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

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      MANCHESTER UNITED may need to hold an end of season fire sale to give new boss Ruben Amorim January transfer wriggle room.The Portuguese boss will step into the Old Trafford firing line on Monday after finally severing his links with Sporting Lisbon at the weekend.Ruben Amorim could look to make signings in JanuaryCredit: GettyStriker Viktor Gyokeres could follow from SportingCredit: AFPMan Utd may need to sell to meet PSR requirementsCredit: GettyAmorim will be inheriting a squad that appears way short of what is required for United to challenge at the top of the Prem.The new manager is expected to play his preferred back-three system with wing-backs forced to work hard at both ends of the pitch.But while the United leadership will be keen to give the new manager the tools he needs to make an early impact – the club’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules position is likely to require departures before the end of the financial year on June 30.This is due to be the last year of the Prem’s current PSR regulations, with clubs moving to a Uefa-style “squad cost ratio” system for next term.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the breach penalties handed out to Everton and Nottingham Forest last season mean all clubs including United will know they risk points deductions for next term if they exceed the “permitted loss” limit of £105m over three seasons to the end of this campaign.United’s summer transfers under now-axed Erik ten Hag saw the arrivals of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee for a combined £172m.For PSR calculations, those arrivals are “amortised” over their contract lengths, meaning a seasonal cost of £37.1m.That outlay came with a huge influx of transfer income, as United sold players including Scott McTominay, Mason Greenwood and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for a total of £86m, more than making up for the money spent.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThree Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro.But United’s amortisation bill for this season does not just include the summer 2024 spending.The club has to include the money spent over the last SIX years, with accumulated costs of £44m for last term, just under £45m for the previous campaign, Jadon Sancho’s 2021 arrival costing them £17m even though he will spend the season at Chelsea.Dimitar Berbatov tips Viktor Gyokeres to follow Ruben Amorim to Man Utd United’s amortisation spending even includes £42m for the arrivals of Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes in the 2019-20 season – when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge.That adds up to £168m in PSR transfer costs for this season.United’s wage bill last term was £364m, with the club announcing losses of £69m, added to the losses of £11m in 2023 and £87m the previous years.That does not mean losses of that size in their PSR accounts, as the £105m limit is reached with significant discounts for spending on infrastructure, the youth and women’s teams and community projects, with United also benefitting last term from the final Covid adjustment.But new club chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already noted that United were close to the PSR limit last season.And with the club in the Europa League rather than the Champions League this season, it will mean a reduction of up to £50m in TV revenues – although it will also see wage bonuses reduced.The rules do not prevent clubs from spending in January – but they do have to balance their books by the end of the financial year.Selling the likes of Antony or Casemiro is not as easy a get-out as it might appear either.They would have to receive a fee of £30m for Casemiro to get to zero in accounting terms, with Antony’s five-year deal meaning £49.2m would be taken off any agreed fee received.Alternatively the Red Devils could sell an academy graduate like Marcus Rashford as his transfer fee would count as pure profit, since he did not cost United a penny.But if Amorim is going to be allowed to bring players in – there are no limits in the Prem but clubs can only change a maximum of three players in their Uefa squads for the knock-out stage – it appears likely that exits will have to come before the end of June.The end of last term saw the likes of Newcastle, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Everton engage in a series of deals that saw them get under the PSR limits.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited might have previously been above those sort of financial requirements.But they may not be this term – especially if Amorim demands some significant action in the winter window. 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      Liverpool put three left-backs on transfer wishlist to replace Andy Robertson including two Premier League stars

