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      Former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino reveals ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’ and ended Anfield career on the spot

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      ROBERTO FIRMINO has revealed the moment he realised he had to leave Liverpool.The Brazilian, 33, played for the Reds for eight years between 2015 and 2023.Roberto Firmino played for Liverpool between 2015 and 2023Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunDuring his Anfield stint he played a key role within Jurgen Klopp’s front three alongside Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.Firmino helped Liverpool win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup before leaving for Saudi Arabia.During his last few seasons on Merseyside, the forward became less of a regular feature within Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI.In his book, entitled Si Senor: My Liverpool Years, Firmino detailed exactly when he decided that he had to leave his beloved Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe wrote: “The straw that broke the camel’s back was a match against Wolves, in which I came on as a substitute in the last minute. That was it. Right there, I understood.”As we say in Brazil, the penny dropped. I knew now. I called my agents. Roger Wittmann and Christian Rapp met with me for a face-to-face talk.”We left the living room and went to my room: just me, Christian, Roger and Larissa, no distractions.”Christian and Roger were perfectly transparent about everything that was happening and the club’s view of my future.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFirmino replaced Darwin Nunez late on during a clash with WolvesCredit: Rex”It wasn’t a war. It was just a difference in understanding about what I could offer to Liverpool. I reflected a lot and realised that God’s plan was to take me somewhere else.”The signs were all there since that conversation with Pastor Daniel in Maceio. I had been stubborn.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promise”God didn’t want me to stay in Liverpool, but I was insisting. I didn’t listen. But I couldn’t avoid it any more. It was time to accept.”I decided it was time to seek another challenge for myself, another purpose. My time at Liverpool had come to an end.”The match Firmino referenced was a 2-0 win over Wolves at Anfield in March 2023.Virgil van Dijk broke the deadlock with a header on 73 minutes, before Mo Salah quickly made it two.That night, with Mane having left the previous summer, Klopp started a front three featuring Salah, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.Klopp decided against bringing Firmino on as his side chased the opening goal, and even after going 1-0 up opted to bring on Cody Gakpo first.Firmino finally came on in the 89th minute, replacing Nunez for the closing stages.He would then come on for an 11-minute cameo the following week, grabbing a goal and an assist in the 7-0 rout of Manchester United.The Anfield icon went on to start just two more games for the Reds.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat summer he departed for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli on a free transfer after 111 goals in 362 games for Liverpool.Since moving to the Middle East he has netted 12 times in 43 games, with his team finishing third last term.Firmino, 33, now plies his trade in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson ‘recommends six-time league-winning manager’ to succeed under-fire Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON has recommended a six-time title-winning manager to be Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United replacement, according to reports.Ten Hag, 54, has faced increased scrutiny following the Red Devils’ 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham last Sunday.Erik ten Hag has come under increasing pressureCredit: PAReports in Italy claim that Sir Alex Ferguson has recommended a new bossCredit: AlamyMan Utd’s Ineos chiefs have so far opted to stick with the Dutchman.But bad results in upcoming matches against Porto and Aston Villa could seal Ten Hag’s fate.With pressure growing on their manager, United chiefs may already be looking elsewhere at potential replacements.And reports in Italy claim that they have identified a former Juventus manager.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAccording to Gazzetta dello Sport, Massimiliano Allegri has emerged as a key contender to land the role, should Ten Hag be axed.They claim that the Italian, 57, has even been recommended by Ferguson – ahead of another contender like Thomas Tuchel.Allegri has been out of work since being sacked just two days after winning the Coppa Italia with Juve back in May.It’s claimed that he was involved in angry exchanges with officials, a reporter and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli after the 1-0 win over Atalanta – which largely contributed to him receiving the boot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMassimiliano Allegri left Juventus at the end of last seasonCredit: RexAllegri managed AC Milan between 2010 and 2014, winning Serie A in the 2010-11 season.He then coached Juventus between 2014 and 2019, before returning in 2021 to manage them for a further three years.Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part.The decorated coach won five Serie A titles with Juve, as well as five Coppa Italias.He also reached two Champions League finals during his first stint in charge.Gazzetta’s report also claims that Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi could be in the frame.Inzaghi, 48, has managed Inter since 2021, winning the Serie A title last term to add to two Coppa Italia triumphs.He also won the Coppa Italia during his previous term with Lazio.’I’M NOT ANXIOUS’Ten Hag, meanwhile, has defiantly defended his position as United boss.Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League trip to Porto, Ten Hag said of his future: “I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years.Ten Hag, 54, defended his position at Man UtdCredit: Getty More

