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      Ruben Amorim reveals he asked Man Utd NOT to join until end of season as he admits ‘I changed my mind several times’

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      RUBEN AMORIM has revealed he did not want to join Manchester United until the end of the season and admitted “I changed my mind several times”.The Red Devils announced Amorim, 39, as Erik ten Hag’s replacement on Friday morning and he will begin work at Old Trafford on November 11.Ruben Amorim coached Sporting Lisbon for the first time since being announced as Manchester United boss on Friday nightCredit: APHe has revealed he did not want to leave Sporting for Man Utd until the summerCredit: PAEx-Sporting and Man Utd winger Nani embraced Amorim ahead of the gameCredit: PAHe will remain in charge of Sporting for their games against Manchester City and Braga – and on Friday evening led the Portuguese champions to a 5-1 win over Estrela Amadora.The result moves Sporting six points clear at the top of the Primeira Liga.And Amorim confirmed after the game that he wanted to remain at Sporting until the end of the campaign but was told by Man Utd chiefs it was “now or never”.He said: “I asked United if it could be at the end of the season. It was what I wanted. United said no. It was now or never. So I had to make a decision.”This is exactly the context I wanted [United struggling] because I can do things my way.”Before he added: “I changed my mind several times.”My concern is not to harm the Sporting team, we’ll see later. I’ll have that concern when I’m at United.”Amorim also quashed talk he was joining Man Utd for the money.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “Some people say it’s for money. It’s not.”Other clubs were prepared to pay 3 times more and I refused. This is the club [United] I wanted.”Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarreThe feeling around Amorim’s impending departure has divided the Sporting faithful.Outside the stadium, there was a banner which read: “Amorim, this is not your home anymore, thank you.”Other fans, though, took flags into the ground declaring their love for the coach who led the club to two titles.When Amorim’s name was first read out 30 minutes before kick-off, there were whistles and jeers followed by applause.I changed my mind several times.Ruben AmorimBut when the 39-year-old came out of the tunnel for the game, he received a standing ovation and applauded the fans.After the game, Amorim said: “Obviously, since this whole situation came about I’ve felt different.”I understand the anger of some fans and the disappointment. But that’s life. I was moved by the ovation and that’s how it is. “Even the other statement, when it came out, was on a match day.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.”But clubs are now listed companies and they have to present all these things. There were two statements. But that’s how things are, there are things that we can’t control. “I’m very grateful to the fans and to everything here. People think I wanted to leave straight away. In the next home game, whether we win or lose by 15-0, I’ll be there to see what the fans want to give me.”I understand their anger, but we move on and time heals everything. It was the best period of my life.”Amorim has won two league titles as Sporting manager – the first of which in 2021 ended a 19-year wait.His Man Utd contract runs until 2027, with the option of an extra year.The Red Devils paid £8.3million to trigger a release clause which allowed him to leave Sporting.His first game in charge of Man Utd comes away at Ipswich on November 24.United are understood to have paid an extra £900,000 to get him early rather than waiting a further three weeks.Amorim has been highly sought this year following his success with Sporting.READ MORE SUN STORIESPremier League rivals Liverpool were close to appointing the Lisbon gaffer before making the decision to bring in Arne Slot instead.While he also held talks with West Ham over the summer and had been rumoured to be on a list of candidates to take over from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. More

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      Ruben Amorim begins Sporting farewell tour with 5-1 thumping of Estrela as Gyokeres shows why Man Utd must get him too

