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      How every Man Utd manager fared in first Premier League game as boss as Ruben Amorim prepares for Ipswich clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are preparing for yet another new era at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim becomes the latest manager tasked with bringing back the glory days since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.Ruben Amorim is preparing for his first match as Manchester United managerCredit: GettyThe Portuguese gaffer replaced Erik ten Hag and begins away at IpswichCredit: GettyAmorim had to wait until the international break to leave Sporting and officially replace Erik ten Hag, who was axed after two years on October 28.But nearly a month later and following Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim spell, the wait is virtually over for Red Devils fans to see Amorim take charge of their side.His United travel to Portman Road on Sunday afternoon to face an Ipswich team who beat Tottenham last time out – while Van Nistelrooy signed off with a comfortable 3-0 win over another newly-promoted side in Leicester.The pressure will be on the new Portuguese arrival to get off to a winning start.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut how did Manchester United’s previous bosses get on in their opening Premier League matches in the dugout? RUUD VAN NISTELROOY, 2024Van Nistelrooy began and ended his four-match stint with wins over Leicester.But his first league clash in the dugout was a home tie against Chelsea, which finished 1-1.Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot but Moises Caicedo cancelled it out to share the points at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRuud van Nistelrooy earned a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in his first Premier League game in chargeCredit: GettyThat would be the only game Van Nistelrooy did not win in charge as he masterminded a 2-0 victory over PAOK in the Europa League as well.ERIK TEN HAG, 2022One could say it was doomed from the beginning for Ten Hag after his absolutely abysmal start.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsUnited lost 2-1 at home to Brighton in his debut match as Pascal Gross grabbed a double.And when the Red Devils were thrashed 4-0 at Brentford in Ten Hag’s next match, there was genuine fears he would be sacked after two matches.Erik ten Hag started with a 2-1 defeat at home to BrightonCredit: APRALF RANGNICK, 2021The German was not exactly the most popular appointment as interim manager when he took over in December 2021.There were definitely plenty of complaints about his spell at Old Trafford – but in fairness, he did make a solid start.Rangnick led United to a 1-0 home win over Crystal Palace with Fred getting the only goal 13 minutes from time.Ralf Rangnick had plenty to cheer about on his Prem debutCredit: GettyMICHAEL CARRICK, 2021Van Nistelrooy is not the only temporary boss to face Chelsea in his first match – and not the only one to draw 1-1.Carrick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer briefly in 2021 when the Norwegian was axed after the 4-1 defeat to Watford.The former midfielder had a tough pair of Prem fixtures – Chelsea away and Arsenal at home.But he took four points, thanks to Jadon Sancho’s goal in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge then Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo inspired a 3-2 win over the Gunners before Rangnick stepped in.Michael Carrick oversaw a 1-1 draw with Chelsea first up in the leagueCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunOLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER, 2018Solskjaer’s first Premier League match was a visit to one of his former clubs – Cardiff City.And he got off to the best start imaginable when Marcus Rashford fired United ahead in the third minute.Things got better and better with Ander Herrera, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard scoring twice in a 5-1 victory.The Norwegian went unbeaten in his first 12 league games, winning ten to help him land the job on a permanent basis.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got his interim reign off to a brilliant start at CardiffCredit: APJOSE MOURINHO, 2016Like Solskjaer, Mourinho also got off to a fantastic start in the Premier League.He won his first three games, including an opening day victory at Bournemouth, winning 3-1 with goals from Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.The Red Devils shot to the top of the table after the win but would be no match for Manchester City in the title race that season.Jose Mourinho also started well but could not maintain his early successCredit: PALOUIS VAN GAAL, 2014It was a disaster for Van Gaal in his first game – a 2-1 defeat to Swansea City at Old Trafford.And things did not get better soon after for the Dutchman with draws against Sunderland and Burnley before he finally got his first Premier League win over QPR.In fairness, he did have to start a back three of Tyler Blackett, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling against the Swans, with Lingard and Javier Hernandez also being forced off with injury.Louis van Gaal is one of just two United managers to lose his first Premier League game in chargeCredit: PARYAN GIGGS, 2014The legendary winger stepped in to finish off the ill-fated 2013-14 season, replacing David Moyes for the final four Premier League games.That started with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Norwich at Old Trafford with Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata grabbing two each while Carrick started in midfield.Player-manager Giggs then lost 1-0 at Sunderland, beat Hull 3-1 and finished his brief tenure with a 1-1 draw away to Southampton.Ryan Giggs saw off Norwich in his first match as player-managerCredit: AFPDAVID MOYES, 2013David Moyes showed Van Gaal how to mastermind a win over Swansea, beating the Welsh side 4-1 away.Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck both scored twice for a star-studded United side which included Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Carrick.But the Red Devils’ Premier League form under Moyes quickly unravelled with defeats against Liverpool, Manchester City and West Brom in his first six matches.After beating Swansea David Moyes failed to build on his dream startCredit: GettySIR ALEX FERGUSON, 1992A 2-1 loss to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane kicked off a new era for English football as the first-ever Premier League match.Brian Deane had the honour of scoring the first-ever Premier League goal in the fifth minute and added a second via the penalty spot before half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESMark Hughes pulled one back after the break but it was not enough to prevent defeat.Despite the setback, United went on to win the league that season – although it would take something remarkable for Amorim to follow suit come MaySir Alex Ferguson’s Premier League era kicked off with a shock defeat at Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty More