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

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

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

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

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      RUBEN AMORIM was involved in an awkward moment with an English journalist ahead of Sporting Lisbon’s game against Manchester City.The new Manchester United manager, 39, will face off against Pep Guardiola’s side in the Champions League on Tuesday night.Ruben Amorim had an awkward exchange in his press conference on TuesdayCredit: PAHe was unwilling to speak English which led to a moment fans labelled ‘cringe’Credit: XHe has the opportunity to beat the Red Devils’ local rivals before he even arrives at Old Trafford on November 11.And on Monday he was quizzed about earning a win over the Premier League champions by Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill.But Cotterill was keen for Amorim to speak in English… which led to an awkward moment between the pair.The Sky Sports journalist asked: “I wondered if you were aware that obviously to win tomorrow night will be brilliant for your current club [Sporting] but also brilliant for your new club [Man Utd].READ MORE ON MAN UTD”You could be a hero even before you get on a plane to Manchester. Has that crossed your mind? In English please.”A sheepish Amorim, who has been praised already for his excellent English skills, replied: “Sorry, I cannot speak in English now.”Cotterill proceeded to ask “why” on two occasions, before Amorim added: “I’m sorry, they [the other journalists] will miss me in Portuguese so I have to speak in Portuguese.”Cotterill said: “They’ve had about 25 minutes in Portuguese. We want 10 seconds in English.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe press officer then intervened to say: “We will proceed in Portuguese, next week you can hear him talking English.”Before Cotterill added: “It’s like a cold shoulder to your English fans.”How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyAmorim laughed off the comment, but those on social media were quick to react.One said: “Cringing so hard watching this clip. Fair play to Amorim for keeping his cool.”Another added: “He shoulda trolled the journalist in Portuguese. Easy pickings.”A third responded: “This is stomach-churning.”And a fourth said: “Huge respect to Ruben Amorim for standing firm on his beliefs.”The less said about having to answer questions in English whilst he’s in Portugal the better 🤦🏿‍♂️.”Amorim’s first game in charge of Man Utd comes away at Ipswich on November 24.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      Fulham stars repeatedly slap pitch-invading fan on head in wild celebrations as he is dragged off by stewards

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      FULHAM stars repeatedly slapped the head of a pitch-invading fan in wild celebrations after their incredible comeback win over Brentford.The Cottagers were 1-0 down in their West London derby with just minutes remaining when Harry Wilson netted an extraordinary 92nd-minute equaliser.A fan celebrated Fulham’s late win over Brentford on the pitch with playersCredit: Sky SportsHe was slapped on the head by Fulham stars before being taken off the field by securityCredit: Sky SportsBrentford were left shellshocked by Fulham’s late effort.But the Bees were stung again when Wilson pounced with a 97th-minute header to seal a 2-1 victory.The Welshman’s brilliant brace sparked jubilant celebrations among the Craven Cottage faithful.And one supporter got carried away as he left the stands for the pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fan immediately ran to Wilson before hugging him in delight.Rodrigo Muniz and Tom Cairney also joined in the celebrations.And the group toasted Wilson’s winner by hilariously repeatedly slapping the fan on the head.The supporter appeared to love it though as he continued roaring with joy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut his party with the players was short-lived as security intervened.They surrounded the man as Fulham’s stars broke away.’That’s the type of game where babies are made’, says Prem legend to leave Monday Night Football studio in stitchesAnd he was quickly escorted back off the pitch to continue the fun elsewhere.The win saw Fulham move up to ninth in the table, putting them two points ahead of 12th-place Brentford. More

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      Man Utd told ‘Cole Palmer owns every one of your players’ after video of filthy skill in Chelsea draw emerges

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      CHELSEA fans hailed Cole Palmer after his audacious skill against Manchester United.The England international, 22, was largely kept quiet at Old Trafford on Sunday as the two sides played out a 1-1 draw.Cole Palmer brilliantly nutmegged Manuel Ugarte with a superb piece of skillCredit: XChelsea fans were in awe of the England international’s moment of geniusCredit: XBut Palmer, 22, still showed his class with one eye-catching moment up against Man Utd’s new signing Manuel Ugarte.Neither side were able to keep hold of possession as the ball bounced around in an ugly passage of play.Eventually, it dropped to Palmer who feinted to take it one way and then fed the ball through Ugarte’s legs.He then found space and played a pass to start a Chelsea move.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAnd the piece of skill was not missed by Blues supporters who were quick to heap praise on their talisman.One said: “He actually owns every Manchester United player.”Another added: “Nutmeg with a ball that’s still in the air is wild 🤯.”A third replied: “Nah, this guy is an exceptional baller.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile a fourth responded: “Pure skill from Palmer. That was icy.”Palmer has already scored seven goals and assisted 5 in 12 games this season.Cole Palmer’s reaction to being compared to Zola will make you feel old as fans say ‘he actually said that out loud?’He has continued his fine form from his opening campaign at Chelsea where he racked up 42 goal contributions in 48 matches.Chelsea sit fourth in the Premier League table, above Arsenal on goal difference – who they face at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. More

