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      Ruben Amorim makes Man Utd transfers vow as new boss wastes no time in stamping authority on new employers

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      RUBEN AMORIM insists he will have the final say on all transfer comings and goings at Man Utd.The new manager held his first press conference today – and wasted no time in stamping his authority on the club.Ruben Amorim has insisted that transfer business in manager’s businessThings haven’t worked out yet for new signing Joshua ZirkzeeAmorim, 39, replaces Erik ten Hag as manager appointed by part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his new senior management team of Omar Berrada, Sir David Brailsford, Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox.The board have overseen a calamitous summer of bungling in their dealings with former boss Ten Hag and with some questionable recruitment.For example they lumbered Ten Hag with frontman flop Joshua Zirkzee believing he was a good investment when the former boss did not ask for him.But the new man says that he won’t be a pushover.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFormer Sporting Lisbon coach Amorim revealed: “The final word should be the manager’s.“Not just because it’s your right but your responsibility.“Because in the end, the results are down to me. “I have a great responsibility when we choose players because this is something that should be done this way.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I’m the manager, the head coach, so I have to choose the players.”Amorim insisted the senior management team will have to help him improve the club’s transfer activity but said the buck stops at his desk.Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd fans to expect ‘really hard moments’ as he admits it’s ‘a different world’ to anything before He said: “Everybody has to work together and for that we have to improve the process on recruitment, the data, the profile of players we want, but I have to have a strong position on that because I am the coach, I know how to play.”The new head coach conducted his first press conference as United boss at The Carrington Training Ground.He was full of confidence about how he can be different to David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ten Hag in getting the club right back to where they were under Sir Alex Ferguson.He said: “You had here different type of coaches.“So the guys who won everything like Van Gaal and Mourinho, you had new ones who knew the club inside out like Solskjaer, and one of the best that there will ever be outside the five strongest leagues was Ten Hag.“You have different type of coaches, the same result. We will try to do it our way, the Ineos way, and my way.”The Portuguese is looking forward to the challenge ahead and implementing his philosophy on the team and club as a whole.But the former Sporting Lisbon chief has warned the Old Trafford faithful not to expect him to perform miracles straight away.He said: “It’s Manchester United, you feel the weight of history despite the last few years and you want to be part of it.”The responsibility is enormous. It will be difficult.”There will be very difficult moments, but I really believe we will succeed.”Amorim is ready for all the extra attention and scrutiny which comes with the job.He said: “It’s a different world here. There’s a lot to do.”You’re not just a coach. It’s different, but I’m prepared.”Amorim is United’s SIXTH permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May 2013.His successors have all FAILED to win the Premier League, although there has been a sprinkling of FA, Europa League and League Cup success.And Amorim is confident he can end the club’s long wait to return to the summit of the English top flight.He said: “Call me naive. But I truly believe I am the right guy in the right moment.”I could be wrong but the world still will turn [and] the sun will rise again, I don’t worry about that.”I truly believe I’m the right guy for this job.“In two years you will understand if I am the right man to be in this process.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In two years you can understand if you want to continue on this path or you want to change.“I know if you are at Manchester United you have to win games, so I will not tell you I need a lot of time.”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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      David Beckham ‘appoints ex-Premier League star’ and former Lionel Messi team-mate as Inter Miami boss