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      Former Man Utd star Ashley Young attends EFL clash to watch son, 18, in action

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      FORMER Manchester United star Ashley Young was in the stands for an EFL clash to watch his 18-year-old son in action.Young, 39, is currently at Everton after an incredible top-flight career sides including United and Aston Villa.Ashley Young was in the stands to watch his son in actionCredit: RexTyler Young, 18, joined Peterborough from QPR this summerBut his talents appear to run in the family.Son Tyler Young is still a teenager.And he is now at League One side Peterborough after a summer switch from QPR.Tyler is a central midfielder who is hoping to make it big like his old man.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe teen is yet to make an appearance for Posh.But he was named on the bench for Tuesday’s league clash at Wigan.And dad Ashley made sure he was not going to miss the occasion.Young was spotted in the stands for the clash, which Wigan won 3-0.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSon Tyler unfortunately did not come off Peterborough’s bench for his debut.But his father was sure to be proud seeing him among the subs nonetheless.Cristiano Ronaldo ‘agreed to rejoin Man Utd with Real Madrid star in £200m deal’ Young enjoyed the game but son Tyler did not come off the benchCredit: RexYoung Snr has been in the wars himself this season.The ace has struggled for form alongside Everton teammates, who have blown several leads in the Premier League this term.However, things could be about to turn around after the Toffees secured their first win of the season against Crystal Palace at the weekend. More

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      Man Utd cult hero Federico Macheda signs for his 13th club as career nosedives 15 years after heroics against Villa

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      MANCHESTER UNITED cult hero Federico Macheda has signed for his THIRTEENTH club just 15 years after his iconic debut against Aston Villa.The Italian striker, 33, was most recently at Turkish Super Lig side Ankaragucu, where he netted just once in 14 games.Federico Macheda has just signed for his THIRTEENTH club with Greek side Asteros TripolisMacheda is a Man Utd fan favourite after his incredible debutCredit: Getty – ContributorMacheda made just ONE appearance for them last season after falling out of favour.But he is now set for a brand new start after moving to Greece.Macheda has penned a deal with top-flight side Asteras Tripolis.And he will be managed by none other than Chelsea legend Claude Makelele, who took charge last month after a trophy-laden playing career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMacheda is now at his 13th club, having made his pro debut at United 15 years ago in 2009.The forward immediately endeared himself to fans by netting a 93rd minute winner against Aston Villa aged 17.And he remains United’s youngest-ever Premier League scorer to this day.But a dip in form and several injury setbacks saw Macheda get less and less chances under Sir Alex Ferguson.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe embarked on a series of loans to Sampdoria, QPR, Stuttgart, Doncaster and Birmingham.And Macheda was finally released in 2014 after five goals in 36 outings, with Cardiff quickly moving for him.Cristiano Ronaldo ‘agreed to rejoin Man Utd with Real Madrid star in £200m deal’ Macheda came off the bench to net a 93rd minute winner against Aston Villa in 2009Credit: Getty – ContributorMacheda remains United’s youngest-ever Premier League scorerCredit: Getty – ContributorHe will be managed in Greece by Chelsea legend Claude MakeleleCredit: Getty – ContributorThe former Italy U21s star netted eight goals in 33 games for the Welsh side while also taking in a brief loan spell at Nottingham Forest.In 2016 he moved to Italy’s second tier with Novara, scoring 11 times in 52 games across two campaigns.And Macheda then ended up spending four seasons with Panathinaikos, clocking up 116 appearances and 40 goals in the process.His 2022 move to Ankaragucu did not work though, with Macheda joining his 12th club APOEL on a six-month loan.But the ace is determined to have another successful stint in Greece, with Makelele hopeful of helping Macheda rediscover his best form with 13th side Asteras. More