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      New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim to be handed instant injury boost as £60m ace set for first-team return

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      RUBEN AMORIM is set to be handed an instant injury boost when he finally takes charge at Manchester United after Mason Mount returned to first-team training.The Portuguese boss has been confirmed as Erik ten Hag’s successor at Old Trafford.Mason Mount is back in full training at Man Utd after another injury setbackCredit: GettyThe boost comes as Ruben Amorim prepares to leave Sporting Lisbon for Old TraffordCredit: EPABut he will not be taking the reins until after November’s international break.It means the current Sporting Lisbon chief has plenty of time to prep for his first game against Ipswich Town as interim gaffer Ruud van Nistelrooy takes charge of fixtures with PAOK and Leicester.And Amorim is sure to be running his eye over United’s talented, yet underperforming, squad.He certainly won’t be short on options after Ten Hag was provided with £200million-worth of new stars over the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut one forgotten ace is also set to rejoin the pack, with Mount returning to full training after missing the whole of October with injury.Mount was signed from Chelsea a year ago for an initial £55m, with fee potentially hitting £60m.Still only 25, he should be hitting his peak after leading the Blues to the Champions League and Club World Cup.But Mount has been hit by numerous injury problems at United and so far has just one goal in 25 outings.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe England star will be desperate to relive his Stamford Bridge glory days at Old Trafford.And he could be one of the beneficiaries of Amorim’s new 3-4-3 formation, which sees two versatile forwards sit either side of the striker.’Career threatening!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to Martinez’s tackle on Cole Palmer in Man Utd vs Chelsea | The Whistleblower, Mark HalseyMount played a similar role on the right at Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel.But he will first need to prove his fitness while also convincing Amorim that he is more deserving of a place in the forward line than the likes of Marcus Rashord, Bruno Fernandes or Alejandro Garnacho.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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      Xabi Alonso breaks silence on why he ruled himself out of Liverpool job after Jurgen Klopp quit

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      XABI ALONSO has broken his silence on why he ruled himself out of the Liverpool job at the end of last season.Ex-Reds midfielder Alonso, 42, was the obvious candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp after the German confirmed he was leaving.Xabi Alonso has spoken about why he did not take the Liverpool jobCredit: PAArne Slot ended up replacing Jurgen Klopp in the summerCredit: GettyAlonso guided Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title last season without losing a game.They also won the DFB Pokal and reached the Europa League final.But Alonso then surprisingly announced he was going to stay at Leverkusen, removing any chance of him succeeding Klopp.Now he has opened up about why that was the case when he was asked whether he ever seriously considered the job at Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTo which he replied: “At that time I was focused, I had a big thing with the players and we were really focused on that.”Arne Slot ended up replacing Klopp and will come up against Alonso on Tuesday night when Liverpool host Leverkusen in the Champions League.In the build-up to the game, Alonso, who is also being linked with Real Madrid, was quizzed on whether he could join Liverpool in the future.He said: “Let’s talk about the game tomorrow, it’s more interesting than my future.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Let’s talk about the great players on both sides, that is what is in my head.”For us it is a big challenge to come here. Liverpool at the moment is one of the best if not the best in Europe, they are showing that in a very strong Premier League and the Champions League.Roy Keane fumes Man Utd ‘wouldn’t have tolerated’ Xabi Alonso’s behaviour”It’s a good squad, good coach. At Anfield, it’s a big challenge. We’re looking forward to it, let’s see what happens.”Slot has made a sensational start to life as Liverpool boss, winning eight of his opening 10 Premier League games as they sit two points clear at the top of the table.Leverkusen are struggling in fourth in the Bundesliga, seven points adrift of Bayern Munich.But they have picked up seven points from three Champions League matches, including wins over Feyenoord and AC Milan. More