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      Fans launched petition to BAN me from playing for England… it’s something I wouldn’t want to see my son go through

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      FORMER Manchester United star Tom Cleverley has revealed his heartbreak after fans started a petition to BAN him from playing for England.The 35-year-old is now manager of Watford after a glittering midfield career.Tom Cleverley has opened up over the pain he felt when fans started a petition to ban him playing for EnglandCredit: PAThe former midfielder made 13 appearances for England between 2012 and 2013Credit: PA:Empics SportThe petition went in ahead of the 2014 World CupCleverley played 79 matches for United, winning a Premier League title.And he also turned out for clubs including Watford, Leicester, Aston Villa and Everton.Cleverley’s time at United also saw him win 13 England caps between 2012 and 2013.But some supporters were not keen on seeing him represent the Three Lions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne even created an online government petition, urging others to sign so that Cleverley would be banned from playing for England at the 2014 World Cup.The petition, which was rejected and is now archived, read: “Tom Cleverley, owner of 13 England caps, has been regularly selected by Roy Hodgson in his squads without possessing any genuine qualities whatsoever.“We believe for the reputation of this proud footballing nation that he should be prevented from attending this summer’s international showcase.“Whilst England are considered to disappoint at major tournaments, further embarrassment could be avoided by not having his inept performances undermine the rest team’s efforts.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCleverley was not selected for the tournament in Brazil, which saw England finish bottom of their group.And he has now revealed how much the petition hurt.England’s Stellar Performance: Player Ratings vs IrelandCleverley won a Premier League title during his time at Man UtdCredit: GettyHe is now manager of another of his former clubs, WatfordCredit: GettyCleverley claims it was a “difficult process” knowing that he was not a fan favourite.And he admits he would not want his son to ever go through a similar experience.The Hornets gaffer told The Telegraph: “It’s something as a parent I wouldn’t want to see my son go through… to fulfil his dreams and get knocked down quite hard.“I massively respect the players who have gone through that process (criticism) and still come out at the top: Raheem Sterling, Harry Maguire.“To play for United, the biggest club in the country, to play for England, and then for a petition to come out to get you out of the squad.“That’s a pretty difficult process for a 23-year-old to go through.”Tom Cleverley’s career statsClub careerMan Utd, 2008-2015: 79 games, 5 goalsLeicester (loan), 2008-2009: 15 games, 2 goalsWatford (loan), 2009-2010: 35 games, 11 goalsWigan (loan), 2010-2011: 25 games, 4 goalsAston Villa (loan), 2014-2015: 37 games, 3 goalsEverton, 2015-2017: 42 games, 2 goalsWatford, 2016-2023: 146 games, 8 goalsEngland, 2012-2013: 13 games, 0 goalsTrophies: Premier League, Community Shield x2 (Man Utd); League One (Leicester)Managerial careerWatford, March 2024-present: P27 W12 D6 L9 More

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      Man City wonderkid James McAtee ‘lined up for January transfer’ after playing ONE Premier League minute all season

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      MANCHESTER CITY ace James McAtee is being targeted by West Ham and Fulham ahead of the January transfer window.McAtee, 22, enjoyed an impressive loan stint with Sheffield United the last two years as he scored 14 goals and bagged eight assists in 75 appearances.Manchester City ace James McAtee is being targeted by Fulham and West HamCredit: GettyMan City could be open to selling McAtee in the January transfer windowCredit: GettyThe playmaker has found opportunities to be limited at the Etihad this season despite a string of injuries in the squad and has only played ONE MINUTE in the Premier League.According to The Guardian, that has led interest from both the Hammers and the Cottagers who are tracking the City academy product.He was reportedly targeted by Chelsea last summer.McAtee has played six times across all competitions, with his most impressive performance taking place last month in the Champions League at Slovan Bratislava where he scored a goal.Read More on FootballThe attacking midfielder could command a fee of at least £20million and the Cityzens would be open to a deal.The versatile midfielder is still highly regarded by the club, who could offer him a new contract with his current deal set to run out in 2026.However, the reigning Premier League champions have proven to be open to selling homegrown players as it helps their position with the English top flight’s profit and sustainability rules.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWest Ham have struggled in midfield this season with star player Lucas Paqueta being unable to replicate last term’s success.Most read in FootballPaqueta has also been charged with a breach of the Football Association’s betting regulations – the Brazil international denies the allegations.City wonderkid James McAtee scores impressive goal in trainingFulham are likely to rekindle their interest in McAtee after failing to land him in the summer.His former England Under-21 international team-mate Emile Smith Rowe has been rejuvenated under Marco Silva at Craven Cottage after he left Arsenal.Fellow Man City academy graduate Cole Palmer has also proven the grass can be greener away from Pep Guardiola’s side as he left the club last year and went on to become Chelsea’s biggest star. More

