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      West Ham decide on Lucas Paqueta replacement with ‘next David Silva’ targeted in £20m transfer

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      WEST HAM fancy nabbing Manchester City forgotten man James McAtee as they fear losing Lucas Paqueta.The attacking midfielder will be their top target for the role that could be available in January.West Ham are interested in Man City starlet James McAteeCredit: AlamyLucas Paqueta could leave West HamCredit: RexBrazilian star Paqueta is wanted back home by Botafogo and may be sold if the right deal comes in.And West Ham see McAtee as his successor — with the City squad man dubbed the ‘Salford Silva’ because he is similar in style and imagination to Etihad legend David Silva.McAtee, 22, had two successful campaigns on loan with Sheffield United but is going nowhere, stuck on the bench at City.The time may be right for a permanent move and Hammers should not have a problem affording a fee of £20million or more.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCity were linked with Paqueta last season — backing away when a gambling probe came to light.They may be interested again but a straight deal for McAtee is more likely than any kind of swap.McAtee has made five first team appearances for City this season.He started both of their Carabao Cup matches, including the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe midfielder also netted his first City goal during the 4-0 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava.McAtee has been an unused substitute in 10 of City’s 11 Prem matches this term, however, only making a very brief cameo against Ipswich in August.Man City’s James McAtee reflects on his Premier League debut More

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      How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Man Utd exit has left Premier League manager looking over his shoulder after stuttering start

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      STEVE COOPER may be looking over his shoulder at Leicester — as managerial options come on the horizon.Chief Cooper has struggled for results since taking over when Enzo Maresca moved to Chelsea.Steve Cooper has won two of his first 11 Prem games in charge of LeicesterCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy performed admirably as Man Utd’s caretaker bossCredit: AlamyThe ex-Nottingham Forest manager, 44, was picked ahead of Graham Potter and Ruud van Nistelrooy as Foxes gaffer.But Potter is itching for a return now he has missed out on the  Manchester United and England hotseats.Dutch giants Ajax and West Ham are also possibles and he would be open to a Prem job if he had time to influence their season.And Dutchman Van Nistelrooy enhanced his reputation as caretaker-boss at Man Utd.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSFoxes experts claim Cooper has until the end of the year to impress before a call is made.Leicester went into the November international break 15th in the Premier League table.They have won just two of their 11 games thus far, drawing four and losing five.Last time out they were beaten 3-0 by Man Utd, managed by Van Nistelrooy, at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter the game, Cooper told the BBC: “The result will paint the picture but in the end we didn’t show enough desire in either penalty area.”We let two unopposed shots from outside the area for the goals.Man Utd ace Roy Keane declares WAR on noisy neighbours who use their leaf blowers before 8am”Two of the goals have come from our corners as well which is frustrating. It wasn’t a dangerous position but we made it dangerous.”At the other end we got into good areas but didn’t show that same desire.”Our general play was fine but in the end we didn’t have the purpose. We had good spells, we were in the game, it didn’t feel like they were going to score the next goal.”We can’t just say we missed Jamie Vardy, we can’t be reliant on that.”Cooper went up against Van Nistelrooy last SundayCredit: AP More

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      Ruben Amorim goes completely unnoticed by oblivious Manchester shoppers days after taking charge as Man Utd manager