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      DAVID BECKHAM has appointed former Prem star Javier Mascherano as Inter Miami’s new manager, according to reports.Mascherano, 40, will now coach his ex-Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.David Beckham has brought another former Prem star in to manage Inter MiamiJavier Mascherano will be reunited with fellow Argentine and ex-Barca team-mate Lionel MessiMascherano is set to leave his position as manager of Argentina’s under-20sThe former Liverpool star has signed a long-term contract with the MLS franchise, according to transfer journalist Cesar Luis Merlo.He will also leave his position as manager of Argentina’s under-20 team, where he coaches a number of Inter Miami’s young prospects.It’s Mascherano’s first position at a senior men’s club as the Athletic report that documents are “being prepared”.Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino stepped down as gaffer just three days ago after Miami’s shock elimination from the first round of the MLS play-offs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMiami lost the three-game series with a 3-2 defeat in Game 3 to Atlanta United, sealing their exit and ending their 2024 campaign.Messi, Alba and Suarez played in all three games, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or scoring in the final loss. Mascherano joined Liverpool in 2006 and played three seasons at Anfield where he formed part of an incredible midfield trio with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso.Mascherano then went onto to win trophies with Messi, Suarez, Alba and Busquets during his eight seasons at Barcelona.Most read in FootballJavier Mascherano spent eight years at BarcaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDuring his time in Spain, Mascherano won five LaLiga titles and the Champions League twice.He’s not the first former Prem star to take the reigns at Inter, with Phil Neville previously managing the club for two-and-a-half years before he was sacked by pal Beckham.David Beckham imposes strict fashion rule on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mates leaving Rio Ferdinand stunnedMartino, who guided Miami to the best regular season record in MLS history this season, made the decision to leave for personal reasons.The 61-year-old Martino – who also coached Messi with Barca and Argentina’s national team before reuniting with him in South Florida – gave no signs of leaving when the season ended earlier this month.Miami were 26-9-12 in MLS regular season and won the Leagues Cup and the Supporters Shield in 2023.Mascherano is likely to face a hectic 2025 as the team will likely venture out on another international pre-season tour.There’s also the 34-match MLS slate and Miami will be one of the teams in the Club World Cup that starts in June as well.But Miami won’t gather for training camp to start the 2025 season until January. Mascherano is the latest ex-Messi teammate to join the MLS franchise – but the first in a coaching capacity. He coached Argentina at the 2024 Paris Olympics to a quarterfinal exit losing out to silver medallist France.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s likely to be the final year with all four of the team’s ex-Barcelona superstars.Busquets and Messi see their deals expire after the 2025 season, Suarez is in negotiations over a one-year extension, and Alba has an option for a further year on his deal. More

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      Jake Paul’s team sensationally open door to Anthony Joshua fight to ‘test the limits of what’s possible’

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      JAKE PAUL could sensationally fight Anthony Joshua to “test the limits of what’s possible.” YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul moved up to heavyweight to defeat Mike Tyson over eight rounds on Netflix. Jake Paul could sensationally fight Anthony JoshuaCredit: GettyAnthony Joshua weighs as much as 18 stoneCredit: ReutersIt proved a commercial success with over 100 MILLION tuning in and over 72,000 fans inside the AT&T Stadium. And Paul’s victory caused the likes of undisputed light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev, 39, to call out Paul.Daniel Dubois, 27, who knocked out Joshua, 35, in September also challenged the 11-1 social media sensation. And Paul’s promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian told Sky Sports: “Jake’s feedback to me was I want to do that fight. READ MORE IN BOXING”Not now. But I want to do that fight. To be a world champion at cruiserweight, he wants to do that. “The other is to test the limits of expectations. Test the limits of what’s possible.”This event with Mike Tyson, that tested the limits of what was possible for the world to see and him fighting Anthony Joshua or Daniel Dubois is kind of the same thing.”Jake weighed in at 227lbs but really he walks around at 215. But he’ll do it for the right environment, the right framework.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It isn’t about the money. He’s made lots of money from the time he was 18 years old. It’s really about disruption.”It’s really about doing things that make you say: ‘Wow, that really happened.’ That’s what excites us.”Logan Paul tipped to sensationally fight his own brother Jake in bid to ‘teach him a lesson’ in never-before-seen boutJoshua weighed as heavy as 18 STONE before he was knocked out in round five by Dubois in September. And talks to rematch in February have since broken down as AJ instead eyes a return in the summer. Meanwhile Paul, 27, has the likes of Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez, 34, in his sights as he plots his next move. Bidarian said: “He has plenty of options. “He’s going to take a few days off and then we’re going to sit down next week with him, his advisers, his coaches and determine the next steps. “This was an opportunity to grab the world’s attention and remind them why this is such a beautiful sport.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Jake played a major part in doing that in his match against Mike Tyson and strategically we positioned Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano right before them.”In terms of what’s next for Jake – whatever he wants it to be, to be honest.”Joshua towers over Jake Paul More