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      RUBEN AMORIM is heading to Old Trafford – and now Manchester United should sign Viktor Gyokeres.On the night Amorim started his three-game farewell tour at Sporting, former Coventry striker Gyokeres maintained his stunning record at the club with a hat-trick in the first 42 minutes before grabbing the fourth in the second half.New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim led Sporting Lisbon to a dominant winCredit: PASporting star Viktor Gyokeres, who’s been linked with a reunion with Amorim at Man Utd, scored four past EstrelaCredit: PAGyokeres is one of the hottest strikers in EuropeCredit: ReutersThe red-hot forward, a £20million bargain from the Championship, has now scored 20 goals in 16 games this season on top of his 43 strikes in 50 matches last term.How United, the third lowest scorers in the Premier League, would love someone like the Swedish international.Gyokeres’ opener was well placed from an acute angle while the next two – the third being a penalty – were just raw power.His fourth in the 70th minute was a brilliant individual effort oozing with self confidence.Read More on Man UtdThat was before Maximiliano Araujo made it five for the hosts minutes before full-time.Yet United fans will hope their team do not defend under Amorim like the moment Sporting allowed Rodrigo Pinho to pull one back for 2-1 with an easy header.As you would expect, the announcement of Amorim’s departure has been mixed here.Outside the stadium, there was a banner which read: “Amorim, this is not your home anymore, thank you.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNew Man Utd boss Amorim received applause but also some whistles and jeersCredit: PAOther fans, though, took flags into the ground declaring their love for the coach who led the club to two titles.When Amorim’s name was first read out 30 minutes before kick-off, there were whistles and jeers followed by applause.Watch Sporting Lisbon fan reveal how you’ve been pronouncing incoming Man Utd manger Ruben Amorim’s name all wrongBut when the 39-year-old came out of the tunnel for the game, he received a standing ovation and applauded the fans.Gyokeres said about Amorim and reports suggesting he could follow him to Manchester: “We’re sad to see him go. He did an extraordinary job here. We all wish him the best. “Follow him to Manchester? I don’t know, I’m here and I like it here. I don’t think about it.”Speaking after the game, Amorim ruled out a move for Gyokeres, or any Sporting player in January.And the incoming Red Devils chief even put his own very lofty price-tag on the Swedish striker.Amorim said: “Gyokeres costs 100 million (£84m) and it’s very difficult.”I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother player who enjoyed a good reception from the home supporters was former United winger Nani. He started his career at Sporting and the 37-year-old came on as a second half sub for Estrela.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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      Nottingham Forest vs West Ham set to make Premier League history with unique managerial record

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      IT is the Premier League’s first Glove Affair for 31 YEARS.Uniquely among the managerial fraternity, both Julen Lopetegui and Nuno Espirito Santo were goalkeepers in their playing careers before becoming bosses.Former goalkeeper and Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo hosts West Ham on FridayWhile ex-LaLiga stopper and West Ham gaffer Lopetegui makes up the historic clashThe last time two stoppers faced each other in opposing dugouts in the top flight was on Friday, April 9, 1993.Tottenham crushed Norwich 5-1 at White Hart Lane — ex-Colchester keeper Mike Walker was manager of the Canaries, while former England No 1 Ray Clemence was in caretaker charge of Spurs along with Doug Livermore.However, Friday’s clash at the City Ground, as surprise package  Nottingham Forest face under-performing West Ham, represents the FIRST time two permanent chiefs who were former goalies going head to head.Any suggestion you have to be crazy to become a keeper in the first place has been shot down by the Hammers manager.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWell-travelled Spaniard Lopetegui laughed: “This is a big lie! A very big lie.“Normally the most sensible people in the dressing room are the goalkeepers. Believe me.“You can say they are different but not crazy.”There is an eight-year age gap between Lopetegui, 58, and Nuno, 50, but they are both ex-Porto managers and they crossed paths earlier this century in LaLiga combat.Most read in FootballJulen Lopetegui played 149 LaLiga matches over nine seasonsNuno was called to the senior Portugal squad competing in Euro 2008, replacing the injured Quim, but did not play a matchFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLopetegui, who also coached at Real Madrid and Sevilla, said: “I’m a little bit older than him. “Yes, I remember him as a keeper. I played against him as a coach, too. But we were never keeper on keeper. I didn’t play against him as a keeper.