Ruben Amorim

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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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      I’ve covered Man Utd for 25 years and feel sorry for Amorim, if he gets a tune out of this lot he’s football’s Beethoven

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      IT was wonderful to see the adulation and warmth towards Ruben Amorim as he bid farewell in his final home game as Sporting Lisbon manager.And yet despite that stunning 4-1 win over Manchester City, I couldn’t help feeling sorry for him.New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has a lot of work to doAmorim did an amazing job with Sporting LisbonAmorim took over at Man Utd after leaving SportingAmorim replaced Erik ten Hag who couldn’t improve Man UtdAmorim is facing a major challenge with his new Man Utd teamAt Sporting he has achieved incredible success with two Portuguese Primeira Liga crowns — the first of which ended a 19-year title drought.Understandably he is adored by the fans, even when they knew he was leaving and there is a clear bond between him and the players. He looked a man genuinely content and happy with his life in Lisbon.“Don’t do it Ruben, stay where you are” . . . but it was too late.Amorim had already opted to throw himself into the managerial meat grinder known as the modern-day Manchester United.Read More on Man UtdHe only has to look at the disgraceful treatment of his immediate predecessor to know what he is going into.There was something very unsavoury about the way Amorim was being welcomed to United with all those club social media postings.It was as if he had arrived as a great liberator to take the club into the light after a dark time.Erik ten Hag was a good man. One of the best I have met in my 25 years covering the Red Devils.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe did everything he could to drag that club back up, winning two trophies and getting to another final along the way in his two full seasons.Yet it was clear the new broom being swept through Old Trafford by part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was going to take the Dutchman along with it.Ruben Amorim arrives in Manchester ahead of starting role as Man United managerEven after that so-called show of faith in him over the summer, after everyone else they tried to get to do the job ran a mile.He was always staring at the exit door at a time when 250 staff have brutally been made redundant, against a back drop of cuts that is gradually ripping away a bit more of the soul of this great club.No matter how good he is the squad is poor, for which Ten Hag has to take a major part of the responsibility. Although he never wanted Joshua Zirkzee, an Ineos signing, and we can see why. If Amorim can get a tune out of this lot, then he will be the Ludwig van Beethoven of football.All the while he will have to cope with everything that comes with being United boss.A club that stopped being able to match expectations the moment Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013.Amorim is the sixth permanent boss since then. They all arrive with a smile and believe they can be “the one”.They all leave with their reputations in the dustbin and their lives changed.Ten Hag is still coming to terms with what happened. I’m not sure if David Moyes ever will.Even baby-faced assassin Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looked his age by the end.Sometimes, if you find contentment in your life — and a job you love with people around you who love you — that’s when you have really reached the pinnacle.Amorim had that. And in two years’ time my bet is he wishes he never turned his back on it.Littler’s a star I CAN relate toIT’S often difficult to relate to the incredible feats of sportsmen and women.That is what fascinates us the most: How on earth do they do that?Then you learn of the sacrifices they make for years and years for that one moment in time.How they even struggle to let themselves go after all the hard work when they retire. Then you hear about Luke Littler.He has just become darts’ youngest millionaire at 17 and whose mid-match routine was revealed by Martin Lukeman, whom he thumped 16-3 in the Grand Slam of Darts final.“He had a curry, a Boost [chocolate bar], a meal deal and them little sweets, half pink and half white . . . Squashies. Then he walks up there and just smashes me like that.” Marvellous.Jimmy is living the dry lifeTHE MODERN snooker player is a world away from those icons we used to enjoy watching in the 80s and early 90s.Gym, water, diet, sleep. The best, Ronnie O’Sullivan, is a great example of this with his running.Which reminded me of how Jimmy White used to enjoy his downtime.At his height White once went to the Gresham Hotel in Dublin for a weekend and returned six weeks later.He had 24 bottles of Dom Perignon champagne sent to his room daily and was reportedly joined by “nightclub girls, UB40 and Phil Lynott from Thin Lizzy” for what was described as “the mother of all benders”.When Alex Higgins rocked up to join in, it’s fair to say things went up a notch.Yet in the weekend just gone, the now clean-living “Whirlwind”, aged 62, beat an opponent 42 years his junior in the qualifiers for the UK Champs — over four decades after reaching the semis on his debut.Sober, fit and healthy White is still competing. He may never have been a world champion, but he remains a champion of the sport.Europe crown not for Nick-ingHATS off, or rather caps and visors, to Rory McIlroy.His brilliant finish to claim the DP World Tour Championship meant he blitzed the field in the Race to Dubai for a sixth time.That equalled Seve Ballesteros’ achievement and leaves him two behind Colin Montgomerie’s record.McIlroy has his sights set on becoming the best European golfer of all time, although some already consider him to be.His four Majors to Ballesteros’ five and Nick Faldo’s six suggest that’s not the case. But for me, the moment that sets Faldo apart came in the 1995 Ryder Cup.It was all down to his match as the Sunday singles came to a close and he stood one down with three to play against Curtis Strange.READ MORE SUN STORIESLevel going down 18, his presence of mind to chip out the rough and leave himself the perfect wedge to get up and down to claim par and win as Strange melted is the greatest moment in Ryder Cup history.Watch it and marvel at the man’s powers to block out all the noise and pressure to get the job done.Ruben Amorim leaves Sporting on a highBy Charlie WyettRUBEN AMORIM would have preferred to leave Lisbon in a blaze of glory after winning a third Primeira Liga title.Yet football does not work like that. And in what was surely his final game before taking charge of Manchester United, Amorim prepared to say his goodbyes at a half-empty Estadio Jose Alvalade in a League Cup quarter-final against Nacional.Sporting won 3-1 thanks to  second-half goals by captain  Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled back for Madeira-based Nacional.The stadium  will be a good deal more lively on Tuesday when Manchester City are here for  a Champions League match — although Amorim should by then have his feet firmly under his desk at Old Trafford.Liverpool and Aston Villa were both interested in Europe’s most sought-after coach. Even City could have been a possible destination post-Pep Guardiola.Yet the United job is one Amorim, 39,  could not turn  down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting last night.There is clearly a huge split in the Portuguese club’s fan base over their coach leaving at this stage of the season with many believing he should have seen the job through.Yet Amorim, along with the three-man coaching team who are expected to follow him, leaves a club in a much better state than when he arrived here in 2020.Inside the stadium, there was applause — albeit muted — when his name was read out before the game along with the line-ups.And there did not appear to be any jeers when Amorim shuffled out from the tunnel awkwardly towards the dugout.So, while his departure is hard to take for some, none of the fans will forget his legacy.This is a club which is back as the dominant force in Portugal. Even this term, Sporting have won their first nine league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two.They are also eighth in the Champions League table, which is one hell of an effort.In contrast, Lisbon was not exactly hit by League Cup fever last night.Amorim made lots of changes, which saw Sporting’s star man Gyokeres, the former Coventry striker, start on the bench.There was, however, a first appearance in six weeks for former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards. He is certainly one player who has been transformed by Amorim since arriving at the club from Vitoria in 2022 and will be sorry to see the coach leave.While he changed his team, Amorim stuck with his tried and trusted formation of a back three.It will certainly be something Manchester United’s fans will have to get used to over the  coming months.But looking at the Premier League table, none of them will be complaining about the change. More

