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      Tottenham 2-1 Man City LIVE RESULT: Spurs STUN Pep’s City in Carabao Cup, Liverpool beat Brighton, Palace shock Villa

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      TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR have stunned Manchester City to win 2-1 in the Carabao Cup fourth-round.Spurs now march on into the quarter-final draw tonight.Elsewhere, Liverpool overcame Brighton 3-2 and Crystal Palace shocked Aston Villa 2-1.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action with our live blog below…Carabao Cup quarter-final drawArsenal vs Crystal PalaceNewcastle vs BrentfordSouthampton vs LiverpoolTottenham vs Man UtdCopy linkCopiedTottenham trophy predictionTottenham legend Gus Poyet told SunSport last month that Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou can win the Carabao Cup and end the club’s miserable trophyless run since 2008.Yes, I think it is the first time in many, many years that we’ve seen a coach saying, ‘I’m gonna win something’. Before that it was always qualifying for the Champions League. So why not?I mean, about the performances or about how the team plays, it’s difficult to make an opinion. You know, the coaches, we’re looking for a different thing but at the end of the day you have to win football games.Your identity is very important because that way you have consistency. But in cup games, you need to win. I mean, I don’t remember anyone saying, ‘Yeah, we won the cup but we really played bad’.So nobody will remember how they played at Coventry if they win the Carabao Cup. So it’s a matter of getting through and winning the final. I don’t remember anyone complaining about winning in a final playing badly.Gus PoyetTottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showCopy linkCopiedCarabao Cup drawThe Carabao Cup draw for the quarter-finals takes place at approximately 10.40pm GMT.SunSport will bring you all the ties in full as they come in the link below:Copy linkCopiedPost-match thoughtsSo a big win for Spurs… but at what cost, for both teams, in this battle of the walking wounded?Ange Postecoglou’s victors lost both Timo Werner and Micky van de Ven to suspected hamstring injuries.While Pep Guardiola saw Savinho come off on a stretcher and had Manuel Akanji pull out in the warm-up.It left him with just ELEVEN fit outfit first-team players. No wonder Erling Haaland was left on the bench.Guardiola said he did not want to waste energy on this competition, now he does not have to after going out of it early on again, three years on from winning it four times in a row.Spurs’ dream of a first trophy since 2008 is still alive.Copy linkCopiedView from TottenhamPep Guardiola really is down to the bare bones, as Harry Redknapp would put it, after suffering more blows in this lost battle of the walking wounded.Savinho became the latest casualty as the Brazilian was forced off on a stretcher, leaving Guardiola with just ELEVEN fit outfield first-team players.Manuel Akanji also picked up a problem in the warm-up, joining Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Jeremy Doku, Oscar Bobb and Ballon D’Or winner Rodri on the treatment table.No wonder Guardiola, who had asked for a “good performance, but no more injuries please” ahead of the game, did not want to waste energy on this competition.Now he will not have to as Tottenham earned a statement win thanks to Timo Werner ending his 12-game goal drought this term and a Pape Matar Sarr stunner.But it came at a cost for Ange Postecoglou’s men as they lost both Werner and Micky van de Ven to hamstring injuries, either side of a Matheus Nunes strike.Copy linkCopiedFT: Tottenham 2-1 Man CityPeep!Tottenham have eliminated Man City from the Carabao Cup!!!Copy linkCopiedView from St James’ ParkSo it’s revenge for Newcastle following Sunday’s Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge.And Eddie Howe’s side have also avenged last season’s Carabao Cup KO at the hands of Chelsea.They’re through to the last eight and a kind draw will evoke memories of two seasons ago when they reached the Wembley final only to lose 2-0 to Manchester United.Chelsea huffed and puffed in the second half but never looked like overturning the Toon’s 2-0 interval lead.Copy linkCopiedView from St James’ ParkNewcastle took a trip down memory lane to ignite their season and dump last season’s beaten finalists Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup.Having been out of sorts for much of the campaign so far, the Toon players rediscovered the energy, flair and goalscoring threat of recent years to lift spirits among a fanbase which was starting to doubt them.This was the Newcastle who destroyed Chelsea 12 months ago and the previous season too, the red-hot hosts who had previously turned St James’ Park into a foreboding fortress, not the anaemic, goal-shy side of late.Chelsea have been more pedigree than pantomine in recent weeks but this was a night they resorted to southern softies mode against opponents with the bit between their teeth.To be fair to the visitors, they had carried the greater attacking threat in the opening 20 minutes but once they gifted Newcastle the lead, there was an inevitability about the outcome.The two goals which separated the sides, scored in the 23rd and 26th minutes, were both messy, not that the celebrating Toon Army cared a hoot about that.Copy linkCopiedView from ManchesterIf Erik ten Hag was watching in Amsterdam he must have been wondering if this was indeed the same Manchester United team. Why does this always happen?The old boss goes, his assistant takes over and the team transforms overnight. It makes you wonder what Ruud van Nistelrooy was doing on the training ground in the first place.Much of this victory that put the Red Devils into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup was down to the strength of the opposition. Leicester City fielded a team with nine changes and was similar in strength to that which drew 0-0 with Walsall in the last round before winning on penalties.United by contrast were strong, Van Nistelrooy wasn’t going to pass this chance up to be a winner from the Old Traford dug out. Mind you to be fair to him whoever pulls on a United shirt nowadays nothing can be guaranteed.So credit Van Nistelrooy for getting a tune out of this lot just two days after Ten Hag was dismissed. The regular boos heard here became cheers and smiles replaced frowns and shaking heads.It was reminiscent of..well when they played Barnsley in the last round and won 7-0 but not much else in recent memory.Copy linkCopiedView from Villa ParkThis playing out from the back is all very impressive when it comes off…but how many times does it land teams in the you-know-what.It did just that for Aston Villa, when Diego Carlos slid the ball to Daichi Kamada and the Palace substitute drilled in the winner. The old down-towner might not be so pleasant on the eye, but you don’t concede from it!Copy linkCopiedView from TottenhamPep Guardiola’s injury problems continue to pile up as Savinho has been forced off on a stretcher with what looks like a right ankle issue.The Brazilian, who was impressing, appeared to suffer it in an innocuous challenge with Destiny Udogie by the touchline.But he ended up going down and had to be carried off, looking in considerable pain, being replaced by rookie Jacob Wright.Guardiola is already without Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, Kyle Walker and Rodri due to injury.Credit: Action Images via Reuters/Matthew ChildsCredit: Michael Zemanek/REX/ShutterstockCredit: REUTERS/Dylan MartinezCredit: Action Images via Reuters/Matthew ChildsCopy linkCopiedView from Preston Gabriel Jesus scored his first goal in 274 days to put Arsenal on course for the quarter-finals. But the Brazilian was upstaged by teen sensation Ethan Nwaneri who is becoming the stand out star of the Carabao Cup for the Gunners.After grabbing two against Bolton in round three, the 17-year-old underlined his potential AGAIN here by curling home a first-half beauty.He came agonisingly close to adding a couple more too before leaving the pitch to a standing ovation from the visiting fans just before the end.While this competition may not be the priority for Mikel Arteta, fans will be hoping they can go all the way so they can see more of Nwaneri.The only downside to a highly-satisfactory night for the Emirates chief was that his team did not score more.Preston had won just three of their last 12 matches but they have been hard to beat since Paul Heckingbottom took over early in the season.They have also done well in this competition – knocking out Championship high-fliers Sunderland and then claiming a Prem scalp by sending Fulham out in an epic penalty shoot-out.But they were no match for Arteta’s side which showed