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      Joshua Zirkzee’s Man Utd career ‘could be over within six months’ as Red Devils explore shock swap transfer

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      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE’S Manchester United career could be over after just six months as Ruben Amorim reportedly explores a shock swap transfer.Zirkzee, 23, only joined the Red Devils from Bologna in July for £36million.Joshua Zirzkee could already be on his way out of Man Utd in a swap dealCredit: GettyBut the striker has just one goal in 16 outings.That effort came on his debut over three months ago.And reports claim United could look to get rid of Zirkzee when the January transfer window opens.However, Italian outlet Il Matino claims new boss Amorim hopes to replace Zirkzee with a world-class striker in a stunning swap deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s claimed that United will offer Zirzkee PLUS £25m for Napoli misfit Victor Osimhen.The Nigerian is currently on loan at Galatasaray after failing to secure a move to Chelsea over the summer.Osimhen has eight goals in nine games for his Turkish team, with the Blues still interested in signing him permanently.Napoli are able to recall him this winter and are also ready to do business.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut they are demanding teams meet Osimhen’s new £62m release clause in full.Antonio Conte’s Serie A leaders are not interested in bringing another striker to town after signing Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelUnited want to land Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at GalatasarayCredit: GettyWhile Osimhen is likely to demand a tasty annual salary of £10m to boot.He’s not the only striker United are interested in either.Amorim turned former Coventry star Viktor Gyokeres into one of Europe’s most fearsome hitmen.The Swede has 23 goals in 18 games for Sporting Lisbon this season.And United reportedly sent scouts to watch Gyokeres as he netted in his country’s 2-1 win over Slovakia on Saturday.United sent scouts to watch Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres play for SwedenCredit: Getty More

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      Erik ten Hag spotted back in Manchester weeks after Man Utd sacking as he and wife Bianca head out for dinner

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      ERIK TEN HAG is back in Manchester more than three weeks after being sacked by Manchester United.The Dutchman, 54, was dismissed by Red Devils chiefs at the end of October following their worst ever start to a Premier League campaign.Erik Ten Hag left Piccolino’s in Hale Village in ManchesterCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe exited the establishment with wife BiancaCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeFormer Man Utd boss Ten Hag smiled for the camerasCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeTen Hag and wife Bianca left in their Audi as they braved the cold weatherCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeIt brought to an end his mixed two-year spell at Old Trafford – which included Carabao Cup and FA Cup wins but also a disappointing eighth place finish in the Premier League last season.He jetted back to Holland immediately after losing his job as he was replaced by Ruben Amorim.Ten Hag was seen in his home country watching a game between Heracles Almelo and NAC Breda.But now, with Amorim set to take charge of his first game as Man Utd boss at Ipswich on Sunday, Ten Hag is back in the city.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe ex-Ajax head coach was spotted leaving Italian chain restaurant Piccolino in Manchester on Monday.He came out the front door alongside wife Bianca – with agent Kees Vos and other members of his management team also said to be in attendance.Ten Hag smiled for the cameras as he walked away.According to Manchester Evening News, he also took the time to clear out his possessions from his home.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, Ten Hag’s successor Amorim took charge of his first training session earlier on Monday.He spent time with a handful of first-team players, with the rest away on international duty.Man Utd divide fans with new ‘school playground’ free kick routine days after Ruben Amorim announcementTakeaways from the session included Amorim already shaping up in a 3-4-3 formation, Antony being utilised at wing-back, and Kobbie Mainoo being at the heart of everything.Ten Hag left Man Utd with the team languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table.Ruud van Nistelrooy was unbeaten in his four matches as interim boss prior to the international break.But a win over Ipswich would still be just their third Premier League victory in eight matches. More

