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    Two Premier League cult heroes ‘battling for vacant Blackburn job’ despite neither ever managing in England

    TWO Premier League cult heroes could be set for a return to English football – with Blackburn Rovers.Blackburn are looking for a new manager after John Eustace left to join Derby last week.Blackburn are interviewing candidates to replace John Eustace, who has joined DerbyCredit: PAEx-Fulham star Luís Boa Morte is reportedly on the shortlistCredit: GettyFormer Prem midfielder George Boateng is also being interviewed at Ewood ParkCredit: GettyEustace jumped ship despite guiding Rovers into the Championship playoff spots.The club have not been in the Premier League since 2012. David Lowe took interim charge as Blackburn beat Plymouth 2-0 on Saturday to cement their place in the top six. According to talkSPORT, Ewood Park bosses are set to interview both Luis Boa Morte and George Boateng for the vacant role.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBoa Morte, 47, played for Arsenal, Southampton, Fulham and West Ham during his nearly two-decade career.While Boateng, 49, spent the majority of his playing days in England, appearing over 100 times for Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. Neither have managerial experience in England but both went into coaching after hanging up their boots.Boa Morte is currently in charge of the Guinea-Bissau national team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe was previously an assistant under Marco Silva at both Everton and Fulham. Boateng previously coached in the Blackburn youth setup, taking charge of their under-13s in 2018. Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiHe has only one other managerial job – Kelantan in Malaysia – but has held various coaching roles across English football.Boateng left Coventry City last year after the arrival of Frank Lampard to the Sky Blues. The 49-year-old has held previous coaching roles with both the Ghana national team and Villa.Boateng won the Carling Cup with Middlesbrough in 2004Credit: PA:Press AssociationBoa Morte featured over 100 times for FulhamCredit: PA:Press AssociationEustace’s decision to join Derby was motivated by a desire to be closer to his family.Following his departure, Blackburn said in a statement: “While we are disappointed by his decision to leave at this crucial stage of the season, we fully understand that the opportunity to move closer to his family and return to a former club played a significant role in his choice.”he club had hoped that John would see out the season and continue the fantastic work he has done, particularly after strengthening the squad in January and guiding us into a strong position in the league.READ MORE SUN STORIES”However, with 14 games remaining and a real chance to push for a play-off place, the focus remains on achieving our ambitions …”David Lowe will continue to take temporary charge of first-team affairs, supported by Damien Johnson, Ben Benson, Mike Sheron and Paul Butler, until a permanent successor is appointed.” More

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    Kyle Walker reveals message from David Beckham after asking permission to wear same AC Milan shirt number

    KYLE WALKER has revealed he got permission from David Beckham to wear his shirt number at AC Milan.The right-back joined the Italian giants from Manchester City on loan with a £4.2million option to buy in January.Kyle Walker asked David Beckham if he could wear the No32 shirt at AC MilanCredit: GettyDavid Beckham wore the number during his two years at the clubCredit: Times Newspapers LtdWalker took the No32 shirt at San Siro, which is the same kit number Beckham had during his two years in Milan.He told GQ that he spoke to the England legend before joining the club and even asked for permission to wear his old number.Walker said: “I don’t think I can emulate David Beckham for what he did for football, both on and off the field. He changed football.“He messaged me, and I said, ‘I hope you don’t mind me taking your number’. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He says, ‘No, it’s an honour; do it proud’. “Hopefully I can keep performing well, keep getting the wins for the team. “It was an honour for him to give me a message just to say that I can have permission to wear the top.”Beckham chose the No32 shirt when he arrived in Milan as his usual No7 and No23 were not available.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe first opted for No23 at Real Madrid as it was basketball hero Michael Jordan’s number.Flipping the digits was not the only reason behind Beckham’s Milan choice, with him admitting basketball was again part of his decision as No32 is synonymous with Magic Johnson.Wayne Rooney slams ‘strange’ decision by Man City to let Kyle Walker join AC Milan on loan after Real Madrid horror showSince Walker made the move to the Serie A side, he has featured five times and suffered just one defeat.However, he was hooked off at half-time in yesterday’s 1-0 win over Hellas Verona.It came just four days after being given a torrid time in the 1-0 Champions League loss to Feyenoord by Premier League transfer target Igor Paixao. More

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    World Cup’s hottest fan sends followers wild in busty snap wearing red latex corset and covered in lipstick kisses

