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      Watch former Premier League bad-boy Nile Ranger’s dramatic extra-time winner as seventh-tier Kettering stun Northampton

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      NILE RANGER headed the extra-time winner as seventh-tier Kettering stunned League One Northampton to make the FA Cup second round.Ranger, 33, once pocketed £10,000-a-week and says he could have been as good as Erling Haaland – but instead ended up unemployed after stints in jail.Nile Ranger headed in against Northampton Town in the FA CupCredit: bbcHis goal gave Kettering Town a huge upset in the historic competitionCredit: bbcHe was handed a career lifeline by Southern League Premier Central side Kettering last month.And he made an instant impact with a towering header to stun their more illustrious local rivals.Cobblers star Connor Johnson had netted in the first-half own goal to hand Kettering the lead before Luca Miller levelled to send the game to extra time.Thrilled Ranger said: “It’s special, especially where we’re coming from.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Obviously our tier of football is quite low, so coming to Northampton, it’s a derby as well. Look what it means to the fans. It’s a lot.”I’m trying to be humble. I’m getting old now.”Obviously, I went down a level to show everyone I’m still hungry. It feels good for myself as well.”Ranger rose highest to head home the winner in the 92nd minute at the Sixfields Stadium.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe is not the only former Premier League star at Kettering with Gary Hooper and Marvin Sordell both also on the books.The result was a huge scalp for Kettering and Northampton are four divisions higher than the Southern League Premier Division Central side.Meet non-league star with longest throw in football who plans to put it to good use in FA Cup giant killingRanger was over the moon after scoringCredit: PAGainsborough will be the lowest-ranked side in tonight’s FA Cup second-round draw after a penalty shoot-out victory following a 4-4 draw with eighth-tier Hesnesford.The Northern Premier League strugglers recovered from 3-0 down to force extra-time with an added time leveller from Will Lancaster.Seventh-tier Trinity fell behind again before levelling — then won 5-4 on penalties to reach the second round for the first time in 72 years.Gainsborough boss Russ Wilcox said: “I’ve never been involved in anything like that. In the penalty shoot-out we had three chances to win it and three chances to lose it.”And National League strugglers Wealdstone pulled off a shock by winning 1-0 at League Two Grimsby with Alex Reid’s 90th-minute strike.The striker said: “The gaffer said show respect but believe in yourselves.”Oldham overcame the one-division gap to League Two Tranmere to beat Rovers 2-1 at Prenton Park.National League Dagenham also beat League Two opposition with Dion Pereira’s second-half penalty clinching a 1-0 win at Crewe.Daggers boss Ben Strevens said: “It’s an amazing day for us. The scenes at the end are what we do it for.”Seventh-tier Harborough are in the second round for the first time after a 4-1 win at National League South Tonbridge.FA Cup first round results Here are all of the results from the FA Cup first round…Notts County 5-1 Alfreton TownTamworth 1-0 HuddersfieldTonbridge 1-4 Harborough Town Worthing 0-2 Morecambe Burton Albion 1-0 Scarborough AthleticSolihull Moors 3-0 Maidstone UnitedGillingham 0-2 BlackpoolReading 2-0 FleetwoodNewport County 2-4 Peterborough Barrow 0-1 DoncasterWoking 0-1 Cambridge UnitedStockport 2-1 Forest Green RoversBristol Rovers 3-1 Weston-super-MareRochdale 3-4 BromleyWalsall 2-1 BoltonPort Vale 1-3 BarnsleyExeter City 5-3 BarnetSwindon Town 2-1 ColchesterWycombe 3-2 York CityChesterfield 3-1 HorshamSouthend 3-4 CharltonMaidenhead 1-2 Crawley TownBrackley Town 0(5)-(4)0 Braintree TownCrewe Alexandre 0-1 Dagenham and RedbridgeBradford City 3-1 Aldershot TownCarlisle 0-2 Wigan AthleticTranmere 1-2 OldhamStevenage 1(5)-(4)1 GuiseleyGrimsby Town 0-1 Wealdstone Salford City 2-1 ShrewsburyRotherham 1-3 CheltenhamRuchall Olympic 0-2 Accrington StanleyHednesford Town 4(4)-(5)4 Gainsborough TrinityNorthampton Town 1-2 Kettering TownStill to playMK Dons v AFC WimbledonSutton United v Birmingham CityCurzon Ashton v Mansfield TownBoreham Wood v Leyton OrientHarrogate Town v WrexhamChesham United v Lincoln CityPaul Malone gave the Southern League Premier Central side the lead before Ben Stephens (two) and Danny Forbes sealed it.Northern Premier League Guiseley gave League One Stevenage a scare before finally going out on penalties.Will Longbottom’s equaliser for the non league outfit made it 1-1 but keeper Murphy Cooper made two saves to help win the shoot-out 5-4.Maidstone’s hopes of another memorable Cup run ended with a 3-0 defeat at Solihull Moors.READ MORE SUN STORIESJosh Magennis scored a hat-trick for Exeter in the League One side’s 5-3 win over National League Barnet.And National League North outfit Rushall Olympic finished with ten men with Luke Benbow sent off for two bookings as they were beaten 2-0 at home by League Two Accrington. More