eight changes from the team which drew with Liverpool on Sunday.Copy linkCopiedFT: Man Utd 5-2 LeicesterPeep!Man Utd make it to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in the post-Erik ten Hag era!Copy linkCopiedFT: Aston Vila 1-2 Crystal PalacePeep!Crystal Palace pick up a massive win and knock Aston Villa out!Copy linkCopiedFT: Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaPeep!Newcastle have eliminated Chelsea from the Carabao Cup!Copy linkCopiedFT: Preston 0-3 ArsenalPeep!Arsenal are in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup!Copy linkCopiedView from the AmexOne of the best things about coming to Brighton is that they never know when a game is over.If it weren’t for Tariq Lamptey’s mistakes in fluffing his first chance and losing the ball for Liverpool’s second it could have ended up being quite the night for him and Brighton.As it is we can all look forwards to another feisty encounter at Anfield on Sunday while the Seagulls must wait at least another year to try and reach the quarter-finals.Copy linkCopiedView from TottenhamLightning came oh so near to striking twice as Timo Werner was inches away from scoring again.The German, who belted home a super finish in the first half for his first goal of the season, was sent haring down away by Dominic Solanke into the Manchester City half.His pace meant he was never going to be caught and he did everything right, but his left-footed effort just shaded the wrong side of the post.Ange Postecoglou has decided to protect Cristian Romero ahead of the weekend by taking him off, given he is likely to be without his other first-choice centre-back Micky van de Ven who came off with a hamstring injury in the first half.Copy linkCopiedView from BrightonCody Gakpo continued his Carabao Cup love affair with a brilliant brace at Brighton. The Dutchman’s double set Liverpool up to cruise into the quarters.But a late flurry of goals, with Simon Adingra and Tariq Lamptey scoring either side of Luis Diaz, left Arne Slot looking flustered.Whether 2-0 up or down Brighton can always produce a comeback or collapse, but Slot’s lot should have been far more comfortable having been put clear.Gakpo bagged four goals on the way to last season’s final and already has four in two appearances this term. Slot needed another forward to step up after injuries and some rotation – eight changes a piece made here.He has so little faith in blooper-reel regular Darwin Nunez that he opted to start two central midfielders, Dominik Szboszlai and Curtis Jones, as false nines. It left the Reds with an effective front four at most times, though they struggled for clear cut chances.Copy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 2-3 LiverpoolPeep!Liverpool are through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals!Copy linkCopiedView from TottenhamHalf-time at Spurs and there is a sense of nervousness around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as fans know how precarious their 2-1 lead is.They were so desperate to make it to the break two goals to the good after fantastic finishes from Timo Werner (of all people) and Pape Matar Sarr.But Manchester City’s pressure told and deep into injury-time, livewire Savinho teed up the equally-impressive Matheus Nunes to reduce the deficit.Ange Postecoglou was left shaking his head but his side had been asking for it by dropping deeper and deeper throughout the half.And without the injured Micky van de Ven, his side are in for a huge 45 minutes as they look to pull off a statement win and dump Pep Guardiola’s men out the cup.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 2-3 LiverpoolGoal!Brighton score with Tariq Lamptey on 90 minutes!Now on stoppage time!Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-3 LiverpoolGoal!Liverpool may have clinched it with Luis Diaz’s strike five minutes before full-time!Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-2 Crystal PalaceGoal!Crystal Palace regain the lead with Daichi Kamada on 64 minutes!Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-2 LiverpoolGoal!Brighton hit back with Simon Adingra just nine minutes before full-time!Will we have another stunning comeback from the Seagulls?Copy linkCopied More

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      Preston 0-3 Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Gunners cruise into Carabao Cup quarter-final as Ethan Nwaneri scores wondergoal

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      Arsenal have beaten Preston 3-0 after a dominant night’s work at Deepdale.Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring against the Championship side with his first goal since January.Before a wondergoal from Ethan Nwaneri and a stunning header from substitute Kai Havertz.The Gunners now march on into the all-important quarter-final draw tonight.Preston XI: Woodman, Kesler-Hayden, Whatmough, Lindsay, Hughes, Ledson, Thordarson, Bowler, Holmes, Okkels, GreenwoodArsenal XI: Setford, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Merino, Sterling, Jesus, MartinelliFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the reaction from Deepdale with our live blog below…That’s all from DeepdaleIt’s been a good night for Arsenal – and not a refereeing controversy in sight.Whether normal service will be resumed on that front when the Gunners go to Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime remains to be seen, but for now the North Londoners can savour a professional performance at Preston and a place in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.Thanks for joining us, and goodnight.Copy linkCopiedEagles await in quarter-finalsThe draw for the Carabao Cup quarter-finals has just taken place, and the Gunners have been handed a home tie against Crystal Palace by Jamie Redknapp and Izzy Christiansen.The London derby will take place at the Emirates during the week commencing December 16th.Tottenham v Man UtdArsenal v Crystal PalaceNewcastle v BrentfordSouthampton v LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedArteta praises teenage star NwaneriMikel Arteta admitted that Arsenal have a big talent on their hands in Ethan Nwaneri, but reiterated that his development needs to be managed correctly for him to reach his potential.The 17-year-old capped a wonderful performance at Preston with a brilliant goal, but the Gunners boss revealed that it was no surprise to those that watch him day in and day out.He did it yesterday in training so we’re getting used to it! He’s a big talent and he’s got the right attitude. He’s got the right players around him. We need to make sure that we develop him – brick by brick – with the right tempo in the right order – but we have some player there.Mikel Arteta on Ethan NwaneriCopy linkCopiedMatch stats from DeepdaleThe Gunners dominated the game, and that’s borne out by the numbers.Copy linkCopiedFrom Martin Blackburn at DeepdaleVery straightforward for the Gunners – who won comfortably and should really have scored more.Gabriel Jesus will be delighted to end his 274 day goal drought – but he was upstaged by teen starlet Ethan Nwaneri. He scored a beauty and could have had more – what a talent he looks.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Preston 0-3 ArsenalJob done for the Gunners.A first goal in ten months for Gabriel Jesus, a wonder goal by wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri, and a clean sheet on debut for 18-year-old goalkeeper Tommy Setford.What more could Mikel Arteta ask for? A home draw in the quarter-final, perhaps. It won’t be long until he finds out if that request is answer…Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Arsenal90+3. That’s even better defending from Potts to deny Sterling!Somehow the Preston sub gets back to turn over a shot from right underneath the crossbar with an incredible sliding lunge.That deserves so much more, but it is going to be the last act of a 3-0 defeat.Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Arsenal90. A Sterling run and shot is expertly defended by Potts, and that’s the cue for the fourth official to indicate three minutes of stoppage time.Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Arsenal88. Havertz steers in a fourth after great work from Jesus but once again the officials cut the celebrations short.Jesus is the one penalised, adjudged to have run the ball out of the play as he burst to the byline before cutting back for the German.Oh no. This is going to mean three days of freeze frame images and tweets about Gary Neville.Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Arsenal85. Emil Riis almost gives the home fans something to cheer before the journey home.The substitute gets on the end of a delivery into the box, but is unable to direct it goalwards.Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Arsenal83. The fourth North End player booked this evening is Mads Frokjaer-Jensen.It’s difficult to know whether he has been cautioned for the unnecessary trip, or for screaming in referee Peter Bankes’ face after the decision.Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Arsenal80. Nwaneri is withdrawn with ten minutes remaining, and goes off to a fabulous reception from the travelling fans.On for his senior debut is Ayden Heaven.Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Arsenal77. Nwaneri’s stylish left foot fires another shot on to the top of the crossbar.The 17-year-old has been the standout performer at Deepdale tonight.Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Arsenal75. Preston are pushing for a consolation with quarter of an hour remaining.Suddenly, Tommy Setford is having to work hard for a clean sheet on debut.Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Arsenal73. Stefan Thordarson is shown a yellow card for a cynical slide on Kai Havertz as the German brought play out of the Arsenal defensive third. Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Arsenal71. The game appears to be opening up as it enters the final 20 minutes.That can’t be good news for the Championship club, unless they feel it’s better to lose 5-1 than 3-0.Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Arsenal69. Nwaneri has the ball in the back of the net, but the whistle had long gone beforehand to rule the goal out.Let’s hope this disallowed goal doesn’t prompt a week of conspiracy theories on social media.Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Arsenal67. Arsenal want more.Havertz almost nabs his second header of the night, but this time it’s kept out by fine reactions from Woodman.Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Arsenal65. How has that stayed out? Sterling does brilliantly to break the lines and slip in Jesus on the left.The striker comes back on to his right foot and strikes at goal, a shot that is palmed out by Woodman.Following it back in is Sterling, whose effort on the rebound is also stopped by the keeper, who then combines with a grounded defender to stop it being bundled in. Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Arsenal63. This is the last thing you want to see if you’re a Preston player: Bukayo Saka stripped and ready to enter the action.The forward eventually replaces Gabriel Martinelli with Myles Lewis-Skelly also on for Oleksandr Zinchenko.Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Arsenal61. Frokjaer-Jensen has the opportunity to make an immediate impact, but drags a shot wide after being sent through on goal.In any case, the Dane is flagged offside before he can contemplate a terrible miss any further.Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Arsenal59. Paul Heckingbottom responds to that third goal by making a triple change.The Preston boss sends on Danish pair Mads Frokjaer-Jensen and Emil Riis, as well as Brad Potts.Off go Sam Greenwood, Josh Bowler and Kaine Kesler-Hayden.Copy linkCopiedGOAL! – Preston 0-3 Arsenal57. Kai Havertz makes it three!The half-time substitute adds himself to the scoresheet with a textbook header, planting Jakub Kiwior’s left-wing cross into the top corner of Freddie Woodman’s goal.Arsenal are heading for the quarter-finals – and who would bet against them?Copy linkCopiedHavertz header!Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-2 Arsenal57. Andrew Hughes goes into the book for wiping out Gabriel Jesus.The left-back becomes the second Preston defender to be cautioned after bodychecking the forward as he moved to reach a one-two with Nwaneri.Copy linkCopied More

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      Man Utd 5-2 Leicester LIVE RESULT: Van Nistelrooy’s reign gets off to superb start as United secure quarter-final spot

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have thrashed Leicester 5-2 to progress to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim reign got off to a superb start with goals from Casemiro and Alejandro Garnacho early in the first half.Bilal El Khannouss pulled one back for Leicester, but Bruno Fernandes’ deflected free-kick on 36 minutes re-established United’s two-goal lead.Minutes later, Casemiro slammed home his second of the night to make it 4-1 before Conor Coady’s close-range finish made it 4-2 going in at the interval.In the second half, Fernandes pounced on a dreadful defensive error from the Foxes to wrap up a 5-2 win for United.Match result: Man Utd 5-2 LeicesterMan Utd team: Bayindir, Dalot, De Ligt, Lindelof, Martinez, Casemiro, Ugarte, Rashford, Garnacho, Fernandes, ZirkzeeLeicester team: Ward, Justin, Coady, Okoli, Thomas; El Khannouss, Skipp, Soumare, McAteer, De Cordova-Reid, AyewCarabao Cup quarter-final draw LIVEFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…That’s all, folks!United are into the quarter-finals are beating Leicester 5-2 in their first game of the post-Erik ten Hag era.The club are willing to trigger Ruben Amorim’s £8.3m release clause, so we could see him at Old Trafford sooner rather than later.Reports suggest that the Sporting boss could be announced as manager tomorrow, but will enter a 30-day notice period.But tonight is Ruud van Nistelrooy’s night after the former United striker led the club to victory in his first game as interim boss.Copy linkCopiedCarabao Cup quarter-final drawArsenal vs Crystal PalaceNewcastle vs BrentfordSouthampton vs LiverpoolTottenham vs Man UtdCopy linkCopiedCooper banned from dugout for Leicester’s next game after yellowLeicester manager Steve Cooper on his yellow card, meaning he’s banned from the dugout for Saturday’s game with Ipswich:”Maybe there’s a bit of sympathy for the linesman, he’s a Premier League linesman and he’s used to the protection of VAR – still, you can’t make a mistake like that.”It was a big moment in the game because we scored soon after so it should have been 1-all, but it’s 2-1, and the referee I think enjoyed giving me a yellow card as well. “I don’t think any team’s reliant on a manager stood on the touchline. We’ll take that as it comes at the weekend.”Copy linkCopiedRuud van Nistelrooy after United’s 5-2 winMan Utd interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy asked if he will stay on as interim until the club announce a permanent manager: He told Sky Sports: “Of course – I came here as an assistant to help the club. Now in this role, I’m helping as long as needed. “In the future in any capacity, I’m here to help the club further to build towards the future that’s what I’m here for.”On if he wants to be part of the new coaching set up:”I’m here to help and serve and give my everything for the club in any capacity with so many people here around me that want the best for the club and that will never change.”Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 LeicesterUnited travel to face Tottenham in the quarter-final.Spurs beat Man City 2-1 tonight.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 LeicesterCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 Leicester92. Full-time!Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 Leicester90. Two minutes have been added to the clock.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 Leicester87. Bruno Fernandes again works to get his hat-trick. Leicester goal-kick.Sir Alex Ferguson in the stands at Old TraffordCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 Leicester85. More changes!Ethan Wheatley on for Joshua Zirkzee who has had a quiet evening, it didn’t quite fall for him tonight.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 Leicester82. United tries to bag himself a volley from Casemiro’s delicious pass.The home captain cries out in desperation after his shot flies over. United want more.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 Leicester79. United knocking the ball around nicely. Can they seek out a sixth goal as we approach the final 10 minutes?Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 Leicester75. Leicester subs!Mavididi, Buonanotte and Alves replace El Khannouss, De Cordova-Reid and Ayew.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 LeicesterFrom SunSport’s Neil Custis at Old Trafford:With the fifth goal, United fans for once could sit back believing even their team could not blow this. The atmosphere is buoyant, the football was good and the chants for Ruud van Nistelrooy ring out.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 Leicester71. Subs! Jonny Evans comes on for De Ligt and Rasmus Hojlund comes on for Garnacho.The Argentine deserves a break. Zirkzee stays on despite not really being involved.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 Leicester69. Shot!A desperate Amad tries to score from an acute angle. But it hits the side netting.