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      Man Utd ‘transfer plans revealed as Ruben Amorim eyes Jarrad Branthwaite and Champions League-winning dream target’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are drawing up plans to return to land No1 defensive target Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports. Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game for the Red Devils against Ipswich on Sunday.Man Utd are planning some major transfers to bolster Ruben Amorim’s teamCredit: GettyThe club are reportedly considering returning for Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: AlamyJamie Carragher is intrigued to see how such a “radical” move with work mid-season, while Amorim himself has warned fans they will need to prepare for some “hard moments”.Regardless, United transfer chiefs look set to press on with plans to sure up the defence despite landing three defenders in the summer.According to the Daily Mail, United are considering whether to return to Everton’s doorstep with an offer for Branthwaite.They saw two bids for the Englishman, 22, rejected in the summer, with the latter reaching £50million including add-ons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBraithwaite’s arrival would serve to bolster the defence for a three-player defence, with Amorim’s style seeing him play a 3-4-3 shape rather than the 4-3-3 previously seen under Erik ten Hag.However, the report says United will need to sell players if they want to make this move in January or next summer.Elsewhere, United remain in the race to land Bayern Munich left wing-back Alphonso Davies.The Canadian’s contract with the Bavarians expires in the summer, and according to AS he has made no decision over his future.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLa Liga giants Real Madrid have been long-term admirers of Davies, 24, and are reported by the outlet to have transferred their offer to the player’s agent.This being said, with Ferland Mendy at the Bernabeu, strengthening the position is not a priority and they are not willing to get into a battle with other clubs.Jarrad Branthwaite talks about his history of playing for Everton Bild reports the offer for the Champions League winner is worth just under £10m per year.But Davies’ agent Nedal Huoseh has dismissed talk of an agreement and claimed it is actually Man Utd who are “bidding hard” to sign Davies.With Luke Shaw’s fitness once again proving to be unreliable this season and Tyrell Malacia only recently returning from a long-term injury, moving for Davies would make sense as an aggressive wing-back option for Amorim.SunSport have taken an extensive look into how Amorim is expected to get the team playing in the latest edition of our Tactics Exposed series.A win can put Man Utd seventh in the table if results elsewhere go in their favour.Alphonso Davies is in talks with Real Madrid and Man UtdCredit: RexThree 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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      Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd chiefs: Give me two years then decide if I’m the right man for the job

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      RUBEN AMORIM insists if he has not proved himself in two years he should leave Manchester United.The new Red Devils boss says he is “the right guy” for the task at hand at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim is the sixth new Manchester United manager in 11 yearsCredit: GettyBut as he became United’s sixth new boss in 11 years, the Portuguese said the club can decide whether he is or not in a couple of years.Amorim said: “In two years you will understand if I am the right man to be in this process.“In two years you can understand if you want to continue on this path or you want to change.“I know if you are at Manchester United you have to win games, so I will not tell you I need a lot of time.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Sporting Lisbon coach, however, believes the club will soon realise they have made the correct choice.While he did not quite quote his mentor Jose Mourinho by calling himself ‘The Special One’ he was not far off and says this is not the impossible job.He said: “Call me naïve but I believe I am the right guy in the right moment. I truly believe I am the right guy.“I am a little bit a dreamer and I believe in myself and I believe in the club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I think we have the same idea, the same mindset and that can help.“I truly believe in the players also. I think we have room to improve and I want to try new things.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training session“You guys think it is not possible, I think it is possible.”Amorim takes charge of his first game as the new United boss on Sunday away to Ipswich.And ahead of the clash, he also warned his Red Devils fans to expect some turbulence during his era.Amorim added: “It’s Manchester United, you feel the weight of history despite the last few years and you want to be part of it.”If you win here, it will be different from any other club in England.”The responsibility is enormous. It will be difficult.”There will be very difficult moments, but I really believe we will succeed.”Amorim will oversee his first match in charge on Sunday at IpswichCredit: GettyThe new boss says he needs two years to be judged on his performanceCredit: Getty More

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      ‘He promised me’: Gianfranco Zola reveals Cole Palmer pledge as Chelsea icons meet for first time after EA FC comment