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      Harry Redknapp: Why Ruben Amorim should build his new Man Utd around Harry Maguire to drag them up from rock bottom

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      WHEN legend Sir Alex Ferguson won the Treble at Manchester United they called it ‘The Impossible Dream’.But now, 25 years on, Ruben Amorim will walk into Old Trafford with plenty saying it’s become the Impossible Job.Ruben Amorim should be a success at Old Trafford, says Harry RedknappHarry Maguire should be someone Ruben Amorim turns to, Redknapp addedWell I’ve got news for all of them — Sir Alex had the last laugh in 1999 and I’m convinced United’s new manager will do the same.Not by winning everything in sight, before you think I’ve lost the plot. I am not suggesting three trophies and an open-top bus parade around Manchester in May.But I do see this as the perfect chance for Amorim to make himself a hero.It is actually the dream job and the perfect time to take on one of the biggest four or five clubs in the world.Read more football newsYou see, if you’re at an all-time low, like United are now, there’s only one way to go. It was the same for me when I went to Spurs in 2008.I took over a side that was rock bottom, without a win after eight games, and where chins were on the floor. But I looked around on that first day and knew we wouldn’t be there for long.Not with the likes of Luka Modric, a young Gareth Bale, Jermaine Jenas, Aaron Lennon. Top talent all over the place.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAmorim’s got his fair share at United, too.Most read in FootballAlejandro Garnacho — a player I love — Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford would walk into most sides in the Prem.Ruben Amorim showed flashes of a young Jose Mourinho is his latest press conference – and teased a big announcementObviously results must improve and the manager will want to bring in one or two new faces and make the odd tweak.But we’re not talking a complete overhaul.This isn’t the United David Moyes inherited when he replaced Sir Alex in 2013.One that may have been champions but — with all due respect — certainly wasn’t anywhere near their finest.Fergie got them over the line but so many players were nearing the end and a total rebuild was on the cards.Harry didn’t always have the easiest of rides under Erik ten Hag — and that’s putting it mildly — and a lot of money was spent on new central defenders.Harry RedknappIt was nothing like the current squad, one which just needs a bit of fine-tuning. So ignore rubbish about how this season is already a write-off.With so many games left, if United go on a run — and there is no reason why not — they could get fourth spot.Chelsea are probably favourites but no one’s grabbing it by the horns.Tottenham are in and out and Aston Villa have the Champions League to deal with as well.The immediate job for Amorim is to bring back the confidence, to make them feel good again, like I had to at Spurs.Amorim’s first job will be to install confidence in his squadMaguire had a difficult time under sacked boss Erik ten Hag at Man UtdI remember looking at Jonathan Woodgate, Ledley King, Vedran Corluka and the rest and thinking, ‘If I can’t get this lot playing better, something really is wrong’.They didn’t need me to tell them it hadn’t been good enough — even though I did!I also told everyone it was a level playing field as they were all starting from the same point.Whoever was out of favour before, it didn’t bother me. This was a fresh start and I’d pick a side based on who impressed me in training.That was the challenge, and they all took it on.It’s a tough job, for sure, as tough as it comes. But an impossible one? Not a chance.Harry RedknappI wanted to find the players I could rely on, just as Amorim has to at United. And I’d be amazed if Harry Maguire isn’t top of that list.Harry didn’t always have the easiest of rides under Erik ten Hag — and that’s putting it mildly — and a lot of money was spent on new central defenders.But Maguire kept his head down throughout it all, didn’t cause a fuss, waited for his chance and always gave 100 per cent when it arrived.There might be more glamorous names at United, but no one gives more, wants to win more, or cares quite as much.Maguire has had his ups and downs at Old Trafford during his careerRuben 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.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMaguire’s the sort of player every new manager needs and I’m sure it won’t take Amorim long to realise that.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe’ll soon discover the Premier League is a world away from the one he leaves behind in Portugal and there’s a lot of hard work ahead.It’s a tough job, for sure, as tough as it comes. But an impossible one? Not a chance. More