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      Ruben Amorim promotes 6ft 5in wonderkid, 16, to Man Utd training as first pictures emerge of new boss getting to work

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      RUBEN AMORIM has promoted a 6ft 5in wonderkid into Manchester United’s first-team training.The new Red Devils manager coached his first training session at the club since replacing Erik ten Hag.Ruben Amorim has taken his first session as Manchester United managerCredit: MANCHESTER UNITEDHe called upon the academy to bolster the numbers due to the international breakCredit: MANCHESTER UNITEDAmorim was keen to get involved with some of the ball drillsCredit: MANCHESTER UNITEDTowering youngster Godwill Kukonki was given a chance to impressCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, is preparing his team for his first game in charge which will come on Sunday away at Ipswich Town.However, he only had ten first-team players available to him due to international obligations.Kobbie Mainoo is continuing to build up his fitness, while Amad Diallo also took part, having missed Ivory Coast’s defeat to Zambia on Friday.Defenders Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro also took part in the session as they look to step up their fitness levels.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis meant that the boss called upon the academy to flesh out the session.Godwill Kukonki, 16, was one player who was given an opportunity by the Portuguese coach.The defender is highly rated at the club, having impressed with the under-18s this season.It is believed that he has the “technical and physical qualities” needed to star in senior football.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKukonki has been compared to Manchester City star Josko Gvardiol due to his ability with his left foot.Other first-team stars who were involved were Casemiro, Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsCasemiro took part in the sessionCredit: GettyMason Mount was one of the ten first-team players available to AmorimCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford also took park after his trip to the USCredit: GettyRashford made the most of the international break with a trip to New York to watch some NBA action.Tyrell Malacia was also on the grass as he continued to build his fitness.The defender has not featured for the club since the final game of the 2022/23 season.Manchester United have confirmed that Amorim will get his first chance to see the full squad later this week.This will be when they all return from international duty.However, there will be doubts over Victor Lindelof as he picked up injuries for Sweden.Tyrell Malacia was pictured in the training sessionCredit: GettyThree 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. More

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      Man Utd chiefs to ‘give Amorim much smaller budget than wasteful Ten Hag and hope he gets best out of two big signings’

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      RUBEN AMORIM will be expected to work on a much smaller budget than Erik ten Hag did at Manchester United, according to reports.Ten Hag, 53, spent more than £600million on transfers in barely two-and-a-half years as Red Devils boss.Ruben Amorim has been tasked with getting much more from the current Man Utd squadCredit: GettyErik ten Hag spent more than £600million on transfers at Man UtdCredit: GettyOver the last decade United have averaged five signings per summer.But according to the Telegraph, they are not planning to hugely reshape their current squad at the end of the season.Instead, club chiefs feel that new boss Amorim can get much more out of their current crop of players.Last summer, Ten Hag forked out nearly £200m on Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile during his reign he also spent £86m on Antony, £70m on Casemiro, £72m on Rasmus Hojlund and £60m on Mason Mount.The latter two in particular are players that United chiefs hope Amorim can get a tune out of.Since the Portuguese’s Old Trafford arrival, Man Utd scouts watched his former Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres score for Sweden over the weekend.But United bosses hope that Hojlund can deliver on his potential and begin to bang the goals in.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJoshua Zirkzee was among Man Utd’s summer signings this yearCredit: AlamyAmorim is set to take charge of his first match as Man Utd manager on Sunday.He will take his side to Ipswich Town, who grabbed their first Premier League win in 22 years when they triumphed 2-1 over Tottenham prior to the international break.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourSpeaking for the first time as Man Utd boss last week, Amorim admitted that he is not fazed by the weight of history at Old Trafford.He said: “It’s a great responsibility but you feel honoured and excited to be part of that.”If the team plays well and wins games, everything looks so much better. We are the engine of football — Manchester United is the engine of the Premier League in my opinion.”For a long time we haven’t won the Premier  League but United is the biggest club in England.”This is part of the history but it isn’t now, so we have to address that and try to win again.”All the people are hungry for success and this is the place I want to be because of that — because you can be part of something special.”Man Utd chiefs hope that Amorim can get the best out of Mason MountCredit: RexRamus Hojlund has shown glimpses of potential at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More