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      Amorim assembles first Man Utd XI, hands Antony new position and redefines defenders’ roles in debut training session

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      RUBEN AMORIM’S debut training session lifted the lid on his amazing plans to restore Manchester United to the top of English football.The Portuguese boss took charge at Carrington this week ahead of Sunday’s trip to Ipswich Town.Ruben Amorim has taken charge of his first Man Utd training sessionCredit: GettyHe had a number of senior stars to work with ahead of the Ipswich gameCredit: GettyMost of United’s squad remain away on international dutyCredit: GettyAmorim’s first session provided plenty of insight into his plansCredit: GettyAmorim will be eager to start his reign with an emphatic win.And United fans are hoping for a taste of the success he brought to former side Sporting Lisbon.Amorim’s first training session saw him work with a handful of senior stars, with the majority of his squad away on international duty.But that didn’t stop the tactician from getting properly stuck in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe likes of Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw were still in town.And youngsters including Leny Yoro and Kobbie Mainoo were available after injury issues.However, Amorim made sure to include several surprises on the training ground – including the promotion of 16-year-old 6ft 5in wonderkid Godwill Kukonki.Former Portugal midfielder Amorim wore a bright red coat as he oversaw a feisty session.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe immediately brought the energy back to United’s training in his hands-on role.Here, SunSport runs through the biggest moments from Amorim’s first Carrington session…Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourAmorim looks to be sticking with his 3-4-3 system from Sporting LisbonCredit: GettyThe manager organised players into fresh rolesCredit: GettyNEW FORMATIONAmorim won two Portuguese titles with Sporting playing a 3-4-3 system.United have been a solid back-four side stretching all the way back to Fergie’s days.And many were left wondering whether Amorim would stick with the same old tried-and-trusted formula.But it appears clear he will not be compromising his own methods for the sake of history.Amorim deployed a 3-4-3 shape during his first practice match, with some very interesting new roles.Rashford was moved centrally as the main striker, allowing Amad Diallo and Mason Mount to take up advanced positions just behind.Luke Shaw and Yoro sat either side of Jonny Evans as Amorim’s trio of centre-backs.Antony could be set for a new lease of lifeCredit: YouTubeHe lined up as the right wing-back, giving him full control of the flankCredit: YouTubeANTONY’S ROLEQuestions have been circling over Antony’s future for months now.He failed to impress in his natural position as a winger under Erik ten Hag.Yet Amorim clearly has other plans for the Brazilian.Antony was deployed as a WING-BACK at Carrington yesterday, giving him full freedom of the right flank.With extra men inside, he appeared confident at not having to cover for a marauding full-back.And Amorim’s positional shift could end up giving Antony a new lease of life.United’s defenders were encouraged to play quick short passesCredit: YouTubeThe likes of Leny Yoro could thrive in the back threeCredit: GettyDEFENCE TO ATTACKYoro, Evans and Shaw were at the heart of everything on the field.Amorim is known for his probing football achieved through sharp and quick passes.And it quickly became apparent that all his attacks will start from the back.United’s three defenders were encouraged to move the ball quickly from side to side.They appeared to be under instructions to take a maximum of two touches in a bid to speed up the forward play.And the days of United struggling to build from the back could be over.Amorim took Kobbie Mainoo to the side for a one-on-oneCredit: YouTubeMainoo looks set to play a big role under AmorimCredit: GettyMAINOO MAIN MANTeen ace Mainoo already looks to have cemented himself as a big player for Amorim.The midfielder was back on the field after a month on the sidelines.And Amorim took an immediate shine to one of United’s most talented players.With the Red Devils looking to start from defence, Mainoo’s role as a deep playmaker has become even more important.Amorim could be seen having an intense one-on-one conversation with the youngster during a break in play.United’s new boss appeared to be showing Mainoo, 19, how to position himself without the ball.And Amorim also instructed him how to receive a pass from the centre-backs before pivoting and driving forward into the opponents’ half.Amorim made sure to get stuck in himselfCredit: GettyHe took control with a bright red coat and whistleCredit: YouTubeHANDS-ON RUBENFans will always get excited when they see their manager getting stuck in.But Amorim is so full of energy he could likely pull on a shirt and play this weekend.He held nothing back as he put himself in the middle of United’s session.The boss got involved with plenty of running and touches of the ball.Amorim made sure he commanded attention with his very own whistle.And his bright red coat was hard to miss as he shouted words of encouragement from beginning to end.Amorim wants his goalies playing a short passing gameCredit: YouTubeAndre Onana is likely to benefit greatly from the tacticCredit: YOUTUBEKEEPER’S ROLEAndre Onana’s position at United has always come under the spotlight.Lacking David de Gea’s shot-stopping prowess, much was made of his ball-playing ability.But that was never realised under the old regime, leaving Onana exposed while attempting to play out.However, those days could be over under Amorim.His training goalkeeper was constantly receiving hints from a coach throughout the session.And there were no long balls to be seen, with the young stopper getting counter-attacks against the seniors going with sharp short passes.Amorim was always encouraging his players where to run toCredit: YouTubeEveryone charged back to defend against a counter-attackCredit: YouTubeMOVEMENT IS KEYFrom the outside, Amorim could be seen constantly telling players where to move.An early training drill had two players sprinting in a tight space attempting to win balls from teammates who could only take one touch at a time.On the field, Amorim pointed to spaces as players were encouraged to anticipate passes from team-mates.But United’s new boss was also thinking about his side out of possession too.Whenever the seniors lost the ball, the entire group were made to sprint back to their own half.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis saw United put up a strong defensive block to prevent counter attacks, while also allowing themselves to get back in position for fresh build-up play.And it is clear Amorim is just as focused on keeping goals out as he is on scoring them. 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      Man Utd looking at loan transfer for PSG star Randal Kolo Muani who would slot straight into Ruben Amorim’s new system