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      Loose-lipped Amorim’s incredible Sporting press-conference shows new Man Utd boss will be non-stop entertainment in Prem

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      RUBEN AMORIM accepts he is a nightmare for the press officers who sit next to him at each media conference.They often want him to stop talking but here is a man who does not believe that silence is golden.Ruben Amorim was refreshingly honest in his press conference on Friday nightCredit: EPAHe revealed he wanted to stay at Sporting Lisbon until the end of the seasonCredit: EPAThis is why he will be enormously entertaining once he gets his feet under the table at Old Trafford.Although Amorim has never been one to criticise referees, you still get the feeling the Portuguese will talk himself into trouble over other issues once he is properly settled in English football.Admittedly, in his first press conference since being confirmed as United manager — after the outgoing Sporting Lisbon boss oversaw a 5-1 win over Estrela Amadora on Friday — he refused to speak about his new employers in Manchester.He also avoided talking about facing Manchester City, Sporting’s Champions League opponents on Tuesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNevertheless, speaking 11 hours after the Red Devils announced his appointment, Amorim delivered a string of fascinating soundbites, most of which were completely unprompted.He also apologised to Sporting’s media man, sitting to his right, for ignoring the club’s pleas during the week for him to not to talk to the media about the speculation with United.Amorim, 39, has agreed a £6.5million-a-year deal at United but — remarkably — has claimed he turned down THREE TIMES that amount from another club who met his £8.3m buy-out clause.He spoke to West Ham and Liverpool in the summer but they did not make a firm offer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile his claim of being offered nearly £20m a season surprised even the most well-briefed Sporting journalists, the feeling is that this club could have been Chelsea, who spoke to Amorim in 2023.But £20m a year would have been a huge amount, even by their money-is-no-object standards.Watch as Sporting CP’s fans jeer at new Manchester United Manager Rúben AmorimDuring his 30-minute press conference, Amorim seemed more serious compared to his previous media appearances during the week.You can imagine what he might look like after a season in Manchester if things do not go to plan.Amorim insisted that he was only ever interested in United — although he was bound to say that.He then revealed he wanted to remain in Lisbon and move to the Premier League at the end of this season.United said it had to be now and you could hardly blame them.Amorim also revealed he told Sporting at the start of the season that this would be his last year at the club.But despite the approach of United after the sacking of Erik ten Hag, Amorim conceded it was still not a straightforward decision to leave Sporting and he agonised over taking the plunge.He said: “United came along, paid the clause, above the clause, and the chairman defended his interests.“The only request I made to United was that it would be at the end of the season and they told me that wasn’t possible, that it was now or never.“I had three days to decide on something that would completely change my life. It’s not the first time that I’ve had my clause paid by another club.“Nor is it the second. It’s very hard for me to leave.“The club knew that if I rejected it, I wouldn’t have it in six months.“And I knew that in six months I would know that I wouldn’t be at Sporting. The only club that I wanted, and that moved me, was United.“It got to a point where I had to decide — and I did. Now I’m going home much more relaxed.“I would earn three times more with the last club that offered to pay my clause. I gave everything I had for the club.“I changed my mind several times. My concern is not to harm the Sporting team. And we’ll see later. I’ll have that concern when I’m at United.”After the midweek Champions League clash against City, Amorim will head to his former club Braga next Sunday when he will wave goodbye to Portuguese football for now.He heads to Manchester a week tomorrow and that will be the day Sporting plan to name their next manager, which is expected to be B team boss Joao Pereira.While there remains some anger at the timing of Amorim’s departure, many Sporting fans have taken the news well.And the majority gave him a good reception before and after Friday’s 5-1 Primeira Liga win.And he has certainly left Sporting in a good place. Having already won the title twice, they are top with a 100 per cent record from ten games. They are also unbeaten in the Champions League after three games and are in eighth spot.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim added: “I’m leaving here today feeling much more relieved. I was a little surprised by the fans’ reaction.“But I’m more relieved that everything is clearer now. My smile is always there but it’s a difficult time.”Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      in Motorsport

