unbearable for a team in the Premier League. “Now he is bearing the fruits. It is important for fans to understand that to pick up the fruits from your work, you have to wait.”Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedSporting statementPortuguese champions Sporting CP have confirmed how much Man Utd have spent to take Ruben Amorim to Old Trafford.A statement from the club read: “Sporting SAD has reached an agreement with Manchester United FC regarding terms and conditions of coach Ruben Amorim’s departure, in return for which MUFC will pay Sporting SAD Euro 11,000,000 (£9.2million).””Furthermore, Sporting SAD will have a benefit of Euro 1,658,000 (£1.4m) relating to the extinction of credit rights, recorded as liabilities and contingent liabilities, as a result of the revocation and renegotiation of contracts relating to intermediation fees.”Credit: PACopy linkCopiedFriends reunited United fans are keen to see if Ruben Amorim can kickstart Manuel Ugarte’s Old Trafford career. The midfielder excelled under the 39-year-old at Sporting before earning a big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain.Ugarte has appeared just four times for United this season since joining from PSG in the summer. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedDalot excited to work with ‘perfect match’ AmorimMan Utd’s Diogo Dalot is the first player to comment following the arrival of new boss Ruben Amorim.Dalot told Sky Sports: “He is a fantastic coach and knows what he wants. Very demanding is what I can expect. “It’s a perfect match for a club like this. He has high standards and I hope it can be a good match. I hope we can win together. “The Premier League suits people from Portugal. We have a culture of constantly trying to improve ourselves as we come from a small country. “I really hope that it is one more case. I am really excited to start working with him.”Copy linkCopiedFirst fiveAmorim’s first game will be on the road against Ipswich on November 24.The 39-year-old’s first test at Old Trafford will come just four days later against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.Games against Everton, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest follow in a typically quickfire Premier League winter schedule. Copy linkCopiedTrusted teamUnited could also splash another £4.1million to bring Amorim’s coaching staff to Old Trafford. The Portuguese giants want extra cash to release three trusted members of the tactician’s backroom staffAmorim wants to take Sporting’s assistant manager Adelio Candido, assistant coach Carlos Fernandes and goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital with him to Manchester. Credit: APCopy linkCopiedStat attackRuben Amorin only began his managerial journey in the summer of 2018.Just six years later, he’s heading to one of the most successful clubs in English football.Copy linkCopiedMoney talksMan Utd have paid an extra £900,000 to Sporting – so they can land Ruben Amorim three weeks early.The Portuguese club initially demanded the 39-year-old stay for a one-month notice period.SunSport understands Old Trafford bosses were so keen to get Amorim through the door before the international break that they shelled out almost £1m in extra compensation. Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedDio in demandSunSport understands Ruben Amorim wants to bring £70million Ousmane Diomande with him to Man Utd. One of Europe’s most in-demand young defenders, landing Diomande would be a major coup for United. He’s previously been chased by Liverpool and Arsenal, with Bayern Munich also linked.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedThree and outDespite Amorim pledging his future to Man Utd, he will remain in the dugout with Sporting CP for three more games.All eyes will be on Tuesday night’s visit of Manchester City in the Champions League, which comes after a home clash tonight with Estrela Amadora. Amorim will be hoping to leave the club on a high after a Lisbon derby against Benfica on November 10.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedUnited statement in fullThe Red Devils have their man – and he’ll be in the building from November 11.”Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Head Coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements.”He will join until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club. He will join Manchester United on Monday 11 November.”Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football. “Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP; the first of which was the club’s first title in 19 years.”Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to take charge of the team until Ruben joins.”Copy linkCopiedAmorim’s first gameWith the new boss confirmed to arrive in just 10 days, United fans can look forward to Amorim’s opening match.But they will have to wait a few weeks yet before seeing their new boss on the touchline.Amorim’s first game will be a trip to Ipswich Town on Sunday, November 24, after the upcoming international break.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedDevil in the detailMan Utd’s statement on Ruben Amorim has revealed they are giving him a different job title to Erik ten Hag.The 39-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at Old Trafford after the Dutchman was sacked on Monday.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAmorim’s start dateUnited have confirmed Amorim will join up with Man Utd on Monday, November 11.Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue as interim manager and take charge of Sunday’s game against Chelsea.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedAMORIM CONFIRMEDManchester United have confirmed Ruben Amorim has joined the club as their new manager.The 39-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal running until June 2027, with a club option of an additional year. Credit: XCopy linkCopiedTen Hag ‘completely devastated’Erik ten Hag has returned to the Netherlands after Monday’s sacking.His former teammate Hans Kraay has revealed the former United boss is “ruined” after his time at Old Trafford was cut short.Speaking to Dutch outlet SoccerNews, Kraay said: “I understand he is getting £15million and people will think he is somersaulting through Manchester.”No, he is completely, completely devastated, he is completely ruined.”At the moment you don’t think about money. That will come later.”Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedDeco’s warningRuben Amorim was touted as a potential successor to Xavi at Barcelona back in February. But Barca sporting director Deco was not convinced the 39-year-old had the relevant experience to manage at the very top.Deco told Nascer do Sol earlier this year: “How many Portuguese coaches are prepared for the weight and responsibility of taking charge of Barcelona, ​​especially Barcelona with all the difficulties it faces?”I know that Ruben Amorim is doing a good job at Sporting and that, on top of that, he plays with a style similar to ours. “But he also has very little experience.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedRuud – Ten Hag ‘hurt’ after sackMan Utd’s interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed Erik ten Hag’s “hurt” after losing his job on Monday.The Dutchman won two trophies with the club after joining in April 2022.But he leaves United languishing 14th in the Premier League after a dismal start to the season. Van Nistelrooy said: “He is very disappointed and touched. I really felt he loved and cared for the club.“He wanted to bring this club forward and that’s why we connected. “That is why it hurt that he had to leave, but he was also proud of the achievements with the club winning two cups.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedDalot – ‘We’ll be ready’Man Utd’s players are keeping a close eye on developments from Portugal today.Diogo Dalot has admitted the team have “seen the rumours” regarding Amorim’s future. He said: “Obviously he’s a good manager, we don’t know if he’s coming. “We see the rumours like you, like everybody we see it.”But we will just focus on what we have here, doing our job and what the future brings. We’ll be ready.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAmorim ‘betrayal’ Ruben Amorim’s imminent move to Manchester United has not gone down well with former Sporting president Jose Dias Ferreira.He told Portuguese outlet Sic Noticias: “I have great admiration for Amorim.”For everything he did for Sporting. [But] his departure leaves me disappointed.”As a Sporting fan, I can truly say that it is a betrayal.”Because betrayal is not just stabbing someone in the back. Betrayal is not fulfilling promises, commitments or principles.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAgbonlahor – ‘Utd have got right man’Former Aston Villa star Gabby Agbonlahor did his coaching badges with Ruben Amorim.And he believes the 39-year-old is exactly the right man to turn United back into Premier League challengers.Agbonlahor told talkSPORT: “I did do my coaching badges with him.”You could tell he was so into it in a way that he had to get his badges to go and start managing…he was very focused.”Since the start of last season, Sporting Lisbon have scored the most goals in the top six leagues. “They were waiting 19 years to win a title, he goes there and they’ve won two in the last five seasons…”United have got the right man.”Copy linkCopiedSeeing redSporting Lisbon star striker Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly been left unhappy with Amorim’s upcoming exit.The ex-Coventry forward has netted 41 goals in 44 games since joining the club in 2023.He turned down offers this summer to leave, reportedly as he was “enticed” to continue working with Amorim. Speaking to SportTV, Gyokeres said: “He’s here and that’s what I’m focused on, let’s see what happens. “He’s still here, so I’m not going to wear myself out.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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      Man Utd stars desperate for Ruud van Nistelrooy to stay on after Ruben Amorim takes control at Old Trafford