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 Leicester67. Chance! It’s all United now after some clever football and string of passes.Fernandes’ outside of the foot shot hits Zirkzee.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 Leicester66: Up the other end! Casemiro prevents a Leicester corner.Great save from Bayindir who then pushes the preceding shot off the bar.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 Leicester65: So close! Diallo Amad almost scores an overhead kick with his first touch of the evening.That wasn’t far past the post.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 Leicester64. Block! United sweep up the pitch and Garnacho is played in on the left. He cuts in and shoots but Okoli gets across to block his effort.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 Leicester62. Double change for United! Mazraoui and a happy Amad are introduced as Martinez and Rashford make way. Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 Leicester60. Nearly went from bad to worse for Leicester.Garnacho just gets his final ball all wrong.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-2 Leicester59: GOAL! Bruno Fernandes scores his second of the evening.The United captain rolls it under Ward and smashes home from two yards.United clear?Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 4-2 Leicester58: SHOT for United!Zirkzee hits it straight at Ward. Should have done better.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 4-2 Leicester57: United clear. Zirkzee chases down Ward.United haven’t looked the same yet. Soaking up pressure here at Old Trafford.Copy linkCopied More

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      Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea LIVE RESULT: Magpies get revenge on Blues as they secure spot in Carabao Cup quarter-final

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      NEWCASTLE have beaten Chelsea 2-0 to progress to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.The Toon took the lead after Alexander Isak pounced on a defensive error from the Blues.And things went from bad to worse for the Chelsea back four after Axel Disasi put the ball in his own net for 2-0 minutes later.Newcastle got revenge on Tyneside after the Blues beat the Magpies 2-1 in the Premier League just three days ago.Match result: Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaNewcastle team: Pope, Schar, Kelly, Hall, Krafth, Longstaff, Willock, Tonali, Gordon, Joelinton, IsakChelsea team: Jorgensen, Disasi, Badiashile, Tosin, Veiga, Cucurella, Enzo, Dewsbury-Hall, Mudryk, Nkunku, Joao FelixCarabao Cup quarter-final draw LIVEFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…From Ian Murtagh at St James’ ParkEddie Howe was thrilled his Newcastle side showed their intent early to take the game away from Chelsea.He said: “We feel a lot better about ourselves after that.“We needed a performance and a result and we got both, especially in the first half when we were on  the front foot and at our best.“Games change in a heartbeat and so can momentum. When you are in a difficult moment, the only thing that can spark you into life is yourselves.“Straight from kick off we showed our intent. Despite all their changes, we beat a very good team, have no illusions about that.”Copy linkCopiedFavourites outInteresting.Manchester City are OUT before the quarter final stage.It’s wide open now…Copy linkCopiedPlayer ratingsChelsea made 11 changes once again and this time it cost them with Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi off the pace.Only Mykhailo Mudryk can come out of the match with any credit as Chelsea were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by a resurgent Newcastle.Here’s how I rated them:Copy linkCopiedOther teams throughExcitement for Newcastle supporters then to still be in the hat come the quarter final stage.Here’s who they could face:SouthamptonBrentfordLiverpoolCrystal PalaceMan UtdNewcastleArsenalTottenham 2-1 Man City, 85 minsCopy linkCopiedFull time statsPlenty of the ball for the visitors but virtually nothing done with it.They’ve actually dominated virtually every stat measured.Except the score-line…Copy linkCopiedFrom Ian Murtagh at St James’ ParkSo it’s revenge for Newcastle following Sunday’s Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge.And Eddie Howe’s side have also avenged last season’s Carabao Cup KO at the hands of Chelsea.They’re through to the last eight and a kind draw will evoke memories of two seasons ago when they reached the Wembley final only to lose 2-0 to Manchester United.Chelsea huffed and puffed in the second half but never looked like overturning the Toon’s 2-0 interval lead.Copy linkCopiedFT! Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaNewcastle move into the last-eight of the Carabao Cup!Copy linkCopied90 – Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaThree minutes added on.Copy linkCopied89 – Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaVeiga has an attempt from 25 yards which is well struck but Pope gets down well to push it away.Copy linkCopied85 – Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaJoao Felix is adjudged to have fouled Bruno Guimaraes on the edge of the Newcastle boss.He disagrees with that decision and his reaction earns him a yellow card.Copy linkCopied83 – OFF THE POST! Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaWhat a goal this would’ve been for Newcastle.Krafth nips in ahead of Mudryk to win possession back before driving 40 yards, sitting Veiga on his backside with a clever turn.He finds Osula with his own clever turn on the right edge of the area, onto his left foot before firing low and hard at the near post.It smashes the base of the post and away to safety.Copy linkCopied80 – Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaInto final 10 minutes and Cole Palmer remains sat in his seat, looks like we won’t be seeing him tonight.Newcastle sitting deeper now and Chelsea finding it difficult to break them down.Enzo Fernandez goes down after trying to tackle Bruno G, holding his face after a brushing of Bruno’s hand. Dearie me.Copy linkCopiedHUGE CHANCE! 75 – Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaTremendous, defence-splitting pass from Badiashile gets Felix clean through.He’s in a race with Pope to get there and he beats the Newcastle keeper, flicking it over him and towards goal but a couple of inches wide. Huge chance.Copy linkCopied74 – GOOOAAAAA – NO!! Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaLooked like being 3-0 and game over but the flag comes to Chelsea’s rescue.A deep ball in from a set piece found Schar all alone and he nodded across the face of goal for Longstaff – also all alone – to nod home.Schar was offside in the initial delivery though.Copy linkCopied72 – Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaDouble change for Newcastle who are looking to see the game out now.OFF: Hall & GordonON: Burn & LivramentoCopy linkCopied68 – Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaMidway inside the second half and Chelsea are ramping up possession and efforts at goal.Still zilch to show for it, mind you.Copy linkCopied67 – Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaGood work from Bruno G to win possession back midway inside the Newcastle half.He tries to get Osula away on the counter but good defending from Chelsea that time.Copy linkCopiedFrom Ian Murtagh at St James’ ParkFast, furious and relentless, both sides are hammering away at each other. Chelsea have thrown on Madueke but so far Newcastle have held firm.None more so than Lloyd Kelly who threw himself at the feet of Nkunku when the striker looked a certain scorer.Copy linkCopied66 – Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaOne-way traffic at the minute as Chelsea win back-to-back corners.They again swarm round Nick Pope but the keeper does tremendously well to come off his line to claim.Copy linkCopied64 – Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaGood play again from Mudryk down the left and he’s tripped by Joelinton.He stays down as Chelsea take the free kick quick but nothing comes of it.Copy linkCopied62 – Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaDouble change for the hosts:OFF: Willock & IsakON: Bruno G & OsulaCopy linkCopied62 – Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaHuge chance for Nkunku once again! Mudryk’s pace gets him clear once again down the left.He picks out Nkunku in plenty of room 12 yards from goal but the striker’s attempt goes BACKWARDS and Newcastle scramble it clear.Copy linkCopiedPENALTY SHOUT! 61 – Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaChelsea looking for a penalty here.Madueke with a drop of the shoulder and he skips round Gordon out wide.The Newcastle man gets back and puts his arms on Madueke who looks quite happy to throw himself to ground.Nothing given.Copy linkCopied60 – Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaOutstanding defending from Schar, who has Nkunku nipping away from him inside the box.Schar times his tackle to perfection, getting the ball behind for a corner. Copy linkCopied56 – Newcastle 2-0 ChelseaEnzo Maresca doesn’t wait too much longer before going to his bench, with Dewsbury-Hall hooked before the hour.OFF: Dewsbury-HallON: MaduekeCopy linkCopied More