      Formula 1 chaos as Brazilian GP qualifying POSTPONED due to heavy rain with drenched fans left waiting for hours

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      THE Brazilian Grand Prix has descended into chaos after intense storms saw qualifying cancelled.Torrential rain drenched both the track and F1 fans in Sao Paulo prior to the start of Saturday’s Q1. Storms have hit Sao Paulo during the Brazilian Grand PrixCredit: APPools of water formed on the track at the Autodromo Jose Carlos PaceCredit: AlamyMarshals attempted to clear the track but the FIA has since cancelled racingCredit: APLando Norris had earlier won the sprint race at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace before heavy rain halted proceedings. Following hours of delays, qualifying was eventually postponed until Sunday.A statement released by the FIA said: “The decision was taken due to the lack of visibility caused by the level of rain we have experienced in the past few hours. “There is a lot of standing water on parts of the circuit which renders conditions unsafe.READ MORE ON F1″As much as we would all like to see competition on track, the safety of drivers, team members, volunteers, officials and spectators is our main priority.”A decision on a start time for qualifying tomorrow morning will be taken as soon as possible.”Qualifying will now take place before the Grand Prix, which is scheduled to start at 2pm local time (5pm GMT).McLaren’s Norris cut Max Verstappen’s lead to 45 points in the Drivers Championship thanks to help from teammate Oscar Piastri.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN-UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPiastri moved over to allow Norris through just two laps before the end of the race on team orders.Following the race, Norris said: “Not proud about it, but we worked well as a team together. I thank Oscar.Beloved Race track destroyed and swept away with car park underwater just two weeks before hosting huge Moto GP race “Today was the result we wanted, Oscar deserved it but I thank him and the team.”It was yo-yoing a little bit. The dirty air costs you a lot of lap time.F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth. “I felt a bit quicker but I couldn’t get close enough to pass.”I felt we were quicker than the guys behind but it’s difficult in the sprint to know how much to manage [the tyres].” More

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      New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim stunned players as he tried to QUIT his first managerial role after just TWO GAMES

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      RUBEN AMORIM will take the reins at Old Trafford as one of the most feted and fawned-over young bosses in football.Yet the latest man charged with dragging Manchester United off the canvas was once so convinced he would not cut it as a boss that he tried to quit… after only two games.Ruben Amorim started his managerial career with Casa PiaHe lost his first two games and believed he was not cut out for managementCredit: GettyIt was 2018, and Amorim, then just 33, had begun his management career at Portuguese third-tier outfit Casa Pia with two defeats.And as he walked into the dressing room after the second of them, his mind was made up. It would be best for everyone if the relationship came to a swift end.As a rookie still chasing his Level 1 coaching qualification, Amorim felt the club needed a bigger, more experienced name. And with brutal honesty, he told his astonished players so.Among them was Evandro Roncatto, a team-mate from their playing days at Belenenses and signed by his close pal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrazilian Roncatto, now sporting director of Oliveira do Hospital, remembers it well.Amorim may have had huge doubts, but his players had already seen enough to have none — and they wasted no time giving president Victor Franco a brutal message of their own.Roncatto revealed: “I was playing for Kalamata in Greece when Ruben called and right away I was very impressed.“But he had doubts as he did not have a professional coaching qualification.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“He was so honest with his concerns and worried about harming the team because he wasn’t a big-name coach.“And that day he came into the dressing room when we were still getting changed, in front of the president and vice-president and said, ‘I’m leaving’.Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarreRuben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.“In an instant, all the players stood up and told the president if he let Ruben go, all of them would leave the club along with him.“We told the president we were with the coach to the death. We were all emotional and all defending Ruben“When the president found himself in that situation, I think any idea of firing Ruben disappeared in seconds!“All the players were with Ruben to the death, no matter what.”The belief in that dressing room was well founded, as Casa Pia went on to win the title and Amorim’s coaching career took off.That day he came into the dressing room when we were still getting changed, in front of the president and vice-president and said, ‘I’m leaving’.Evandro RoncattoA year later Braga had poached him as their reserve boss, three months later he was in charge of the first team, and after only 13 games, Sporting Lisbon paid £8million to get him.It was also an indication of the loyalty so many who have worked under Amorim insist he inspires in players — Roncatto more than most.He had grown close to the new United chief when he arrived at Belenenses in the noughties.Amorim became his unofficial guardian, from meals at the family home to easing him into a new life in Portugal.Roncatto, 38, added: “The way he treats his players is spectacular.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When he left Casa Pia for Sporting Braga I said, ‘This is where the story of an elite coach begins’.“I wasn’t wrong and United have picked the ideal person.” More