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are lining up a loan move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, according to reports.The Red Devils are preparing for the start of a new era as Ruben Amorim begins his reign as Erik ten Hag’s successor.Randal Kolo Muani could be set for a loan move to Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyRuben Amorim will take charge of his first game as Red Devils boss on SundayCredit: GettyThe Portuguese coach, 39, will lead his Man Utd side out for the first time on Sunday when they travel to Portman Road to take on Ipswich.Much has been made of Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation which he is expected to implement at Old Trafford.And the shift in style could see a move for France international Kolo Muani.According to L’Equipe, Man Utd are considering a loan move in the January window.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThey are unable to afford a permanent deal having spent £180million in the summer.But PSG, who paid Eintracht Frankfurt £77m to bring Kolo Muani to the French capital in the summer of 2023, could still be willing to offload the attacker on a short-term agreement.That is because he has become surplus to requirements under Luis Enrique – starting just two of PSG’s 11 Ligue 1 games so far this season.Kolo Muani, who can play on either flank, led the line in a 3-4-3 formation while at Frankfurt – where he scored 26 goals and assisted 17 in 50 appearances.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHow Man Utd could line up with Kolo MuaniSo joining Man Utd would likely see him compete with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee as the main threat through the middle.And Amorim may well see him as the better fit given he has played in the formation in the past.Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic slams club’s recruitment and questions the ‘character and resilience’ of playersKolo Muani’s PSG contract runs until 2028 – and he recently attempted to quash rumours of him leaving the French champions.He said: “No, I’ve never thought about it [a transfer]. You have to keep the mentality.”It’s up to me to keep working so that the coach trusts me.”Kolo Muani has scored 11 goals and provided six assists in 52 games for PSG.At international level, he has earned 27 caps for France, scoring eight goals and assisting four. More