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      Sean Dyche set to be handed January transfer war chest as incoming Everton owners put faith in under-fire manager

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      EVERTON’S prospective new owners have committed to giving Sean Dyche significant transfer funds in January.Friedkin Group representatives held talks with Toffees’ sporting director Kevin Thelwell since the £500million takeover deal was revealed last week.Sean Dyche will get a transfer-kitty boost if a takeover goes throughCredit: RexUS billionaire Dan Friedkin is closing on a buy-outCredit: GettyThe American investment group, who also own Italian side Roma, are understood to have provided assurances that cash will be  available for boss Dyche.And Everton are hopeful the Friedkin Group’s takeover will be approved by the Prem before Christmas. The Merseyside outfit have no short-term funding problems as they have received most of their Premier League TV money for the season up front.But a prompt takeover would give them extra spending power in January. READ MORE TOP STORIESThe Friedkin Group spent heavily at Roma and indicated they are willing to provide similar backing to Everton, as long as the club remain within the Premier League’s PSR limits.The new owners are also committed to investing in Everton’s non-football departments and increasing the size of their executive team.Everton were docked points twice last season after being found guilty of overspending. But the club are confident they will not face charges for last term and have room to sign players in January’s window.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere is one outstanding issue relating to the previous case, with the Premier League claiming Everton’s PSR breach for the 2022-23 season was £6.5m higher than the £16m overspend the club admitted to.The Prem is alleging the breach was much higher as interest payments related to the club’s new stadium were not included in Everton’s spending and could charge them again.The mess Everton are in explainedMeanwhile, incoming TFG will look to clean up the club’s balance sheet and cut debt of about £600m.They will also oversee the opening of the Merseysiders’ new 52,888-seater stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock which will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season. More

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      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand shuts down Laura Woods live on TNT Sports and says ‘can we move on QUICKLY’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand snapped at Laura Woods before asking to “move on quickly.”The incident occurred live on TNT Sports ahead of Man City’s Champions League group stage game against Slovan Bratislava.Rio Ferdinand snapped at Laura Woods live on TNT SportHe asked her to ‘move on quickly’ during one segmentFerdinand and Woods were joined by City icon Joleon Lescott in the studio.But talk soon turned to United’s dismal form in the Premier League.Erik ten Hag has won just two of six games this season while record two successive defeats.The latest came in an abysmal 3-0 home hammering against Tottenham on Sunday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd United’s boss is now clinging onto his job, with results in his next two games against Porto and Aston Villa vitally important.Red Devils hero Ferdinand won plenty of trophies during his time at Old Trafford, including six titles and the Champions League.And he admitted he was shocked that United appear to have already imploded so soon into the new campaign.Ferdinand said: “Before a ball was kicked I was optimistic. People are now starting to question the manager. I didn’t see it coming that quick.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThis saw Woods fan the flames by reminding Ferdinand that United’s next run of games are going to be even harder.She noted: “The games aren’t getting easier, they get more difficult.”’He’s done!’ | How woeful tactics & Dalot shocker saw Spurs smash Man Utd to spell end for Ten HagMan Utd face four away games in their next five fixturesThis saw Lescott then join in as he gave his thoughts on United’s situation.But as Woods was about to respond, Ferdinand quickly interjected to shut down all talk around his former side.He jokingly snapped: “Laura can we move on please, quickly?”Fans were also quick to have their say on the banter.One said: “Don’t blame him.”Another declared: “Why does everything revolve around United?”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Even when we’re not playing everyone talks about us.”Another added: “Hated, adored, never ignored.”Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More

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      Chelsea fans fume ‘this guy hates us so much’ after Arsenal star Havertz takes swipe at old club over Champions League