    IVANA KNOLL took social media by storm once more with another raunchy snap.Ivana, 32, was crowned as the World Cup’s sexiest fan three years ago with her antics in Qatar where she donned a series of outfits that left little to imagination.Ivana Knoll took social media by storm once moreCredit: @knolldoll/instagramIvana posed in a small red latex corset on InstagramCredit: @knolldoll/instagramIvana was covered in red lipstick kisses all over her bodyCredit: @knolldoll/instagramIvana shares a series of raunchy snaps across social mediaCredit: @knolldoll/instagramThe Croatian model is still going strong as she shares a series of glam pics across social media.This time she took to Instagram where she posed in a red corset with a number of lipstick kisses all over her body.Ivana posted: “When he says he misses me but I miss the days when I didn’t know he existed.”That led to almost 50,000 likes from her 2.8million followers who were left in awe and stormed the comments’ section.Read More on FootballOne fan gushed: “Wooow!”Another commented: “Slay queen!”A third wrote: “Gorgeoussss.”This fan said: “Loveee these.”Most read in FootballAnd that one stated: “OMG.”Knoll went viral when she watched her beloved Croatia compete in the World Cup.World Cup’s sexiest fan Ivana Knoll stuns in bikini video as fans say ‘you can really move those hips’She watched Luka Modric and co making it to the semi-finals and finishing third after beating Morocco in the third-place play-off.Scroll down for more from Ivana KnollIvana made a name for herself during the 2022 World Cup in the standsCredit: GettyIvana wore some steamy outfits while supporting CroatiaCredit: GettyIvana was dubbed the 2022 World Cup’s “hottest fan”Credit: Instagram @knolldollIvana’s following continues to grow on social mediaCredit: Instagram More

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    Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table after Tottenham loss drags Man Utd closer towards relegation

    A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the final Premier League table after Manchester United were dragged closer to the bottom three.The Red Devils slumped to a 1-0 defeat to fellow underperformers Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.Manchester United suffered defeat to Tottenham HotspurCredit: GettyLiverpool are being backed to win the Premier League titleCredit: GettyThe loss has left Ruben Amorim’s side 15th in the table just 12 points above 18th-placed Ipswich Town.It also means that Man United have lost three of their last five games with little sign of improvement.To make matters worse, Amorim is now dealing with an injury crisis that saw him name EIGHT teenagers on the bench.The club will have to contend without the likes of Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez for the foreseeable future.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThere was little change at the top of the table as both Liverpool and Arsenal won, leaving the gap between the contenders at seven points.With the latest results the supercomputer at CasinoHawks has predicted the final Premier League table.The prediction is that Arsenal will fall even further behind in the race for the title and finish ten points behind Arne Slot’s Reds.Despite Man United being in crisis it is thought that the club will win five of their remaining 13 games to finish in 13th place.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis would be the club’s worst-ever finish by five spots, but considering the current state, it could have been a lot worse.This would put them above the predicted finish of Tottenham Hotspur who are expected to finish 14th.Emotional ex-Tottenham star Nabil Bentaleb, 30, scores just four minutes into return after suffering cardiac arrestArsenal will have to settle for another runners-up medalCredit: GettyBournemouth are being backed for a top four spotCredit: GettyThe biggest shock made by the supercomputer is that Bournemouth will sneak into the Champions League spot.The Cherries have been in great form recently, having won three of their last four games.The club are being backed to remain ahead of Chelsea and chase down Nottingham Forest to snatch fourth.Manchester City are also expected to continue on their improvements and finish in third place.However, Pep Guardiola’s side are believed to end TWENTY points behind winners Liverpool.In terms of the relegation spots, the supercomputer is backing Ipswich Town to pull off a remarkable escape.The Tractors Boy could catch Wolves and dump the West Midlands side into the Championship. More

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    ‘I knew you was thinking about me,’ says Luke Littler as James Maddison sends Man Utd fan apology