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese model“Who was the better goalkeeper? Ha, I forgot my time. I don’t remember a lot. Maybe me. I don’t know.”Goalkeepers is a key theme of West Ham’s selection approach, as matchday 10 represents their first league visit outside of London.Frenchman Alphonse Areola was dropped after the 4-1 defeat at Spurs even though he had started in the opening eight league ties.Pole Lukasz Fabianski was given the responsibility for the home match with Manchester United last Sunday and pulled off several great saves to help the Hammers win 2-1 — a result that saw the Old Trafford axing of Erik ten Hag.Lukasz Fabianski was instrumental in keeping United goalless before half-time on SundayAsked if he empathised with Areola’s disappointment, Lopetegui said: “I was a goalkeeper a long time ago. But I understand.“I can change other positions. I repeat, you don’t change one player, it’s not about thinking that something is wrong with him.“It’s thinking that maybe you’re going to be positive with this change.“Sometimes it’s going to happen or not. In football, we don’t have a crystal ball. But we try to take the decision that we think will always help the team.“Did I get dropped? A lot! In my opinion, to my coaches, I was right! It’s like this.“We trust Alphonse a lot. He did very well in this team before. But we decided that in this match, Lukasz was more ready and maybe it was good to put him in for different reasons.READ MORE SUN STORIES“All of them have to be ready to play. It’s up to us to decide who is going to be in or not.“It’s not because we don’t trust them. It’s good, this kind of inside competition, to be more competitive.” More

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      Man Utd say Amorim is ‘one of most exciting coaches in Europe’… but we’ve heard it ALL before with Ten Hag, Moyes and Co

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      ALL the messages coming out of Manchester United were very positive.The appointment of a coach who “has proved himself to be one of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe, renowned for his team’s attractive, attacking football and commitment to youth”.Ruben Amorim will officially take over at Old Trafford on November 11Credit: EPAErik ten Hag was sacked on Monday after two years at the clubCredit: GettyThat was April 21, 2022, and the words of then football director John Murtough on the announcement that Erik ten Hag was becoming the new manager of Manchester United.Hang on, haven’t we heard all of this before?Remember, there was also the bloke after Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2013 who had “all the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy”.So said chief executive Ed Woodward and yet just ten months into a six-year contract, David Moyes was gone.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWait. Then Woodward also introduced the next man who had “a track record of winning leagues and cups across Europe making him the perfect choice… we have secured the services of one of the outstanding managers in the game today”.That was Louis van Gaal, who went on to bore Old Trafford rigid with his football and get the boot straight after winning an FA Cup.Fear not! Because in May 2016 it was announced by Woodward that United had secured “quite simply the best manager in the game today”.A man Woodward was barely on speaking terms with two and a half years later as Jose Mourinho exited after two cups and a second-placed finish, which the Special One described as one of his greatest achievements.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe was not even ‘Special’ enough.So, that was five years since Sir Alex went and three bosses down.Sporting fans give verdict on Ruben Amorim ahead of move to Man UtdDavid Moyes endured a horrid time as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successorCredit: PA:Press AssociationIt was now time to rediscover ‘the soul’ of Manchester United under a man who said he knew it’s DNA.He would also find the revolving door at Old Trafford that had spun out those who went before.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left with tears in his eyes after believing he had come “so close” to achieving something special.Let’s not forget too all the interims and caretakers along the way — Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and, of course, Ralf Rangnick, who told the club they needed “open heart surgery” and now Ruud van Nistelrooy after Dutchman Ten Hag’s sacking on Monday.But the club believe they really have cracked it this time because in Ruben Amorim they have, as a club statement said, “one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football”.Sorry, I thought that was Ten Hag.The 39-year-old is also “highly decorated as both a player and coach”.Highly decorated in Portugal anyway, as Ten Hag was in Holland.Louis van Gaal won the FA Cup but was dismissed after two seasonsCredit: PA:Press AssociationJose Mourinho won the League Cup and Europa League before being sackedCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe Premier League, however, is another level again and 11 years since Sir Alex bid farewell, the club is as far away as ever from challenging to win it.The point here is that there are no guarantees coming with this bloke either.Ten Hag had studied United long before Murtagh and the then chief executive Richard Arnold arrived to interview him.They were bowled over by the amount of information he had on them and the details of his plans to put United back on track.He will claim he did just that with two trophies but after that first season it just never looked right.The club wanted a disciplinarian and yet the way he handled Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho was, in the end, used as a stick to beat him with.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.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was let go after a trophyless three years at the helmCredit: AFP‘Head coach’ Amorim will find dealing with this club and this level of player very different to Sporting Lisbon, where he was the highly lauded and respected boss who landed them two titles.The players responded to him, the football was marvellous — and he is now going to try and make that happen at Old Trafford.There will no doubt be a jump when he first arrives, there always is under a new boss. Ole won ten of his first 11 games.The problem comes when performances dip and you are left dealing with a dressing room of highly paid stars all too ready to down tools because they know, in the end, the manager will carry the can.This is probably a bigger job now than it was for any manager post-Fergie.That has happened in every instance since Sir Alex went. So why won’t it happen again?Amorim will have his own ideas on how to play in a 3-4-3 as he tries to reprogramme players and club who have been reprogrammed so many times it is a wonder Carrington has not short-circuited.The facts are that while £545.9million was lavished on this squad under Ten Hag, it is still not very good.The first team can be beaten by anyone in the Premier League. At their best they are not as good as any club currently in the top six.The mood in the dressing room is rock-bottom and there are sulky stars everywhere you look.This is probably a bigger job now than it was for any manager post-Fergie.This club is a giant, a monster and nobody seems able to control it.It has eaten up and spat out some of the biggest and best names in the game.Now we have someone who it clearly seems won’t have it all his own way as he is the first to be named ‘head coach’ in the club’s history rather than the manager.Which suggests there will be plenty of influence from the management team assembled above him by new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox are set to be much more hands-on than they felt able to be in their brief time working with Ten Hag.So, welcome Ruben, hope it goes well… until the next best coach in Europe is left to pick up the pieces.Above them, new chief exec Omar Berrada has spoken about a three-year plan to have the club winning the Prem by the 2027-28 season and celebrate their 150th year in style.Amorim will still be in charge at Old Trafford then, if the club have triggered the year extension in his contract — but nobody should be holding their breath.The state the club are in at the moment, it will take until then just to get back into the top four.READ MORE SUN STORIESSorry to sound cynical but how else can you view the current situation on the evidence of the last decade or more.So, welcome Ruben, hope it goes well… until the next best coach in Europe is left to pick up the pieces. More

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      Why Ruben Amorim must SACK Ruud van Nistelrooy now to have any chance of fixing Man Utd ‘s***show’

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      WHEN Ruben Amorim arrives in Manchester, he has got a LOT of mess to sweep up in a short space of time.I really like Amorim — he is an excellent coach and everything about him is world class, even the way he has conducted himself in leaving Sporting Lisbon.Ruben Amorim has been confirmed as the new Man Utd managerIt is not yet known if interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will stay on as part of Amorim’s staffTroy Deeney has urged Amorim to kick Van Nistelrooy to the curbBut he has a heck of a job.I am not saying these United boys are not fit but they will be nowhere near fit enough for Amorim. His Sporting teams run their arses off.There are going to be a lot of ups and downs between now and January 1 and then — oh my God — is he going to have to come out with a broom and sweep the lot.If you’re walking into that s**tshow with that ball of yarn to untangle, where do you begin? Good luck with that, Ruben.READ MORE ON MAN UTDYou’ve got to get