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      KAI HAVERTZ sparked ire from Chelsea fans with his brutal verdict on chasing Champions League glory with Arsenal.The German attacker hit the winner when the Blues lifted the top prize in European club football three years ago.Kai Havertz netted when Chelsea won the 2021 Champions League finalCredit: PAThe attacker seems more settled with Arsenal and is seen here celebrating his breakthrough goal against PSG on TuesdayCredit: GettyBut he failed to fully convince either supporters or the Chelsea management while at Stamford Bridge from 2020-2023.And although he launched his Arsenal career with similarly mixed displays, the 25-year-old has impressed with his consistency this term.Havertz even headed the opener as the Gunners hosted Paris Saint-Germain in Tuesday’s Champions League tie. But before kick-off he angered many fans of his old club with a frank assessment of his bid to lift the crown for a second time.READ MORE ON ARSENALHavertz scored the only goal of the 2021 final against Manchester City in 2021.He said: “It was a good moment for me in my career and something that I’m always going to think about.”It’s a nice feeling but it would be even nicer if I can do it with Arsenal and it would mean a lot more.”    One supporter quickly snapped back: “This guy hates Chelsea so much I really wonder why.”Most read in FootballHavertz notched a rare headed goal against PSGCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother fan called the former Bayern Leverkusen hero “ungrateful”.A third Chelsea follower told him: “We made you.”‘Get off the phone’ snaps Troy Deeney after his wife called him out live on air over Arsenal commentBut other supporters reckoned Havertz’s feelings are understandable as he never became a fans’ favourite at Stamford Bridge.One said: “Just like (Jadon) Sancho (at Man Utd) he didn’t get the love, coupled with the trolls he sees on X after his move, can’t blame him but we don’t care either cuz we have a better team now.”Enzo Maresca’s Blues sit fourth in the Premier League – a point and a place below Havertz and Co.But Chelsea are only in the Europa Conference League – launching their group bid at home to Gent on Thursday. More

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      Erik ten Hag’s former Man Utd assistant slams Dutchman for ‘lacking fire’ and ‘wasting’ Cristiano Ronaldo

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      ERIK TEN HAG’S former assistant Benni McCarthy has claimed the Dutchman lacks “passion”, “wasted Cristiano Ronaldo”, and admits “it’s not easy” under his leadership.The Red Devils boss, 54, is under huge pressure following Manchester United’s humilating 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday.Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure and has received criticism from his old assistantCredit: AlamyBenni McCarthy has taken aim at Ten Hag and also defended Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettyThe result leaves the Red Devils 13th in the Premier League and without a win in three matches in all competitions.Ex-Blackburn and West Ham striker McCarthy, 46, spent two years as Ten Hag’s assistant before he left in the summer.However, he has pulled no punches in his assessment of the former Ajax head coach’s personality.Speaking to Zero Zero, he said: “He lacks a bit of that fire, that passion. That’s where we differ, him and I.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I think that was one of the difficulties that the team and the players encountered.”While he added: “Before I joined the team, I always had to communicate my thoughts to the head coach, which is normal.”For someone like me, with strong convictions, it’s not easy. Erik always had the final say.”McCarthy also spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo’s broken relationship with Ten Hag.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Portugal legend re-joined Man Utd in 2021 but left less than 18 months later following a fall-out with Ten Hag.There is no love lost between the pair as Ronaldo recently took aim at Ten Hag’s lack of ambition.Fans stunned as Arne Slot ‘cooks’ Man Utd with savage statement after Red Devils’ Tottenham humiliationThe Red Devils head coach hit back by saying Ronaldo is “far away in Saudi”.Yet McCarthy feels the situation could have been handled better by Ten Hag.He said: “If we work as a team and then let Cristiano do what he needs to do in his position, because he is the best in the world at it, that is ideal.”I think Manchester United wasted a great opportunity to use Cristiano in the right way. But I was not the head coach and I could not be the one to make those decisions.”McCarthy also took the time to reveal the standout players he worked with in the Man Utd squad.He had already named Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, before he went on to list four more stars – Lisandro Martinez, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.He said: “Lisandro Martinez. He has the passion, the fighting spirit, the personality. He can play for any team in the world because he has the right mentality.”Besides Lisandro… Marcus Rashford. He’s getting back to his best and could hurt FC Porto with some moves.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Finally, Alejandro Garnacho. I really like Garnacho, but he needs to play more regularly. I don’t know if there’s a problem between him and Erik, but he hasn’t been a regular starter.”Oh, and just one more: Amad Diallo. An incredible, incredible player, still little known. He defends and attacks well, always makes the best decisions and knows how to score goals.” More