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      GIANFRANCO ZOLA has revealed how Cole Palmer has promised to take him for dinner when he scores his next free-kick.Palmer, 22, wasn’t too sure of who the Chelsea legend was when asked about him last month.Gianfranco Zola has revealed a promise Cole Palmer made for when he scores his next free-kickCredit: instagram @premierleaguePalmer ranked 25th in the Ballon d’Or this yearCredit: GettyBut Zola believes that with practice he could win the whole thingCredit: GettyInstead, what he did know was Zola, 58, was an Icon card on the popular video game series EA Sports FC, previously known as Fifa.By that reckoning, Palmer insisted: “I know he’s an icon on Fifa so he must have been good. “I didn’t really watch him play but everyone says he was a great player.”However, the pair have now had the chance to meet up and get properly acquainted with one another.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPlaying a quickfire game of “Who has the better?” for a video shared to social media, Zola and Palmer took turns pointing at one another when they believed the other person was the answer to the question.The first question asked who has the better first touch, to which Zola pointed at Palmer. Palmer was surprised when Zola again pointed at him after being asked who has better skills.The third question saw them asked who has the better card on EAFC, to which Palmer promptly pointed at Zola, explaining how the Italian had an 87-rated Icon card while he had an 85-rated player card.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe pair were then asked, who is the best free-kick taker, Palmer quickly pointed to Zola before insisting his was just luck.In response, Zola said: “No, there is no luck, its ability. ‘You couldn’t’ – Ice cold Cole Palmer shuts down Amelia Dimoldenberg in viral interview at GQ’s Men of the Year awardsZola then revealed a promise the England international had made to him.He continued: “But he needs to practice more.”He promised me he’s going to. He told me he’s going to take me for dinner if he scores after practicing.”The comment prompted a laugh from Palmer, who then nodded to Zola.Finally, they were asked who had the best celebration, with Zola pointing to Palmer before doing his “chilly” celebration.Zola played 312 games for Chelsea between 1996 and 2003, scoring 80 goals.By contrast, Palmer only joined the Blues in 2023 but has already scored 32 goals in 58 games. However, Zola has previously said he believes Palmer, who placed 25th on this year’s Ballon d’Or list, has the potential to compete for the full trophy.He said: “He needs to work a lot on his game, of course, because he is still young and there are things that can make him better.“And if he does that, he can be in contention for the Ballon d’Or because the numbers and the skills are there.“There is still work to do but potentially he can do that. “He has a very, very good coach to work with in Maresca and I am sure he will make sure he works on that.”Palmer pulled out of Lee Carsley’s final England squad due to injury concerns that had also seen him be doubtful for the Arsenal draw before the international break.READ MORE SUN STORIESEnzo Maresca said Palmer and team-mate Levi Colwill would be assessed before determining for certain whether they would be available to play Leicester this weekend. He said: “Some of them are better, some of them are still doubts and also we need to wait because today is the first session that we do with all the players who were with their national team.” More

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      Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd fans to expect ‘really hard moments’ as he admits it’s ‘a different world’ to anything before

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      RUBEN AMORIM has warned Manchester United fans to expect some ups and downs over the next few years.The 39-year-old was officially announced as Erik ten Hag’s successor earlier this month.Ruben Amorim was officially appointed as Manchester United’s new manager earlier this monthCredit: GETTYThe 39-year-old gaffer replaces the recently-axed Erik ten HagCredit: GETTYThe Portuguese has warned United fans to expect some turbulent times over the next few yearsCredit: GETTYAmorim’s first assignment will be a trip to Portman Road on Sunday to take on Ipswich Town.The Portuguese is looking forward to the challenge ahead and implementing his philosophy on the team and club as a whole.But the former Sporting Lisbon chief has warned the Old Trafford faithful not to expect him to perform miracles straight away.He said: “It’s Manchester United, you feel the weight of history despite the last few years and you want to be part of it. READ MORE ON AMORIM”If you win here, it will be different from any other club in England.”The responsibility is enormous. It will be difficult. “There will be very difficult moments, but I really believe we will succeed.”The Old Trafford hotseat arguably has the most eyes on it in world football.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“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.”But Amorim is ready for all the extra attention and scrutiny which comes with the job.He said: “It’s a different world here. There’s a lot to do. How Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position change”You’re not just a coach. It’s different, but I’m prepared.”Amorim is United’s SIXTH permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May 2013.His successors have all FAILED to win the Premier League, although there has been a sprinkling of FA, Europa League and League Cup success.And Amorim is confident he can end the club’s long wait to return to the summit of the English top flight.He said: “Call me naive. But I truly believe I am the right guy in the right moment. “I could be wrong but the world still will turn [and] the sun will rise again, I don’t worry about that. “I truly believe I’m the right guy for this job.”Confidence aside, Amorim knows he’ll face the same fate as his predecessors if he doesn’t start filling Old Trafford’s trophy room.He said: “I know if you are at Manchester United you have to win games.”So I will not tell you I need a lot of time. “It’s a great league, the strongest in the world, and we have to improve a lot. “We have to win games and then to win titles.”Amorim is confident his stint at the Theatre of Dreams won’t be a nightmare and insists he should leave the club if he doesn’t deliver on his promises within two years.He said: “In two years, you will understand if I am the right man to be in this process.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In two years, you can understand if you want to continue in this path or you want to change.“I know if you are at Manchester United you have to win games, so I will not tell you I need a lot of time.” More