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      NEW Red Devils’ boss Ruben Amorim is under a huge spotlight – but left Manchester shoppers in the dark.Incredibly, the Portuguese manager went unnoticed as he strolled in the busy town centre.Ruben Amorim should have been recognisable to football fansCredit: SplashShoppers paid no notice as Amorim walkers among themCredit: SplashAmorim can’t relax for much longer as he’s set to take trainingCredit: SplashNo-one clocked who he was as Amorim passed shoppersCredit: SplashThe former Sporting Lisbon chief, 39, arrived in the city last week to huge attention, even giving his first interview.He’s due to be officially unveiled next week, assuming his work permit goes through smoothly.But despite Amorim’s trademark beard, passers-by seemed oblivious as he walked smiling down a street.His garb was striking enough – a white top with the hoodie up contrasting sharply with a black puffer jacket.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 14-cap ex-midfielder was accompanied by a mini entourage, all dressed just as casually.In fact, from the group’s relaxed look, you’d never know Amorim is taking on one of the world’s most prestigious and high-pressure positions in football.He certainly won’t be a mystery shopper in the transfer market – as United’s global status means he’ll struggle to land any bargains.And he’ll promptly become one of the most recognisable faces in the country.Most read in FootballAmorim perhaps had a quiet smile at going so undisturbedCredit: SplashFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSo perhaps it’s no wonder he appeared to appreciate his temporary anonymity on a crowded Manchester pavement.Amorim is replacing the sacked Erik ten Hag, tasked by the club’s minority owner Jim Ratcliffe with reviving the heady days of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1986-2013 reign.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tour’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”He’s pencilled in to oversee training for the first time next week – should, as expected, the necessary paperwork get sorted.Based for now at the five-star Lowry Hotel near Old Trafford, Amorim is waiting anxiously to share his ideas with his new squad after the international break.He’s already explained he wants his players to go on a morale-rousing stadium tour –  to “put strength back into the team”.Then come his first two matches – at Ipswich in the Premier League and at home to Bodo-Glimt in the Europa League.By then, Amorim will have gone from “Man who?” to the man who can’t afford to fail – or he’ll inevitably be the 10th permanent or temporary boss exiting Old Trafford since Ferguson retired.Amorim will have a busy first official week at Old TraffordCredit: Splash More

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      Ruben Amorim reveals he wants to make Man Utd flops take stadium tour to ‘put strength back into the team’

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      RUBEN AMORIM believes that Manchester United players should take the club’s Old Trafford stadium tour.The Portuguese, 39, officially began in his new role as Red Devils boss on Monday.Ruben Amorim has been getting to know his new homeCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, was shown around Old TraffordCredit: GettySince then, Amorim has been shown around his new Theatre of Dreams home.While doing so, he even checked in with a public stadium tour and interacted fans.Speaking since then, Amorim claimed that it’s important for players to truly understand the institution that they’re representing.He said: “When you come [to Old Trafford], it’s so different.READ MORE IN SPORT”You see the trophies, you see the tragedy that we have as a club. The history.”Having referred to tragedy, Amorim then mentioned the way that United rebuilt following the devastating Munich Air Disaster in 1958.”This kind of strength,” he added. “I think it’s important to put in our team.”When the players come here, they should take the stadium tour all the time. I think this is very important to do.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It’s normal if you go a lot of years without winning, you start losing that feeling.”So I think we need to put all the players doing the same thing, to regain that feeling.”Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourAmorim then pointed towards the task ahead.He continued: “We haven’t won the Premier League for a long time. But if you ask, United is the biggest club in England.”So this is part of history, it is not now. So we have to address that, to show that and to try to win again.”Following the international break, Amorim will take United to Ipswich for his first match in charge.He will then get his first taste of Old Trafford on a matchday when his side host Bodo-Glimt in the Europa League.Amorim’s Premier League home debut will come against Everton on December 1. More

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      Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic slams club’s recruitment and questions the ‘character and resilience’ of players