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      Struggling Hojlund has better conversion rate than Haaland and Salah but Man Utd boss Amorim must fix dilemma

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      RASMUS HOJLUND has a better chance conversion rate than Erling Haaland and Mo Salah since debuting for Manchester United last year.The forward, still only 21, joined the Red Devils for £72million in the summer of 2023, following a solitary season at Atalanta.Rasmus Hojlund has scored one Premier League goal this seasonCredit: GettyHojlund, 21, actually ranks as one of the Prem’s most accurate shootersCredit: ReutersHojlund arrived at Old Trafford with United desperate for a prolific striker.And while he has shown signs of promise, he has only scored 18 goals in 55 appearances for the Red Devils, 11 coming in the Premier League.Statistics show, however, that Hojlund is nowhere near solely to blame for his lack of goals.In fact, since making his United debut, he is among the Premier League’s deadliest finishers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHojlund has a conversion rate of 25.5 per cent, which puts him fourth in the Premier League over this period.Only Chris Wood (30.9), Jean-Philippe Mateta (28.8) and Hwang Hee-chan (27.5) have better conversion rates in that time.Manchester City goal-machine Erling Haaland is at 21.2 per cent, albeit on far higher volume.While Liverpool’s Mo Salah is on 18.3 per cent, again on far more attempts.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSErling Haaland receives far better service at Man City than Hojlund does at UnitedCredit: GettyHojlund’s chance conversion at United has been better than Mo Salah’s in the same periodCredit: GettySunSport revealed last weekend that Man Utd scouts were in attendance to watch Ruben Amorim’s former Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres in action for Sweden.But with Amorim set to have to work with a reduced budget compared to his predecessor Erik ten Hag, he may have to prioritise getting more out of his current crop.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsSpeaking to the Telegraph, former Man Utd forward Dion Dublin pointed out that his old side don’t put in enough quality crosses for Hojlund.He said: “I still don’t agree with right-footers on the left and left-footers on the right.”If you’re (Alejandro) Garnacho on the left or Antony playing on the right, all your crosses are going into the keeper – if you’re on the other side they’re coming away from the keeper and you have more room then to adjust as a centre-forward.””You also get that reluctance to beat the man on the outside and if you are playing inverted you have an excuse to keep chopping back on to your good foot all the time, but there shouldn’t be any excuse to deliver end product.”The Telegraph also point out that Hojlund receives just 4.1 touches in the opposition box and 1.5 shots per game, compared to Haaland’s tallies of 7.1 and 4.5.Where United fans can hold hope, however, is with the work Amorim did with Gyokeres in Portugal.The striker was already a good player ahead of the move, having banged goals in for Coventry.But things went up another notch in Lisbon, with Gyokeres having netted an astonishing 66 times in 68 matches for Sporting.READ MORE SUN STORIESIrrespective of United’s transfer budget in upcoming windows, Hojlund will have an opportunity to prove that he can be the club’s prolific No9, and that they don’t need to fork out on Gyokeres or another star forward.And United fans will hope that he can now embark on a rich vein of form, starting this Sunday as Amorim takes charge of his first game away at Ipswich.Ruben Amorim did brilliant work with Viktor GyokeresCredit: PA More

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      Steven Gerrard reunited with Michael Beale as ex-Sunderland and Rangers boss appointed his Al-Ettifaq assistant