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      Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs back on touchline as part-owner takes more hands-on role with Salford

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      RYAN GIGGS is putting his boots back on to help struggling Salford City.The Welsh legend, 50, was spotted back on the pitch for the warm-up in their League Two game against Fleetwood on Tuesday and then went into the dugout.Ryan Giggs was on the touchline for Salford City on SaturdayCredit: GettyThe former Man Utd star joined boss Karl Robinson in the dugout again on SaturdayCredit: GettyGiggs is a part-owner of the club and there have been suggestions he could get more involved in the playing side.Whether he is going to make the move more permanent and significant remains to be seen.He was in the set-up for the 2-2 draw at Fleetwood, where Francis Okoronkwo netted a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser for City. And Giggs was snapped in the dugout again alongside boss Karl Robinson during Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup win over Shrewsbury. READ MORE ON MAN UTDMatthew Lund scored twice for the hosts as Salford extended their unbeaten run to five games across all competitions. The club had made a slow start to the new League Two season.But after a mini-revival, they now sit just two points off the playoff spots in 12th place.Giggs has not held a regular managerial position since leaving the Welsh national team in 2022.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former Man Utd star became manager of his country in 2018, before being arrested on assault charges two years later.Giggs, who has always denied any wrongdoing, stepped down from the role in June 2022 ahead of his trial, where a jury failed to reach a verdict.Giggs has been taking training session with Salford tooCredit: Salford City YouTubeRoy Keane opens up on Ryan Giggs feud which saw Man Utd legend stop speaking to team-mate for six monthsHe has since been trying to rebuild his life out of the spotlight after the prospect of a second trial collapsed in 2023.It emerged earlier this year he was working again as Salford’s director of football.And now he appears to be getting more hands-on in the coaching side of the job. Giggs is co-owner of the League Two club along with his ex-United team-mates Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.He joined the Red Devils as a 14-year-old and went on to win 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions Leagues.Over the course of almost 1000 games for Man Utd, he scored 168 goals. More

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      West Ham lining up £30m transfer for Brazil striker Igor Jesus but Lucas Paqueta could leave in shock swap deal

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      WEST HAM want to sign Botafogo’s brilliant Brazilian striker Igor Jesus in a surprise £30million raid.And that could spark a shock swap deal that would see Lucas Paqueta return to his homeland.Igor Jesus is being lined up by West HamCredit: APLucas Paqueta could move in the other direction to make a deal happenCredit: ReutersJesus has been scoring in Brazil since his return from a near four-year spell in the United Arab Emirates.He only joined Rio de Janeiro club Botafogo earlier this year, but they will trade at the right price.Jesus, 23, has just made the Brazil senior squad for the first time.Botafogo owner John Textor was keen to move him to Everton if he had won the takeover battle for the Merseysiders.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNow the Hammers are eager to sign Jesus as they look to add extra flair to their forward line — and they could try for him in January.However, Textor is a huge fan of the mercurial Paqueta, who saw a move to Manchester City collapse after the story of a betting probe emerged.He protests his innocence, but any club signing him would take the risk of possible future action – especially with the FA pushing for a LIFETIME BAN.But Botafogo would take Paqueta and try to come to an arrangement with West Ham.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWest Ham splashed out on German international Niclas Fullkrug in the summer transfer window.The striker joined the club after an impressive campaign with Borussia Dortmund and Germany.Aina shows off his left foot declaring, ‘It’s still hot!!!’However, the forward is yet to impress at the London Stadium as he has failed to score in any of his three Premier League appearances.To make matters worse he has been on the sidelines since the last international break with injury.This had left under-pressure manager Julen Lopetegui to rely on Michail Antonio and Danny Ings.The club had multiple offers turned down for Aston Villa star Jhon Duran.The striker has netted eight goals in all competitions this season, including two in the Champions League.The FOUR games Paqueta has been charged forLUCAS PAQUETA has been charged by the FA over four specific games…FIRST INCIDENT – West Ham 0-2 Leicester, 60th minuteThe Brazilian was booked for lunging into Leicester’s Boubakary Soumare from behind.After initially playing the advantage, referee Jarred Gillett eventually pulled it back and brandished the yellow.SECOND INCIDENT – West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa, 70th minute Four months later against Aston Villa Paqueta slid into John McGinn inside the centre circle, completely missing the ball and instead catching his legs.THIRD INCIDENT – West Ham 3-1 Leeds, 65th minuteAt the end of the 2022-23 campaign against Leeds at the London Stadium Paqueta tripped Crysencio Summerville from behind.The foul prevented the visitors from breaking on the counter attack.FOURTH INCIDENT – Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham, 93rd minuteWith just a few minutes remaining on the opening day of the season, Paqueta jumped up for an aerial challenge but instead handled the ball.The referee, who was standing directly in front of him, was quick to brandish the yellow. More