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nemanja Vidic criticised the club’s players and recruitment with a brutal assessment.Vidic, 43, won five Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League and three League Cups during his eight-year stint at Old Trafford where he amassed a staggering 300 appearances.Nemanja Vidic slammed Manchester United’s players and recruitmentVidic experienced tremendous success under Man Utd legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Action ImagesThe centre-back continues to watch his beloved club and didn’t hold back on United’s worst ever start to a Premier League season.The ex-Serbia international questioned the players’ “character and resilience” and even dismissed claims that they are under too much pressure.In fact, the former defender insists the Red Devils’ flops could do with some real pressure so that they can finally understand the true demands of the club they are playing for.Vidic told Sky Sports: “Honestly, I don’t think it’s [the] pressure [of] playing for Man Utd. The way Man Utd fans support the club and the players… Read More on Man Utd”They don’t have pressure at all. Because they’re still behind the players and the coaches. I think they need pressure. I think those players, they definitely need pressure. We are all expecting more from them. “Even now we have some fantastic players. I think my question is more about the characters, resilience, [being] ready to compete, to give extra and compete week in week out.”I remember when I was playing for Man Utd: Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans – [I was thinking] they were coming to take my place. “I was scared I was going to lose my place. And that’s normal. If I’m not performing well, they will bring in a new guy. No one had to tell me that.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd have splashed well over £1billion since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and bought hefty flops, such as Angel Di Maria, Alexis Sanchez and Antony.Vidic insists the team’s recruitment needs to change and focus on the right characters rather than the biggest names.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsThe Serbian added: “So a job needs to be done in the next few transfer windows. Not just players they are going to bring in, I think some players definitely have to try and find new teams.”Sometimes you don’t need the best player in the world to play for your club, but you need the right character.”If you want to play for the big clubs, competing for the trophies, you have to be consistent. “And that’s not just down to quality, it’s down to mentality. That’s the key for me.” More

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      Ruben Amorim reveals reason why Cristiano Ronaldo gave him the nickname ‘the poet’ in revealing first Man Utd interview

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      RUBEN AMORIM has lifted the lid on why Cristiano Ronaldo referred to the new Manchester United boss as a “poet”.Amorim arrived at Old Trafford on Monday and met with members of the club’s hierarchy having been named Erik ten Hag’s successor.Ruben Amorim was asked for the backstory behind Ronaldo’s nickname for himCredit: GettyUnited legend Cristiano Ronaldo nicknamed Amorim ‘the poet’Credit: GettyThe 39-year-old gave his first interview as Man Utd manager on Friday.And he’s already been encompassed the club’s folklore, walked the iconic grounds, and even gatecrashed a fan tour of Old Trafford.While Amorim is known for his work ethic, his effective and no-holds-barred communication skills earned him the nickname “poet” from Ronaldo.When asked about it, Amorim told MUTV: “Yeah. But it’s like a funny thing because I like to speak.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Not too much but when I speak, I speak, I think I speak from the heart.”‘I think the people feel that it was something just to have fun.”Amorim is just nine days older than Ronaldo and his playing debut came just months after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined United in 2003.The pair appeared together on multiple occasions for Portugal between 2010 and 2014 before Amorim hung up his boots to embark on a career in the dugout.Most read in FootballAmorim and Ronaldo played for Portugal togetherCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter spells at Casa Pia and Braga, Amorim would join Ronaldo’s boyhood club Sporting Lisbon.In his first full season at the club he led Sporting to their first league title in almost two decades, before adding a second last season as interest from Premier League clubs grew. He leaves the Portuguese giants with a perfect record of 11 wins from 11 league games this season — yet the lure of Old Trafford was too good to turn down.Amorim has vowed to lead United into a new era of no-fear football.He added: “United are the engine of the Premier League. We know that we are the engine of the football.“I’m really honoured to be here. It was my only choice because I feel how big this club is. I will do everything for the team.“I will defend my players if I have to and I will do everything to put this club in the place it belongs. And I believe we are going to succeed.”Amorim is the sixth manager to try and haul United to their feet after the dismal decade since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.He was also nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’ after the young coach spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018. Amorim met Mourinho threw his brother-in-law Antero Henrique – a former Porto communications director who worked with Jose during his ‘Special One’ years at the Estadio do Dragao where he lifted the Champions League in 2004.READ MORE SUN STORIESIronically, Henrique was also targeted by United as a sporting director before switching their attention to Dan Ashworth.But Ashworth 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.” More