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      MICHAEL BEALE is set for to be reunited with Steven Gerrard after being appointed Al-Ettifaq’s new assistant managerEx-Rangers boss Beale has been out of work since being sacked by Sunderland in February.Michael Beale is set to reunite with Steven Gerrard at Al-EttifaqCredit: The SunMeanwhile Gerrard is under pressure at Al-Ettifaq following a horror start to the season.The Liverpool legend has kept his £15million-a-year job but has made changes to his backroom staff.Assistant manager Dean Holden and sporting director Mark Allen both left by mutual consent.And Beale – who worked with Gerrard in Scotland – has now joined to replace Holden.READ MORE IN football The 44-year-old was in charge for just 12 matches at Sunderland before being sacked in February.Al-Ettifaq sit 12th out of 18 in the Saudi Pro League, losing HALF of their ten games this season.The ex-England captain held crisis talks with Al-Ettifaq’s owners in November – but vowed to fight for his job.He said: “On the back of recent results in my position you are always aware of disappointment from fans, I have to take that responsibility on my shoulders.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”That is what I will do and continue to fight and work to improve the recent results.”I don’t react, change or get overconcerned about social media or anyone on the outside of Ettifaq’s opinion, my priority is this club.”I listen to the people within and continue to support my players.”I meet Mr Hatim (head of football Hatim Al Misehal) after every game and we talk football, where it is a win, loss or draw, we have fantastic support, myself, the staff and the players from the management team.”Steven Gerrard is looking for self improvement Al Ettifaq More

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      Liverpool drop worrying transfer hint over three key players as 2025 calendar is released

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      LIVERPOOL have dropped a big hint over the futures of Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.The trio are all out of contract in the summer and have been linked with moves away from Anfield.Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold could both be set to leave in the summerCredit: GettyVirgil van Dijk is also out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: ReutersRight-back Alexander-Arnold, 26, is being closely monitored by European champions Real Madrid.Forward Salah, 32, has been the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia for more than a year, with Paris Saint-Germain also in the frame.And centre-back Van Dijk, 33, was linked with a switch to Barcelona back in January.All three will be able to sign pre-contract agreements elsewhere from January if they wish to leave.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow Reds fans’ fears over losing all three have been exacerbated following the release of the club’s 2025 calendar.Alexander-Arnold, Salah and Van Dijk are on the months of February, March and April.This could be construed as Liverpool preparing for their summer departures by putting them at the start of the year.Earlier this month, SunSport revealed contract talks with Alexander-Arnold are stalling as the club are not willing to offer him higher wages than Salah and Van Dijk.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollowing Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Manchester United back in September, Salah hinted at his imminent exit by saying he wanted to “enjoy the last year” at Anfield.But Van Dijk has offered more optimism surrounding his future after revealing last month that he is speaking to the “right people” about a new deal.Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister ‘being sued for compensation by ex’ two years after he ‘dumped her for her friend’ He said: “I can say obviously discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know, we will see what happens in the future.”What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see.”Despite uncertainty surrounding the futures of key players, Liverpool have not been impacted on the pitch under new manager Arne Slot.The Reds sit top of the Premier League table, five points clear of Manchester City having won nine of their opening 11 matches.They also sit first in the Champions League and are the only team to boast a 100 per cent record after four games. More

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      Arsenal ready to ‘rescue’ Real Madrid’s ‘next Martin Odegaard’ who could help solve two problem positions

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      ARSENAL are plotting a January swoop for Real Madrid star Arda Guler, according to reports in Spain.The Gunners are seeking reinforcements for Mikel Arteta’s squad.Arda Guler has struggled for starts at Real MadridCredit: GettyAnd they see similarities with their club captain Martin Odegaard.The Norwegian, 25, had arrived at the Bernabeu as a highly-rated teen, but found game time hard to come by during the first half of the 2020-21 season.In January 2021 the Gunners moved to sign him on loan, before making the deal permanent in the summer.Odegaard has gone on to be a huge success at the Emirates and is now viewed as one of Arteta’s most important players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to Spanish outlet Sport, Gunners chiefs believe that something similar could happen with Guler.The Turkish wonderkid, 19, arrived in Madrid from Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023.Amid several injuries and stiff competition, he has struggled for minutes under Carlo Ancelotti.They claim that he has become unhappy with the situation, having made just three LaLiga starts so far this term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMartin Odegaard struggled for game time at Real MadridCredit: GettyGunners chiefs are claimed to have “made contact” with Guler’s entourage as they plot a potential move.But they are set to face fierce competition, with other teams having reportedly done the same.Excited fans say ‘whoever gets Arda Guler is so lucky’ as they realise Turkish wonderkid’s ‘bargain’ release clauseGuler has made 24 appearances in total for Real Madrid, scoring six goals.Last season he was scuppered by knee and muscle injuries, being limited to just 10 LaLiga outings.The teenager has already become a key man for his country.He starred at Euro 2024, scoring against Georgia and laying on assists vs Austria and the Netherlands. More

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      Chelsea coach QUITS after 18 years at club to join Thomas Tuchel’s England set-up