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      Sporting 3-1 Nacional LIVE RESULT: Viktor Gyokeres fires hosts to victory on Ruben Amorim’s potential farewell

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      SPORTING have beaten Nacional 3-1 to secure their spot in the semi-finals of the Taca de Liga.The win is expected to be Ruben Amorim’s final game in charge of the Portuguese champions before he makes the proposed switch to Manchester United.On Tuesday, Sporting revealed that the Red Devils will pay the 39-year-old’s £8.3million release clause to all-but confirm Amorim as the man to replace Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat.United are reportedly keen to have the Portuguese coach in charge for their crunch Premier League clash against Chelsea on Sunday.Match result: Sporting 3-1 NacionalSporting team: Kovacevic, Fresneda, Esgaio, Inácio, Reis, Catamo, Morita, Hjulmand, Araújo, Edwards, HarderNacional team: Franca, Gomes, Ze Vitor, Ulisses, Aurelio, Reis, Dias, Penha, Esteves, Macedo, IsaacFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…That’s all, folks!Sporting are into the semi-finals of the Taça da Liga but it remains to be seen if Amorim will be in charge by the time the next round rolls around.Man Utd are said to be willing to trigger his £8.3m release clause, so we could see him at Old Trafford sooner rather than later.Copy linkCopiedAmorim discusses futureThe Sporting boss was asked about links to Man Utd after the match.He responded saying: “Nothing is decided yet… I don’t know if it’s the farewell game or not.”Copy linkCopiedFT Sporting 3-1 NacionalIf that was Amorim’s Man Utd job interview he passed with flying colours.Sporting offered 22 shots and the boss made astute changes which won his side the game – thought it always helps to have someone of Gyokeres’ quality to bring on.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT Sporting 3-1 NacionalGyokeres was the two-goal heroCredit: EPACopy linkCopiedFull-time Sporting 3-1 NacionalSporting are into the semi-finals!Amorim is a happy man as he shakes hands with his opposite number before quickly heading down the tunnel.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional90. Gyokeres is named Man of the Match for his second half impact.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional89. Quenda sparks a move again after winning the ball on the edge of his own box.Sporting win a corner which is easily cleared.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional87. Hjulmand this time. Quenda is caughing all kinds of problems down the right.A cross is cleared only as far as Hjulmand again but this time he fires wide from outside the box.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional86. Sporting close to a fourth as a cross flashes across goal before reaching Araujo.The keeper was scrambling but he couldn’t get his shot away.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional83. Sporting counter quickly from a corner and Harder is played down the left.He creates an opening and flashes the ball just wide of the post. Good effort.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional81. Substitute Quenda shows pace down the right and works his way into the box before firing his shot straight at a defender.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional78. Chance missed! The corner is whipped in and Gomes is free at the back post but can only head wide.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional77. Nacional work the ball really well – their best move of the match – and win a corner as Penha’s shot is blocked.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional73. Sporting continue to attack as they look to put the game to bed but a move down the left comes to nothing.Copy linkCopiedSporting 3-1 Nacional70. Gyokeres has changed the game.He showed brilliant technique to whip that ball into the corner. It was on the keeper’s side but he was left helpless between the sticks.Copy linkCopiedGoal Sporting! 3-1!70. Trincao wins a free-kick in a dangerous area after his ankles are clipped.Gyokeres lines it up and fires spectacularly into the far corner. Nothing the keeper could do.Copy linkCopiedSporting 2-1 Nacional67. The referee checks for a possible offisde but VAR finds no infringement.Game on!Copy linkCopiedGoal Nacional! Sporting 2-1 Nacional66. That came out of nowhere! Esteves shoots from distance at the ball is delfcted by his own team-mate and into the back of the netCopy linkCopiedGoal! Sporting 2-0 Nacional64. Gyokeres converts! There was never any doubt there as the striker fires straight down the middle.Copy linkCopiedSporting 1-0 Nacional63. Penalty Sporting! Gyokeres is fouled in the area.Copy linkCopiedSporting 1-0 Nacional61. Sporting keeper Kovacevic is forced into a good save low down to his right. Penha’s curling effort looked destined for the bottom corner.Copy linkCopiedSporting 1-0 Nacional56. Sporting try to build on their opener as Harder’s cross is met by Gyokeres.But the former Coventry man was stretching and he couldn’t direct the ball towards goal.Copy linkCopiedSporting 1-0 Nacional53. Morita breaks the lines and is just played onside.His cut back is cleared half-heartedly only as far as Hjulmand who drives the ball into the far corner.Copy linkCopiedGoal! Sporting 1-0 Nacional53. And there’s the breakthrough! Hjulmand finds the bottom corner.Copy linkCopiedSporting 0-0 Nacional52. Nacional break and Isaac makes one of the worst attempts ever at scoring from inside his own half.Copy linkCopied More

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      Ruben Amorim to Man Utd updates – Red Devils set to pay £8.3m for Sporting manager with appointment all-but confirmed

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      SPORTING have confirmed that Manchester United will pay Ruben Amorim’s £8.3m release clause to replace Erik ten Hag as the club’s manager.It comes after former manager Ten Hag was sacked on Monday morning following the Red Devils’ poor start to the 2024/25 Premier League season.NEXT MAN UTD MANAGER LATEST ODDSFollow our live blog below…Amor of the same Ruben Amorim already has experience of getting the better of some of the Premier League’s top managers.The Sporting Lisbon boss appears to be in pole position to replace Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot-seat, after the Dutchman was sacked on Monday.Amorim may have never managed in the Premier League, but his tactics have already come up trumps against some of the division’s best managers.Most notably, his Sporting side saw off Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the Europa League last 16 in 2023.Sporting knocked the Gunners out of Europe with some intelligent tactics that pushed Arteta’s side to the limit and ultimately knocked them out on penalties.Amorim’s side managed a draw in both fixtures, a 2-2 game at home and a 1-1 effort at the Emirates.Copy linkCopied’Here we go’ Man Utd are set to pay Ruben Amorim’s €10m (£8.3m) Sporting Lisbon exit clause. According to Fabrizio Romano, Sporting confirmed formal communications with Amorim to be appointed United manager. The manager is already on board to take over at Old Trafford. Copy linkCopiedMor changeRuben Amorim could ring the changes at Manchester United if he is hired for the top job.Amorim has favoured a 3-4-3 formation while at Sporting Lisbon which could suit the club’s defensive options.And here is how SunSport reckons United could line up under Amorim.Copy linkCopiedMour to learnRuben Amorim had an internship at Man Utd under Jose Mourinho in 2018.He has previously cited the Special One as his “reference point” in coaching.He has played down any comparisons between the pair, saying of his idol: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”Copy linkCopiedMore from Pep He said on Ten Hag: “I wish him all the best, he and his family, and of course he’s going to come back stronger. “He knows, I know, everybody knows: our job depends on the results. The results are not good enough.“I’m saying that, and even myself, I’m not an exception. If the results are not good, there isn’t anything that can sustain it… “Our job, unfortunately, is as simple as that: you have to get results.