    JAMES MADDISON sent pal Luke Littler a tongue-in-cheek apology after scoring Tottenham’s winner against the darts star’s beloved Manchester United.The midfielder, 28, was making his return to action following three weeks out with a calf injury.James Maddison performed his darts throw celebrationCredit: GettyLuke Littler is a boyhood Man Utd fanCredit: GettyLittler re-posted James Maddison’s Instagram storyHe made it a comeback to remember, scoring in the 13th minute to earn Spurs an important 1-0 win.After scoring, Maddison performed his trademark “throwing a dart” celebration.He then made a shushing gesture, potentially directed at Roy Keane following the Irishman’s comments about him earlier in the week.After the game, Maddison posted a picture of his darts celebration his Instagram story.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe captioned it: “Sorry son @lukethenukelittler”.Littler, 18, subsequently re-posted the image to his own story, writing: “I knew u was thinking about me.”The pair’s friendship dates back to Littler’s run to the World Darts Championship final as a 16-year-old last year.After the Warrington wonderkid reached the quarter-finals, Maddison invited him to a Spurs match.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMaddison, 28, also shushed towards TV camerasCredit: GettyLittler sat in the England international’s plush box at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Spurs beat Bournemouth 3-1 in December 2023.A fortnight later, he met Sir Alex Ferguson and Bruno Fernandes as he attended Man Utd’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham at Old Trafford.Man Utd player ratings vs Tottenham: Hojlund arguably worst No9 in club’s history as Dorgu has nightmare debutIn September, Littler was cheekily trolled by Spurs’ social media team after the North Londoners defeated United 3-0 at Old Trafford.Posting a screenshot of Littler following their official account, they wrote: “You finally seen the light @LukeTheNuke180?”During the week, Man Utd icon Keane said Maddison “got relegated with Leicester and he’ll get relegated with Spurs”.After netting the winner and performing a shushing celebration, Maddison told Sky Sports: “There was a little bit of outside noise this week.”People will have their opinions, but I wanted to do my talking on the pitch. I hope there is a certain few that enjoyed me being the match-winner today.”Keane had also asked: “People say Maddison’s the man. When is he going to step up to the plate?”READ MORE SUN STORIESMaddison’s goal on Sunday was his ninth in 23 Premier League appearances this season.In total he has scored 10 and laid on six assists in all competitions during Spurs’ difficult season. More

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    ‘Best thing is his press conferences’ – Gary Neville says he’s seen ‘nothing’ from Man Utd under Ruben Amorim

    GARY NEVILLE has said the only good thing about Ruben Amorim is his press conferences.The Sky Sports pundit tore into Manchester United after their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham yesterday. Gary Neville admitted he is struggling to see things to positive about in performancesCredit: GettyNeville said the best bit about Ruben Amorim is his press conferencesCredit: ReutersAmorim has won just four league gamesCredit: Sky SportsAmorim has been unable to turn the club’s form around in his 14 Premier League games so far, picking up just four wins and conceding 23 goals.After United’s latest defeat, Neville was asked if he had seen any reasons to believe Amorim was the right man to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.He replied: “The best thing about it so far has been actually his press conferences.”Even today after the game, the way in which he communicates his vision and his idea that he wants to succeed at Manchester United and he feels he will get it right.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I don’t think there is anything on the pitch that I have seen so far, in results or performances, that tell me that we are watching a really good team. “We are not. It is a really poor team this United team.”He [Amorim] has died in a ditch in respect to when he said very early on, I am not going to change my ideas, so now he can’t.”That is an issue in some ways as I do think, with those 11 players out on the pitch, that there is a better way to get them into a system that meant that they felt more comfortable.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”But he can’t change that now because of what he said previously. “He really sort of stuck his flag in the ground and said that is the way he is going to go down.Ruben Amorim makes blunt admission as Man Utd face cash crisis “The performances are nowhere near good enough and he will know that.”He had a very good team at Sporting Lisbon, a fantastic team. He knows what good looks like.”He knows where he wants to take Manchester United but the problem at this moment in time is that it is just not happening at all.”Neville also took aim at Amorim’s midfield setup on commentary, saying: “The distance between the two central midfield players, see where Casemiro is and where Fernandes is, that cannot be right.”It breaks all rules in football. Absolute madness.”He later continued: “United may win today and may score goals but I have to say that the structure of the team is awful.”The gaps in that midfield between Fernandes and Casemiro.”That’s a tactic, they’ve been asked to do that, Bruno’s been asked to come out to this side and it isn’t right.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Bruno Fernandes is playing right wing, the two of them in midfield are split, it’s embarrassing.”You wouldn’t see this in Under-9s or Under-10s football.”Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen? More

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    ‘I played five minutes and it was my fault’ – Chelsea star opens up on horror season after big money transfer