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      HENRIQUE HILARIO is set to end 18 years with Chelsea by leaving to join Thomas Tuchel at England.The goalkeeper signed for the Blues in 2006 as third-choice behind Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini.Henrique Hilario will leave as Chelsea goalkeeping coach to join EnglandCredit: GettyHilario provided back-up for Chelsea stoppersCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAnd he spent almost a decade providing back-up before retiring in 2014 having been part of Premier League and Champions League-winning sides.Two years after hanging up his gloves, Hilario returned to Chelsea under Antonio Conte as assistant goalkeeping coach. He was then promoted two years later by Maurizio Sarri and remained in that role – under Tuchel too. But the German manager – who succeeds Gareth Southgate as Three Lions boss – will take Hilario with him to Wembley. READ MORE ON CHELSEASunSport revealed in November how Tuchel plotted a swoop for his former keeping coach.The FA officially announced the out-of-work German as Gareth Southgate’s successor in October.But he won’t take charge of the Three Lions – who he’s signed an 18-month deal with – until January 1.Tuchel, 51, is using the time off to get his backroom team in place.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe’s also convinced Chelsea’s current performance analyst James Melbourne to join him.Hilario and Melbourne will be welcomed by a familiar face in former Blues coach Anthony Barry, who Tuchel has installed as his No2.’Why should a player have to be from a country and not the manager’ says Wenger as he questions Tuchel as England boss More

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      Pep Guardiola ‘has no relegation break clause’ in new Man City contract despite threat of punishment over 115 charges

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has reportedly agreed to extend his stay at Manchester City.But his new contract does not include a break clause if City are relegated as punishment for the 115 financial charges tabled against them, according to The Guardian.Pep Guardiola’s contract does not include a relegation break clauseCredit: PAGuardiola, 53, is understood to have agreed to extend his stay at the Etihad by a further year until 2026.However there is no agreement in the deal for the Spaniard to simply walk away if City are relegated.City are involved in a court battle with the Premier League over their alleged financial crimes, with the club denying all allegations.Guardiola insisted he was looking forward to the beginning of the trial, despite one possible consequence being City’s expulsion from all domestic competitions. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, SunSport understands that it is unlikely that that the Cityzens would be dumped from all competitions despite the rules allowing for it to happen.But it has been reported that a one-off points deduction is not seen as “sufficient punishment” for City if they are found guilty of their alleged breaches.Relegation remains a potential option and Guardiola was defiant when asked about the possibility of dropping to the lower leagues.Asked if he would consider his position if City were relegated, he replied: “I will answer when I have the sentence.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“You are questioning like we have been punished. And in the moment we are innocent until guilt is proved. I know the people want it. I know, I feel it. I will wait. Wait and see it and after the sentence has been done we will come here and explain it.“But absolutely I will not consider my future [if] it depends on being here [Premier League] or being in League One. Absolutely. There is more chance to stay if we are in League One than if we were in the Champions League.”Meet Man City’s Nico O’Reilly: Rodri’s heir? More

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      Ruben Amorim’s backroom staff: Who are the coaches working alongside Man Utd boss?

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      RUBEN AMORIM is the sixth permanent manager Manchester United have appointed since club icon Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.The young Portugese coach follows David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat.Ruben Amorim joined Manchester United in November 2024Credit: GettyAmorim is highly thought of in the world of football after a very successful tenure at Sporting.In his first full season at the club, he guided the Portugese giants to a domestic double, including their first league title in 19 years.Sporting only suffered one defeat in Liga Portugal all campaign, which came on the penultimate weekend after they had already become champions.The season before Amorim joined Man Utd, he led the Lisbon club to a second league title in four years, developing some of the hottest talents in Europe, including goal machine Viktor Gyokores.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 39-year-old will be hoping he can replicate his success at Sporting in Manchester and end the post-Sir Alex Ferguson struggles at the club.But who has Amorim brought along for the journey at the Red Devils?Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd backroom staffRuben Amorim has brought SIX members of his Sporting backroom staff to Man Utd.All six worked alongside the Man Utd boss during his four-year spell at the Portugese giants.Most read in FootballCarlos Fernandes is Ruben Amorim’s assistant at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyCarlos Fernandes will be Amorim’s assistant head coach, the same job he occupied while working in Lisbon.The 30-year-old first linked up with the Red Devils gaffer at Casa Pia in 2018 – and the two have worked alongside each other since.In addition to Fernandes, Adelio Candido and Emanuel Ferro join Darren Fletcher and Andreas Georgson as Man Utd first-team coaches.Jorge Vital takes up the role of first-team goalkeeper coach – and will be assisted by Craig Mawson – while Paulo Barreira arrives as physical performance coach.Amorim has also brought 39-year-old analyst Eduardo Rosalino with him from Sporting. More