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      MANCHESTER United’s first team squad are desperate for interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy to stay on after Ruben Amorim takes over in the Old Trafford dugout. The players are united in their belief that Amorim should make the United legend part of his backroom squad after growing close to him since he was brought back to the club in the summer by sacked manager Erik ten Hag.Van Nistelrooy is desperate to stay on as Man Utd assistant managerCredit: GettyRuben Amorim is set to be the new Man Utd managerCredit: GettyVan Nistelrooy was appointed assistant manager and quickly formed a bond with the squad, who regarded him as easier to communicate with than ten Hag, would could blow hot and cold with players.The former striker – who scored 150 goals in 219 games during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign – became a vital link between ten Hag and the players.A source said: “The players all really really want Ruud to stay on and have made their feelings clear internally that they believe he should remain at the club, even if and when Amorim takes over as boss.“To a man, they all like him and get on with him and they also respect him because they know he undertands what it’s like to play for United and the pressures that come with it.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“They are hopeful that he stays involved in the setup.”Van Nistelrooy stepped in as interim manager on Monday after United sacked ten Hag following a 2-1 loss at West Ham, which left them 14th in the Premier League.He inspired the team to a rousing 5-2 victory over Leicester in the Caraboa Cup on Wednesday and will be in charge on Sunday as they take on Chelsea at Old Trafford.Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game, Van Nistelrooy made clear he hopes to remain at United.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I decided to come back here for a very important reason.“I came as an assistant to help the club move forward.Sporting fans give verdict on Ruben Amorim ahead of move to Man Utd“It’s going to be a short job as an interim – that was communicated very clear.“I was happy with that. I will then go back to my assistant contract that I have here for this season and next.“When a new manager signs and conversations take place we have to see how things develop.”Amorim is not expected to start at United for another ten days, meaning Van Nistelrooy is likely to be in charge for Thursday’s Europa League clash against PAOK and then again for the Premier League game against Leicester on November 10.Amorim has promised to speak about his future after Sporting Lisbon’s game against Estrela Amadora tonight.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would also have been a popular and gettable option – but England got in there first.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Dan Ashworth ‘getting revenge on Newcastle’ as ‘Man Utd analyst forced to do gardening leave before switching to rivals’