“If you are [there] because you are handsome, or because you [speak well], or have good relationships with the hierarchies, forget about it. “I have an incredible relationship with my hierarchy, but if I didn’t get results, I wouldn’t be here. This is a business, and when you become a manager, you have to know it.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedPep talkPep Guardiola has spoken out following Erik ten Hag’s sacking.He said: “Always I feel sorry for managers, you know? He’s lost his position, so I’m so sorry for him. “I have a good, I think incredible relationship [with him]. I think he represented Manchester United at the highest level in terms of behaviours, of course.“Our job as managers is one of the few jobs – in all the jobs in the world – where people are expecting to be sacked. People are expecting you don’t have a job.“I don’t see architects or doctors or teachers or anything… The people deciding [their futures don’t say]: ‘Get out.’ It’s only us. It’s our job, we have to accept it.”Copy linkCopiedAm your manRuben Amorim’s potential move to Old Trafford could pave the way for a top striker to join United.Once settled in to his job, the 39-year-old could attempt to lure Sporting forward Viktor Gyokeres to Manchester.The Sweden international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months.Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea have all expressed an interest in signing the former Coventry star.But Amorim’s presence could attract him to Old Trafford instead.Copy linkCopiedFamily tiesRuben Amorim’s brother in law Antero was famously the former Sporting Director at PSG – and was a Man Utd target – before the Red Devils switched their attention to Dan Ashworth.He was responsible for the most expensive transfer ever – bringing Neymar to the Ligue 1 giants in a record-breaking £198million from Barcelona.Antero also managed to convince Kylian Mbappe to snub Real Madrid, when he moved from Monaco.While Dani Alves, who was fielding several offers from Premier League clubs, was persuaded that his future belonged in the French capital in 2017.Before his tenure at PSG, Antero modernised Porto’s academy and introduced handball and basketball to the organisation.Copy linkCopiedCareer in numbersHere is Ruben Amorim’s career stats as both a player and manager.Copy linkCopiedLess is AmorMan Utd will get Ruben Amorim out of his Sporting Lisbon contract for £16.5million less than other clubs would have to pay thanks to a shock clause, according to reports.The 39-year-old has reportedly verbally agreed to join Man Utd and is already deep in talks.Amorim’s deal at Sporting expires in 2026 – yet reports state he was planning to quit at the end of this season.Newspaper A Bola claims he has three different release clauses in his contract.Another Portuguese club would have to pay £25m for his services – while that figure drops to £17m for sides outside his homeland.But there is also supposedly a “sharks” agreement that makes it easier for Europe’s elite to afford him.The clause allows clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City and United to activate Amorim’s release for just £8.5m.That means Sir Jim Ratcliffe is getting his man for £16.5m less than the other clubs like Porto or Benfica have to pay.Copy linkCopiedWhat a Hag-gle Erik ten Hag’s final glory at Manchester United might have not happened if he had persisted with his originally planned tactics in the FA Cup final.Ten Hag, 54, was kept in the position by new bosses Ineos over the summer after winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City, courtesy of goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.However, the result of that game could have turned out very different.That is because, according to The Independent, Ten Hag’s original plan was to go “toe-to-toe” against the league champions.And only after hours of debate led by then-technical director Darren Fletcher – who has since become one of Ten Hag’s coaching staff after Jason Wilcox joined – Ten Hag relented.The tactical tweaks he made prior to the game worked as a treat, as the 4-4-2 shape helped United defend against Pep Guardiola’s side and gave United the ability to be dangerous on the counter.Reports at the time suggested that Ten Hag had also listened to the advice of Wilcox to use Bruno Fernandes as a False 9 for the final, which yielded the captain an assist for the winner.Copy linkCopiedBest of alive Ruben Amorim looks set to be the manager appointed as the new boss of Manchester United following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.The Sporting CP head coach will inherit a squad that sits 14th in the Premier League and 21st in the Europa League table.However, that is not to say he will come into a total mess at Old Trafford, with a talented squad with a number of bright young talents set to be at his disposal.The summer’s transfers under new bosses Ineos also appear to fit like a glove for Amorim’s style of play.The addition of a new defensive midfielder in Manuel Ugarte and two centre-backs in Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro have bolstered particularly weak areas of the squad from last season.But problems have persisted over the summer, and Amorim, 39, will need to have a checklist of items on his agenda if he takes up the Red Devils mantle – as his idol Jose Mourinho once did.Copy linkCopiedAmorim €100m man Viktor Gyokeres enjoyed a prolific campaign with Sporting Lisbon last season, scoring 43 goals in 50 appearances.The 26-year-old has carried that impressive form over to this term with 14 goals in the same number of outings.And, just last month, Amorim insisted Gyokeres is worth at least £83MILLION.He said: “Viktor is a great player, and I believe he is worth €100 million.”Particularly, Sporting, along with president Frederico Varandas and sporting director Hugo Viana, believes he is worth that amount.”Therefore, that is the price; anyone wanting to sign him will have to pay €100 million.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedNumbers don’t lie Here is how Erik ten Hag’s reign at Man Utd went downhill following 7-0 defeat to Liverpool. Copy linkCopiedSeven and hell Erik ten Hag’s downfall at Manchester United may have started NINETEEN MONTHS ago.Although Sunday’s Hammer blow may have been the result that burst Ten Hag’s bubble, it was a game over a year ago that started his descent into unemployment.New stats from Opta show that United’s 7-0 humiliation at the hands of Liverpool in March 2023 was the turning point in Ten Hag’s tenure.Not only was that result the moment that much of the Man Utd faithful lost faith in the gaffer, but it’s also when the wheels began to come off.Prior to the defeat at Anfield, Ten Hag’s United had boasted a 73 PER CENT win rate, losing just six games over the course of the manager’s first 41 matches in all competitions.Copy linkCopiedBreaking silence This is what Ruben Amorim said when probed on his links to replacing Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. He said: “I was already expecting this question and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFamily ties Ruben Amorim’s brother in law Antero was famously the former Sporting Director at PSG – and was a Man Utd target – before the Red Devils switched their attention to Dan Ashworth.He was responsible for the most expensive transfer ever – bringing Neymar to the Ligue 1 giants in a record-breaking £198million from Barcelona.Antero also managed to convince Kylian Mbappe to snub Real Madrid, when he moved from Monaco.While Dani Alves, who was fielding several offers from Premier League clubs, was persuaded that his future belonged in the French capital in 2017.Before his tenure at PSG, Antero modernised Porto’s academy and introduced handball and basketball to the organisation.Copy linkCopiedAlternate XI Here is another way Man Utd could line up under Ruben Amorim. Copy linkCopiedMor change Ruben Amorim could ring the changes at Manchester United if he is hired for the top job.Amorim has favoured a 3-4-3 formation while at Sporting Lisbon which could suit the club’s defensive options.And here is how SunSport reckons United could line up under Amorim.Copy linkCopiedDevils in disguise It will take years to unpick this mess, years. Try maybe five at best.If anyone thinks Ruben Amorim or any other new manager at Old Trafford is going to turn water into wine, or rather champagne, then forget it.It is a mess of Manchester United’s own making. Or that of part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Mind you, he has washed his hands of such problems, claiming it is in fact the new ‘management team’ or whatever they are called, who take these decisions.The Glazers have washed their hands of it, too, despite still counting the dollars.Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox and Dan Ashworth all claim to have arrived too late to be involved in the decisions at the end of last season. See how the buck is getting passed.Copy linkCopiedMarried man Ruben Amorim is a father of two and is married to Maria João Diogo, who have one son together.Maria has built her own business in interior design with an academic degree in telecommunications engineering.The couple got married in 2013 in front of 160 guests at a beautiful ceremony at the Palácio de S. Marcos church in Coimbra.Players like Nuno Gomes, Miguel Vítor, Hugo Viana, Luís Filipe and Quim were all present. As was Maria’s brother, Antero Henrique.Copy linkCopiedErik ten Swag Erik ten Hag boards a private jet to the Netherlands after being axed as Manchester United manager yesterday with an expected £15million golden goodbye.The Dutchman, 54, got his marching orders at 11am.He was seen smiling at 2.15pm before a Cessna light aircraft flew him home from Manchester to Amsterdam.Less than two hours after the announcement — at 1.30pm — sheepish Ten Hag was seen crouching down in the back of a black ­chauffeur-driven Mercedes S Class.The 54-year-old Dutchman was whisked from his Cheshire home to Manchester Airport — where he was pictured in the gilet and with a rucksack — before his private jet left for Amsterdam at 2.15pm.He is in line for a £15million payoff after a turbulent 2½-year spell and is the fifth manager sacked since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down after 27 years in 2013.Copy linkCopiedDave Kidd Sir Jim Ratcliffe has assembled one hell of a brains trust at Manchester United.And it seems, by closing in on Ruben Amorim, that they have started to get brainy.They have started taking intelligent decisions.They are making Manchester United sensible again.The Red Devils have fallen so far behind Liverpool and Manchester City in recent years that they have been little more than a speck in the rear view mirror of either of their North-West rivals.Yet the Kop giants and City have both been strongly linked with Sporting boss Amorim, the hottest young property in European coaching, and it is United who are on the brink of landing him.Copy linkCopiedTop of the flops Erik ten Hag has been sacked with Manchester United 14th in the Premier League and £300MILLION out of pocket.Ten Hag leaves with an FA Cup and Carabao Cup to his name but in the league and Europe results were underwhelming.And so too was his transfer business.In his two seasons, Ten Hag signed 21 players costing over £545m.Copy linkCopiedMour to learn Ruben Amorim had an internship at Man Utd under Jose Mourinho in 2018. He has previously cited the Special One as his “reference point” in coaching.He has played down any comparisons between the pair, saying of his idol: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”Copy linkCopied More

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      Ruben Amorim to Man Utd LIVE: Sporting boss ‘verbally agrees’ to take charge of Red Devils – latest updates

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are working on a deal to appoint Sporting boss Ruben Amorim as the club’s new head coach.It comes after former manager Erik ten Hag was sacked on Monday morning following the Red Devils’ poor start to the 2024/25 Premier League season.Amorim is said to be open to accepting the move to Old Trafford, with Man Utd ready to pay Sporting his €10m release clause.NEXT MAN UTD MANAGER LATEST ODDSFollow our live blog below…Contract talks with AmorimSporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim remains Manchester United’s top target.And according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, the most important contract details between Amorim and United have already been agreed upon.Only a few details remain and therefore a “complete agreement” is not unlikely.Copy linkCopiedMarco Silva ‘approached’Fulham boss Marco Silva is also considered by Manchester United after Erik ten Hag’s departure.According to Guillem Balague, Silva has been “approached” by United.The Portuguese tactician was also linked last summer when Ten Hag’s position was being reconsidered by the Red Devils’ chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe.However, the Dutchman remained in charge and Silva stayed at Craven Cottage.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedRuben Amorim twist?Manchester United may not be signing Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim just yet.According to Guillem Balague, Amorim might decide to wait for Manchester City if Pep Guardiola leaves. That could lead to a reunion with City’s new sporting director Hugo Viana.United, though, are still pushing for a deal as they want the Portuguese tactician to replace Erik ten Hag at the helm.Copy linkCopiedChange of heart?Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim was reportedly reluctant to leave before the summer.Initial reports suggested Amorim was focused on the task at hand.However, the Portuguese tactician now appears keen to replace Erik ten Hag at the helm.That alone shows that the Red Devils have immense pulling power even during intense struggle.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd ‘hope’ for dealThe transfer rumour mill is in full swing after Erik ten Hag’s departure from Manchester United.United are pushing hard for a deal to sign Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag’s successor.According to The Athletic, there is hope an agreement can be concluded fairly swiftly.Reports suggest the Portuguese tactician is open to move and it all now depends on Sporting.Copy linkCopiedAmorim ‘very open’ to joinSporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim is “very open” to joining Manchester United with immediate effect.That is according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, who claims talks between United and Sporting are ongoing.And it now largely depends on the Lisbon giants to make that deal possible.Originally, the Portuguese tactician intended to move next summer.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied’Verbal agreement’ with AmorimSporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim has “verbally agreed” to become Manchester United boss.That is according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, who claims Amorim has already said yes to United – as per his sources in Portugal.The Red Devils and Sporting now working on a compensation agreement for the Portuguesen tactician.The 39-year-old head coach has a €10million (£8.3m) release clause.Copy linkCopiedRatcliffe targets AmorimSir Jim Ratcliffe has assembled one hell of a brains trust at Manchester United.And it seems, by closing in on Ruben Amorim, that they have started to get brainy. Started taking intelligent decisions. That they are making Manchester United sensible again.United have fallen so far behind Liverpool and Manchester City in recent years that they have been little more than a speck in the rearview mirror of either of their North-West rivals.Yet Liverpool and City have both been strongly linked with Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim, the hottest young property in European coaching, and it is United who are on the brink of landing him.Amorim was favourite for the Liverpool job when Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to quit early this year and he has been favourite to succeed Pep Guardiola at City since his Sporting colleague Hugo Viana agreed to take over as director of football at the Etihad.So this is a coup for the crew Ratcliffe has put together to run United’s footballing operation – having poached Dan Ashworth from Newcastle as sporting director, Omar Berrada from Manchester City as chief executive and Jason Wilcox from Southampton as technical director.Copy linkCopiedAmorim contract talks Manchester United are really pushing for Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim.According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, United have held contract talks with Amorim’s camp.Copy linkCopiedSporting dominate under AmorimSporting Lisbon have been enjoying a stunning start in the Primeira Liga under manager Ruben Amorim.Amorim is reportedly United’s top target to replace Erik ten Hag at the helm.The Red Devils are said to even have held talks with Sporting for the Portuguese tactician who appears keen.The Lisbon giants have won all nine league games this season under the 39-year-old head coach with a goal difference of +28Copy linkCopiedResults this seasonThey simply haven’t been good enough this season.Man Utd 1-0 Fulham – WBrighton 2-1 Man Utd – LMan Utd 0-3 Liverpool – LSouthampton 0-3 Man Utd – WMan Utd 7-0 Barnsley – WPalace 0-0 Man Utd – DMan Utd 1-1 Twente – DMan Utd 0-3 Tottenham – LMan Utd 3-3 Porto – DVilla 0-0 Man Utd – DMan Utd 2-1 Brentford – WFenerbahce 1-1 Man Utd – DWest Ham 2-1 Man Utd – LCopy linkCopiedRuud awakeningRuud van Nistelrooy will take charge as Manchester United manager on an interim basis.Van Nistelrooy only came in as Erik ten Hag’s assistant at the beginning of this season.And already the club finds himself in one of the biggest jobs in football.Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedMan Utd statementManchester United issued the following statement after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited.Man UtdCopy linkCopiedTen Hag sackingManchester United have decided to part ways with manager Erik ten Hag after a dismal start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.United sacked Ten Hag on Monday following a 2-1 defeat to West Ham on the weekend.The Premier League giants failed to find any consistency under the Dutchman, with speculation around his future starting at the backend of last season.Man Utd have put Ruud van Nistelrooy in charge on an interim basis as the club begin their search for their seventh manager since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd move for AmorimManchester United are making a strong move for Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim.According to The Athletic, United are actively working on a deal to appoint Amorim.The Red Devils are ready to pay the Portuguese tactician’s €10million (£8.3m) release clause.The Manchester giants are in talks with Sporting and the 39-year-old head coach is open to accepting a move to Old Trafford.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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      Ballon d’Or 2024 LIVE RESULTS: Rodri crowned winner as Real Madrid BOYCOTT show after Vinicius Jr SNUB – latest updates

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      MANCHESTER CITY and Spain midfielder Rodri has been crowned the winner of the Ballon d’Or!But the result followed a day of huge controversy as Real Madrid BOYCOTTED the ceremony after learning Vinicius Jr was to be snubbed for the top prize.While England and Bayern Munich ace Harry Kane won the Gerd Muller Trophy for best striker for the past season, sharing the award with Kylian Mbappe.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow all the latest with our live blog below…Rodri injury latestManchester City star and 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has been ruled out for the rest of the season.The midfielder suffered a knee injury during last month’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal and required surgery.City boss Pep Guardiola then confirmed the Spain international won’t play again this term.The 28-year-old attended the Ballon d’Or ceremony on crutchesCopy linkCopiedVinicius reactsReal Madrid star Vinicius Jr finished second in the Ballon d’Or shortlist behind eventual winner Rodri.Vinicius didn’t attend the ceremony along with the entirety of Real’s club as they claimed they were being “disrespected” by the fact their star forward wasn’t winning.The Brazil international, though, appears to have been motivated to become “10 times” better.I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.Vinicius JrCopy linkCopiedWhy Real didn’t attendReal Madrid opted not to attend the Ballon d’Or awards after it became apparent Vinicius Junior would miss out on the top men’s prize.Real claimed the outcome of the Ballon d’Or shows the organisation and Uefa “do not respect” the club.Los Blancos also claimed one interpretation of the criteria should have led to their star right-back Dani Carvajal winning the award.If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner.As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-Uefa does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.Real MadridAFPCopy linkCopiedMoment Rodri wonRodri got emotional once hearing his name from George Weah, who was presenting the Men’s Ballon d’Or winner.The midfielder received a warm applause from the entire venue after a stunning campaign with Manchester City and Spain.The 28-year-old thanked his girlfriend and his family during his acceptance speech.The Spain international also praised his team-mates on club and international level.Copy linkCopiedTop 3And here’s the Ballon d’Or’s top three finalists.Real Madrid ace Dani Carvajal finishes fourth with team-mates Vinicius Jr second and England star Jude Bellingham third.Rodri wins the award, while team-mate Erling Haaland makes it to fifth place.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrRodri says he “feels well” amid his ongoing knee injury, which sidelined him for the rest of the season.The Manchester City stat didn’t share details but insists he is already working hard to return to action.Copy linkCopiedRodri wins Ballon d’OrRodri has become only the third player to win the Ballon d’Or other than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi since 2007.The Manchester City star joins a closed club with Luka Modric and Karim Benzema.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrRodri also thanks Spain team-mates Lamine Yamal and Dani Carvajal after their Euro 2024 triumph.Carvajal is absent after Real Madrid boycotted the event.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrRodri is dedicating the Ballon d’Or to his girlfriend and family.The Manchester City star started talking in English but continues in Spnish.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrRodri wins the Men’s Ballon d’Or!!!Real Madrid stars Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Dani Carvajal complete the top five with Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrGeorge Weah singles out Harry Kane in the audience as his favourite player.Weah will soon name the men’s Ballon d’Or winner.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrGeorge Weah is taking to the stage to present the Men’s Ballon d’Or winner.It is expected that Manchester City star Rodri will win it with Real Madrid pair Vinicius Jr second and Jude Bellingham third.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrNatalie Portman congratulates Aitana Bonmati and calls her a “hero”.Portman also urges fans to buy tickets for women’s matches.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’Or Aitana Bonmati wins the Women’s Ballon d’Or award!Back-to-back wins for the Barcelona star!Copy linkCopiedBallon d’Or Academy award winner Natalie Portman will award the women’s Ballon d’Or winner.Portman is a massive football fan that has attended a number of Premier League matches.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrReal Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti wins the Men’s Johan Cruyff award.That means Emma Hayes and Ancelotti are the best women’s and men’s managers of the year.The Italian tactician is the first Real star to be awarded an individual honour during the club’s collective absence.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’Or Emma Hayes wins the Women’s Johan Cruyff award!The USA manager couldn’t attend the ceremony and issued a recorded acceptance speech.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrJohan Cruyff getting honoured at the Ballon d’Or awards/Johan’s son Jordi accepting the award on his behalf.He is joined by Hristo Stoichkov.Copy linkCopiedNumber 5Erling Haaland (Manchester City).The star striker is quite low despite a staggering goalscoring return!Copy linkCopiedNumber 6 Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain last season – Real Madrid this season)Copy linkCopiedNumber 7 Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)Copy linkCopiedBallon d’Or Time for the Socrates Award, which goes to Jennifer Hermoso!The Spain superstar that won the World Cup last year!Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrAston Villa star Emi Martinez has won the Lev Yashin award!Martinez is the best goalkeeper of the year and will be accepting the award from his Argentina team-mate Lautaro Martinez.Dibu wins his second consecutive award after helping Villa achieve Champions League qualification for the first time ever and lifting his second Copa America trophy in a row.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’Or It is now time for the Lev Yashin award.Lautaro Martinez will be presenting the award, why?No goalkeeping legends available for the Ballon d’Or? Not all of them played for Real Madrid…Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrEngland captain Harry Kane and Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe win the Gerd Muller trophy.They both scored 52 goals apiece last season, but only one of them will be accepting the award on stage.Mbappe is not there as there is absolutely no representative from Real tonight.Los Blancos are boycotting this year’s award ceremony as they understand Vinicius Jr won’t be winning the award.Copy linkCopied More