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      Man Utd wonderkid eyed by Premier League rivals Aston Villa for shock transfer after missing out on signing before

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      MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid Harry Amass is being targeted by Premier League rivals Aston Villa, reports suggest.Amass, 17, has been considered as a very promising young prospect at United ever since his arrival from Watford in 2023.Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Manchester United wonderkid Harry AmassCredit: GettyVilla have been monitoring Amass, front, third left, since last year, before Man Utd signed himCredit: GettyThe left-back impressed former manager Erik ten Hag, who called him up to train with the first team in February.Ten Hag also issued the England Under-18 international his first ever senior call-up with the Red Devils.Amass was included in the matchday squad against Liverpool in April but remained an unused substitute.However, the teenage sensation has yet to play for the senior squad and mostly featured for Man Utd’s Under-18s and Under-21s last season.Read More on Man UtdAccording to TEAMtalk, that has led to to interest from Villa who are monitoring developments around the young defender.The Villans have been keeping tabs on Amass since last year when they missed out on his signature by losing the bidding war to United.The full-back is under contract until 2027 and the Manchester giants would probably not welcome any interest in the youngster.However, reports suggest Man Utd may look to strengthen at left-back despite Amass impressing during pre-season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPlus, both Ten Hag and former interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy wouldn’t use him despite injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.But Ten Hag was sacked last month and Van Nistelrooy will not be included in new manager Ruben Amorim’s coaching staff.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourAmorim is planning to try new things at Old Trafford and could continue the same tactics he used at Sporting Lisbon that saw him fielding three defenders at the back.But in order for that formation to work the Portuguese tactician will need very capable wing-backs, which could create an opportunity for Amass. More

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      Ruben Amorim says Man Utd are ‘the engine of the Premier League’ and reveals how his team will play under his management

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      RUBEN AMORIM vowed to lead Manchester United into a new era of no-fear football.And the boss, 39, promised not to hang around in making it full steam ahead for the Red Devils — who he branded “the engine of the Premier League”.Ruben Amorim vowed to lead Manchester United into a new era of no-fear footballCredit: GettyAmorim described Man Utd as the ‘engine of the Premier League’Credit: GettyAmorim is the sixth manager to try and haul United to their feet after the dismal decade since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013Credit: GettyAmorim takes charge of 13th-placed United for the first time at Ipswich on November 24.The Portuguese gaffer, whose deal runs to June 2027, said: “We know it will take time and we will try to win time with the games.“But from day one we have to play without fear, without thinkingthey are not used to playing like this. This is not on my mind. They will start on the first day with our idea, no matter what.”Amorim is the sixth manager to try and haul United to their feet after the dismal decade since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.Read More on Man UtdJose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal were among those post-Fergie gaffers to fall short.And there was more fear than flair in two-and-a-bit seasons under Erik ten Hag.Yet Amorim is not fazed by the weight of history.He added: “It’s a great responsibility but you feel honoured and excited to be part of that.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“If the team plays well and wins games, everything looks so much better. We are the engine of football — Manchester United is the engine of the Premier League in my opinion.“For a long time we haven’t won the Premier  League but United is the biggest club in England.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tour“This is part of the history but it isn’t now, so we have to address that and try to win again.“All the people are hungry for success and this is the place I want to be because of that — because you can be part of something special.”That opportunity convinced Amorim to leave Sporting Lisbon — where he ended a 19-year title drought with two in four years.He leaves the Portuguese giants with a perfect record of 11 wins from 11 league games this season — yet the lure of Old Trafford was too good to turn down. And for all he was on the radar of others at times — including Liverpool and Chelsea — he claims he would not have left his homeland for anyone else.Amorim added: “I’m really honoured to be here. It was my only choice because I feel how big this club is. I will do everything for the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I will defend my players if I have to and I will do everything to put this club in the place it belongs. And I believe we are going to succeed.”For the full interview check out manutd.com, MUTV and the club’s social-media outlets. More