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      DAN ASHWORTH is reportedly getting revenge on Newcastle in their pursuit of a Manchester United analyst.The United sporting director was forced into a period of gardening leave when he decided to swap Newcastle for Old Trafford in February.Dan Ashworth is reportedly getting his revenge on NewcastleCredit: PAAshworth did not officially start his role at Old Trafford until June, after United and Newcastle agreed a compensation package.Now the shoe is on the other foot with Newcastle chasing United analyst Luke Dickson.Earlier this year Dickson reportedly told his United bosses he wanted to leave to take a job at Newcastle.But United chiefs told Dickson he would not be able to start his new role at St. James’ Park until November, according to the Daily Mail.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe blockage reportedly frustrated key figures at Newcastle who viewed the move as a tit-for-tat response to Ashworth’s attempt to leave the club.Dickson, 28, has spent five years at Old Trafford as the club’s lead academy analyst and had to see out the remainder of his contract on gardening leave.Newcastle is his boyhood club and Dickson is set to join Eddie Howe’s first-team set-up.Ashworth, 53, left Newcastle on bad terms after he reportedly revealed his secret talks with United chief executive Omar Berrada.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe pair are alleged to have held a conversation at the start of February which led to Ashworth following it up by sending Berrada an email to an Ineos account.He is claimed to have made it clear he wanted to accept the chance to become sporting director at United.Danny Welbeck lifts lid on ex-Man Utd players’ WhatsApp group including one huge star who just ‘chats and chats’ However, Ashworth “clumsily” disclosed to his employers the negotiations with Berrada by sending a blind copy to his own Newcastle club email account at a time when United had not informed Toon of their interest. More

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      Ten Hag ‘wanted to bring former Man Utd striker back to Old Trafford’ in desperate bid to solve goalscoring woes

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      ERIK TEN HAG reportedly wanted Manchester United to re-sign Danny Welbeck this summer in a desperate attempt to solve the club’s attacking woes.The Dutchman was sacked by United on Monday following a poor start to the season.Erik ten Hag wanted to sign a former United striker this summerCredit: ReutersDanny Welbeck was among Ten Hag’s transfer targetsCredit: GettyWelbeck graduated from United’s academy and remained at the club until 2014Credit: Getty – ContributorHis departure came just 116 days after he signed a one-year contract extension.Club officials gave Ten Hag around £200million to spend in the transfer window after he extended his deal.He went on to sign Matthijs De Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee and Sekou Kone.But Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co did not entertain his desire to sign former United ace Welbeck.Read More in FootballAccording to The Athletic, Ten Hag believed the Brighton striker would be an “excellent” addition to his squad.The 33-year-old’s name was brought up in recruitment discussions at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.He was heading towards free agency, with his Brighton deal set to expire in June.Ten Hag and his team saw Welbeck’s experience as a positive for the dressing room.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey were also impressed that he ranked among the top performers at Brighton based on physical tests.But a concrete offer for the ex-England striker – who previously scored 29 goals in 142 appearances for United – did not materialise.’Something seriously wrong!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to huge Man Utd call which saw Erik Ten Hag sackedInstead, he penned a new two-year contract with Brighton.Welbeck has since scored six goals in nine Premier League appearances this season, with Brighton sixth in the table.Meanwhile, United are down in 14th with 11 points from nine games.Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim is in line to replace Ten Hag at Old Trafford.He will reportedly join during the November international break – which starts on Monday, November 11. More