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      Rafa Benitez didn’t hesitate when naming the best player he has ever coached with Cristiano Ronaldo snubbed

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      RAFA BENITEZ didn’t need to think twice when naming Steven Gerrard as the best player he has ever coached — snubbing Cristiano Ronaldo in the process.Benitez, 64, has managed some of Europe’s top teams during a glittering coaching career which started in 1986 at Real Madrid’s academy.Rafa Benitez has named Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as the best player he’s ever worked withCredit: GettyBenitez snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo after they fell out at Real MadridCredit: GettyHe has since taking charge of giants including Liverpool, Chelsea and Real.And Benitez has a host of trophies to boot, including two league titles, an FA Cup, one Europe League and a Champions League.The Spaniard’s travels have seen him work with some of football’s top names.Fernando Torres, Luka Modric and Eden Hazard are just some of the stars to have crossed Benitez’s path.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the tactician, most recently in charge of LaLiga side Celta Vigo, reckons Gerrard was head and shoulders above the rest.Benitez managed the midfield powerhouse for six years at Liverpool, with the pair winning an FA Cup and Champions League together.Benitez made his choice despite having also managed legendary forward Ronaldo at Real Madrid.But they famously fell out almost immediately, with Benitez’s contract terminated just six months into his Bernabeu reign.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSExplaining why Gerrard was king in his eyes, Benitez told the It Was What It Was podcast: “He’s the best player that I have ever coached.“He was very good and at the beginning when we were knowing each other.”Rafa Benitez reveals ‘five or six’ offers to return to Premier League but admits ‘there are teams I won’t coach’Benitez explained how Gerrard continued to develop throughout his careerCredit: GettyBenitez was then questioned about the difference between Gerrard and Ronaldo.He was asked: “You coached Ronaldo. You think Steven was a better player?”Benitez answered: “In terms of a complete player. Stevie has the power, he could score goals, good in the air, both feet, could shoot from distance, short, taking penalties, deliveries, corners, free-kicks.“Defending, if it was necessary. He had energy, he trained well and was a good professional. The point with him is he was a box-to-box midfielder from the beginning and little by little he was understanding the game.“He had all the potential and he was getting better in terms of position and decisions later on. But he was great from the beginning.”Rafa Benitez’s managerial statsThose numbers in full:Real Madrid B, July 1993-June 1995: P65 W26 D18 L21Valladolid, July 1995-Jan 1996: P29 W5 D10 L14Osasuna, July 1996-Nov 1996: P11 W3 D4 L4Extremadura, July 1997-June 1999: P92 W36 D26 L30Tenerife, July 2000-June 2001: P46 W23 D11 L12Valencia, July 2001-June 2004: P162 W88 D41 L33Liverpool, June 2004-June 2010: P350 W194 D77 L79Inter Milan, June 2010-Dec 2010: P25 W12 D6 L7Chelsea (interim), Nov 2012-May 2013: P48 W28 D10 L10Napoli, May 2013-June 2015: P112 W59 D28 L25Real Madrid, June 2015-Jan 2016: P25 W17 D5 L3Newcastle, March 2016-June 2019: P146 W62 D31 L53Dalian Pro, July 2019-Jan 2021: P38 W12 D8 L18Everton, June 2021-Jan 2022: P22 W7 D5 L10Celta Vigo, July 2023-March 2024: P33 W9 D9 L15TrophiesLa Liga x2, Uefa Cup (Valencia)FA Cup, Community Shield, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup (Liverpool)Italian Super Cup, Club World Cup (Inter Milan)Europa League (Chelsea)Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup (Napoli)Championship (Newcastle) More