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      Ruben Amorim refused to have pints with me during our coaching course… he’s right man for Man Utd, says Gabby Agbonlahor

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      A FEW beers down the pub was a highlight of the day for Gabby Agbonlahor and his pals at Uefa coaching sessions in Belfast.Yet there was one man who shunned the prospect of a few pints because he was only there to learn.Ruben Amorim took a coaching course in Northern Ireland in 2019Credit: YouTubeAmorim will take charge of Manchester United from November 11Credit: EPAGabby Agbonlahor did his coaching badges alongside AmorimCredit: GettyEven then, Ruben Amorim stood out from the crowd.Manchester United’s new manager took his Uefa badges in Northern Ireland because he was able to take part in a super-intense, fast-track course.Amorim quit his first job at Casa Pia in 2019 after initially being suspended because he did not have the necessary qualifications to coach in Portugal.But having taken his B Licence in Belfast that same year, he was handed a job with Braga’s B team and his career then took off in spectacular style.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEx-Aston Villa star Agbonlahor, 38, said: “In Belfast, you can do a fast-track course. In England, it takes a year but for this one, you go for a week and each day lasts from 8am to 8pm.“I did my Uefa A and B badges there. It cost a few thousand pounds.“I was last there in 2020. I remember enjoying the days, although the weather was always rubbish.“Amorim first came to the course in 2019 after he resigned from his first job because he did not have the right qualifications. That is why he did the fast-track course.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“There were about 20 on the course. Benjani, Chris Samba, Lee Cattermole, Craig Gardner and Alex Bruce were among the others on it.“Amorim was very well-liked but you did not see him after 8pm when the course finished.Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarre“Each night we’d go to the Irish pub but he was not like that. We were there to do our badges after retiring but it was very much a box-ticking thing. It certainly was for me.“I had finished playing and had free time, so it was just the sort of thing you would do — but for him it was different.“Even then, he just spoke well. I remembered him as a player and he was a year older.“During the course, we all had to put on training sessions and his sessions were good.“We put them on for a load of 18-year-old lads from Belfast and I was nervous.“But Amorim came in and was completely prepared. Then it was a case of boom, boom, session done.Each night we’d go to the Irish pub but he was not like that. We were there to do our badges after retiring but it was very much a box-ticking thing. It certainly was for me.Gabby Agbonlahor“You could obviously tell then he had something. He was desperate for the qualifications.”Former Benfica midfielder Amorim made an instant impression at Braga B and was appointed first-team manager at the start of 2020.After leading the club to a League Cup success, he was snapped up by Sporting Lisbon two months later.Agbonlahor, now a talkSPORT pundit, said: “What I love about him is that he went to Braga, won a trophy and within a few months Sporting paid €10million for him.“That is crazy money in Portugal. Sporting must have seen something in him at Braga.“From being around him, I felt he had an aura. He is also no-nonsense. For me, Manchester United have got the right man as they need someone with the right philosophy.“I know Erik ten Hag had said he could not do it with these players. Amorim knows he has to bring some sort of style of play.“I could tell when a team is playing for their manager and I felt United were not under Ten Hag.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Amorim’s lucky he has Portuguese players in Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes and will lean on them.“He will want money to spend. I am not sure he will want the likes of Antony and Casemiro. He will want some legs in midfield.”Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More