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      Man Utd and Chelsea ‘line up stunning Vinicius Jr transfer swoop’ after Real Madrid star snubs talks over new contract

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are among several clubs eyeing a future move for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr, according to reports.The Brazilian, 24, has had another stunning year in Spain, and was widely expected to win the Ballon d’Or before being pipped by Rodri.Vinicius Jr will have two years remaining on his contract at the end of the seasonCredit: RexVinicius Jr remains under contract in the Spanish capital until 2027.But according to Spanish outlet Relevo, the winger recently snubbed fresh contract talks – putting several clubs on alert.Among his potential suitors are claimed to be Premier League duo Man Utd and Chelsea.But both sides would face stiff competition, even if Real were to entertain selling their star man.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlso interested are French champions Paris Saint-Germain.Real Madrid have a strained relationship with PSG chiefs, given their protracted pursuit of Kylian Mbappe over several years.The Ligue 1 side would love to get back at Real Madrid by prising away Vinicius Jr in similar circumstances.Real chiefs are said to be desperate to avoid this situation.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVinicius Jr also has significant interest in Saudi Arabia.During the summer, the Public Investment Fund were claimed to have made an eye-watering proposal.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid drawThe deal would have seen Vinicius Jr sign for Al-Ahli, earning a staggering €1bn (£843.98m) across five seasons.Real Madrid are determined to hold onto their star man long-term and are eager to demonstrate how much they value him.But for now, contract talks remain on hold.Vinicius Jr has won three LaLiga titles, two Champions Leagues, a Copa del Rey and two Club World Cups with Real Madrid.Last season he scored 24 goals and laid on 11 assists in all competitions, with figures across his club preparing for him to win the Ballon d’Or.He was said to be “devastated” after missing out – cancelling a huge party, with Real Madrid also snubbing the entire bash in solidarity. More

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      Danny Welbeck lifts lid on ex-Man Utd players’ WhatsApp group including one huge star who just ‘chats and chats’

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      DANNY WELBECK has revealed he is part of a WhatsApp group of former Manchester United players.The Brighton striker came through the academy at United and played for the first team between 2008 and 2014.Danny Welbeck revealed he is part of a WhatsApp group of former Red DevilsCredit: Sky SportsThe striker shared who the chattiest member isCredit: GettyHe scored 29 goals in 142 appearances for the club before a switch to Arsenal, but he is still in touch with some of his former team-mates.Welbeck revealed he is a member of a WhatsApp group consisting of former United stars.Discussing the group, he told Sky Sports: “Everybody plays a part. It’s a lot of banter, chatting about football and a lot of banter.”Asked who the admin is, Welbeck replied: “I think it might be Rio [Ferdinand].READ MORE ON MAN UTD”He just chats doesn’t he. You know what he’s like he just chats and chats.”He loves it. He’s making a career out of talking now so…we give me a lot of stick too.”Welbeck is enjoying his most productive season to date with six goals in nine Premier League games.He is just four goals away from recording his best goalscoring season and has helped Brighton up to sixth place.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWelbeck has found the net in each of his last three games despite being stretchered off and requiring oxygen against Newcastle two weeks ago.Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is getting the best out of Welbeck and he was full of praise for his striker.Ruud van Nistelrooy hints he wants to stay at Man Utd in plea to Ruben Amorim as interim vows to ‘serve’ clubHe said: “I don’t judge him just by goals and assists, honestly for me it’s more about how he works for the team.“He’s the perfect role model and you can only do it every week when you behave professionally.” More