    A CHELSEA ace endured his first and only horror season after moving to Stamford Bridge.The Blues splashed a staggering £62million to sign the Premier League star in 2022 following a brilliant campaign.A Chelsea star struggled greatly upon his arrival at Stamford BridgeCredit: PAMarc Cucurella barely played 10 minutes for Chelsea at Fulham in 2023Credit: GettyChelsea star Cucurella admitted that was his faultCredit: XBut upon his arrival in west London, Marc Cucurella struggled to replicate the impressive performances he displayed at Brighton the season before.Cucurella, 26, opened up about his difficult start with the Blues after reuniting with former Seagulls boss Graham Potter, who helped him burst onto the scene in the English top flight.The versatile full-back’s struggles didn’t hit home until a disappointing match at rivals Fulham in January 2023 when Chelsea lost 2-1.The Spain international barely played 10 minutes after coming on as a late second-half sub.Read More on ChelseaCucurella felt confused and his confidence was shattered with a section of the Chelsea fans booing him as he never had a bad season with any of his former teams until he joined the West Londoners.However, the defender took full responsibility and recognised it as “his fault”.Now the ex-Brighton star has been established as a key figure for new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.Cucurella told La Media Inglesa: “When things started to get a bit complicated, it’s difficult because you start to notice that everything that happens is your fault.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I remember a game, I think we lost, at Fulham. 2-1, I think, or 2-0. I played for five minutes or 10 minutes and [it was] my fault, you know.“I say yes, I know, but I haven’t played. And then people boo me, this is also difficult.Marc Cucurella charges over to Chelsea bench and changes boots after being totally at fault for Tottenham’s second goal“And I don’t know, you lose a bit of, above all, your confidence in yourself. I think this is the most important thing.“It’s difficult, but ultimately I am working to reach a point where [I feel that] on the day you play well you’re not the greatest and on the day you play badly you’re not the worst.“I came from [an environment] where this had never happened to me. “I want to say that in every team I was at before, I always played and everything was great. I’d never had a bad season in any team.“And clearly, I came here [to Chelsea] and in my first year this happened to me and it was difficult.“But then, ultimately, like everything in life, until it happens to you, you don’t know how to confront it. “Now, if I were to end up having another bad season, it wouldn’t affect me like before and I would come out of it better.” More

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    Emotional ex-Tottenham star Nabil Bentaleb, 30, scores just four minutes into return after suffering cardiac arrest

    NABIL BENTALEB scored just four minutes into his first appearance since suffering a cardiac arrest last June.The former Tottenham star, 30, now plies his trade for his hometown club Lille in Ligue 1.Nabil Bentaleb celebrates scoring on his first appearance of the seasonCredit: AFPThe midfielder, 30, was mobbed by the Lille benchCredit: RexPrior to last night’s match, Bentaleb had not played since featuring in a World Cup qualifier for Algeria on June 10 last year, having suffered with a cardiac arrest later that month.He was subsequently fitted with a defibrillator by the same heart specialist that treated his former Spurs team-mate Christian Eriksen.Following eight months of rehab, Bentaleb was cleared to return to action by the French Football Federation last Wednesday.Having returned to full training, the all-action midfielder was named as a substitute for Lille’s trip to Rennes on Sunday evening.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBruno Genesio’s side went into the match having endured a shock home defeat to lowly Le Havre last weekend.While their hosts had won their first two matches under their new boss, former Newcastle and Aston Villa full-back Habib Beye.With the score level at 0-0, Bentaleb was called upon to replace Ngal’ayel Mukau in the 76th minute.Barely four minutes later, the returning star was on the scoresheet – stabbing home the rebound after Brice Samba had saved Chuba Akpom’s header.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBentaleb was back in the matchday squad for the first time since suffering a cardiac arrestCredit: AlamyBentaleb ran to the bench in celebration, being mobbed by his thrilled team-mates in the process.Things got even better on 86 minutes, with Akpom scoring Lille’s second to secure a 2-0 victory on Bentaleb’s return.Spurs fans hold sit-in protest against board and owenrs after Man Utd winSpeaking after the match, boss Genesio said: “It’s worthy of a film. He deserved it, because I don’t believe in luck, he believed in himself.”It’s an incredible, wonderful story.”Nabil’s goal put us on cloud nine, it’s hard to describe. It could be a moment that will mark the end of our season, that will remain engraved in the history of the club, of this season – and in Nabil’s mind, of course.”Prior to Bentaleb’s introduction, it had looked as if it may not be Lille’s day in front of goal.Akpom had been denied from the penalty spot, before having a goal disallowed for an extremely narrow offside.Rennes defender Christopher Wooh was sent off on 74 minutes, receiving a yellow card for bundling the forward over.READ MORE SUN STORIESLille’s victory saw them rise back above in Lyon into fifth in the Ligue 1 table, just two points off the Champions League places.They will return to action this Saturday when they host AS Monaco.Bentaleb was awarded man of the match for his goalscoring cameoThe popular returning star was celebrated by Lille’s fans at the end of the matchCredit: AFP More