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      Arsenal boss Arteta’s cheeky tactic to cause last-minute confusion for opposition managers revealed by Zinchenko

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      MIKEL ARTETA likes to bamboozle the opposition with his use of injured players, according to Oleksandr Zinchenko.The Arsenal boss often thinks outside the box and he has come up with plenty of unique methods to make his side title challengers.Oleksandr Zinchenko revealed a devious Mikel Arteta tacticCredit: GettyArteta has hired pickpockets in the past to raise his players’ awareness, and he likes to keep opposition managers on their toes too.And there is one area where he is most secretive and at times deceptive – player injuries.Fans often joke Arteta always claims a player is unfit when he is ready to play, and Zinchenko has revealed the opposite is also true.Zinchenko told The Athletic: “[He] likes to play games with the opposition. READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I’ve seen him tell injured players to come on the team bus and walk into the dressing room with their wash bag, to put the other manager off the scent.”Arteta started Bukayo Saka against Liverpool after saying he was “very uncertain” to play.He then explained: “I don’t want to make it easy for anyone.“The opponent has to make sure they do their homework – like I have to. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”When I know, I am not going to lie to you, I am not going to say, ‘He’s not fit’ and then I play him – I would never do that – but, if I am certain or I don’t want to tell you, I will keep you guessing.”Zinchenko, 27, has previously disclosed dressing room secrets including the time Arteta hired an undercover professional freestyler to destroy him in training.The freestyler posed as a waiter and caught Zinchenko completely off guard with his tricks, which left him in fits of laughter.Earlier this year the Gunners boss even hired a team of pickpockets to raid his squad during dinner.Unknown to the squad, the sleight-of-hand artists were tasked with going around the tables at the event.They then pinched valuable items including phones and wallets from the Arsenal stars.Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal suffered with tiredness against Shakhtar Donetsk At the end of the meal, Arteta stood up in front of the group to ask them to empty their pockets.Several players were left shocked to find they were missing their belongings.Arteta used the event to teach his squad the importance of being ready, alert and prepared at all times. More

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      Real Madrid star Federico Valverde reveals he had decided to join Arsenal before being handed Gunners transfer snub

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      REAL MADRID star Federico Valverde revealed he decided to join Arsenal before being turned down by the club.The midfielder has been a key part of Carlo Ancelotti’s side for the past few years, but he could have been playing in the Premier League.Federico Valverde trained with Arsenal ten years agoCredit: RexHe trained with Arsenal ten years ago and felt at home at London Colney.Valverde, 26, was welcomed by the likes of Emi Martinez and Alexis Sanchez and he claims he saw a future at the club – only to be rejected by the Gunners.He told Marca: “I was 16. I said: ‘That’s it. This is my club. I’m going to grow here.”In Uruguay, the Premier League was watched a lot. I imagined a future there. READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I enjoyed it and I trained with spectacular players. “I don’t know if he’ll remember me, but Dibu [Emi Martinez] was one of the ones who helped me the most in everything, along with [Hector] Bellerín, Alexis [Sanches] and [Santi] Cazorla. I didn’t know English and they had to explain all the work to me.”Valverde was playing for Uruguayn side Penarol at the time and he went on to join Real Madrid two years later.He has 275 appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring 24 times, while winning plenty of silverware.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSValverde has three LaLiga titles to his name as well as two Champions League victories.He was also subject to a £51million bid from Liverpool last summer, which was rejected.’He bottled it,’ squeals Neville as Carragher gives updated title prediction More