rules in place, because sacked Erik ten Hag apparently tried to lead that club like a dictator and, from what I have heard, the Carrington training base is completely divided as a result.The expectation is going to be high because United have just spent over £10million getting you and your coaching team over from Portugal.You’re going to have your own fitness and nutrition guys in.Can these players do what you want them to do? Are they fit enough? Probably not.Most read in FootballRasmus Hojlund has been in and out of the starting XI as United sit 14thFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYou’re going to have to tweak everything from gym work to the training routines and during that period you will have a few players dropping like flies because of it.I am glad United got Amorim sorted quickly. Had they not, they would have gone down the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer route again with Ruud van Nistelrooy.The new manager ‘bounce’ and 5-2 thrashing of Leicester in the Carabao Cup was always going to happen. It is no coincidence.Ten Hag would have been watching, thinking ‘How f***ing frustrating is this?’ even if he did deserve to lose his job.Bruno Fernandes scoring his first goals of the season and Casemiro suddenly firing in screamers with an Old Trafford hero like Van Nistelrooy on the sidelines.But a club legend taking over, playing a seriously poor Leicester team in a cup, with a new manager on the way… that was always going to be the case.Marcus Rashford has looked a shadow of his former self during the last 12 monthsMeanwhile, Casemiro has been both criticised and praised in recent weeks after scoring three in two games either side of Erik ten Hag’s sackingIt is like when you’ve been with your partner for a long time.You get dumped, so you go to the gym to get in shape to get someone new. It never lasts.And make no mistake, after this weird ‘new-manager bounce’ phase, reality would have hit them again, because you cannot bulls**t it over the course of a season.They’re 14th in the Premier League for a reason.With the games they have coming up after a free hit against Chelsea on Sunday — PAOK and Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League and Leicester, Ipswich and Everton in the Prem — suddenly United could have picked up some points and the board would think ‘Why not Ruud?’But that would just be bulls**ting it again until the next tough run heading into December with Arsenal, Manchester City and Spurs in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.I remember when Marco Silva was sacked at Watford and Javi Gracia came in and we went on a real run.Why? Partly because we were a really fit team and that paved the way for a clean transition. It is a really underestimated part of it.My one bit of advice to Ruben? Don’t keep Ruud on. You want to clear the decks once you are there, with only your people around you.Troy DeeneyThe person who will come out of this the best? Ruud. He will have a nice pay packet. His stock will rise and he won’t be tarnished with Ten Hag’s tenure.Even if United lose 7-0 to Chelsea, Ruud can say: “It’s not my fault. The players were distracted by Ten Hag going and the new manager.”My one bit of advice to Ruben? Don’t keep Ruud on. You want to clear the decks once you are there, with only your people around you.Only then can you figure out what the problems are — and how to solve them.What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.”VIN SNUB NOT ABOUT RACEYOU look up ‘Ballon d’Or’ right now and the first name that comes up is: Vinicius Jr.A lot has been made of him not turning up to the award ceremony after losing out to Rodri. Was it petulant? Yes. Embarrassing? It depends how you look at it.Vinicius has been exceptional this year, winning LaLiga and the Champions League, but he didn’t do well for Brazil, and that is what has cost him.You look at previous winners, like Lionel Messi last year — he was playing for Inter Miami but won the World Cup for Argentina.Vinicius Jr was shocked after he placed second in the Ballon d’Or on MondayThat’s what clinches a Ballon d’Or, it seems.Rodri did the same with Spain at the Euros. Had England beaten them in the final, it probably would have gone to Jude Bellingham.In my opinion, Vinicius has had the wrong people in his ear telling him he was a cert to win it and it would be unanimous and, I imagine, that has got to him.He has got caught up in it thinking he is going to be elevated to superstar status.I don’t think we should be making this a race issue, which is what is perhaps being implied by his cryptic tweets in the aftermath.Man City ace Rodri was named the world’s best player – but was hit with controversyTo think you’re going to win it, and then you don’t, it must take a lot out of you, especially after a bad weekend where his Real Madrid side have just been battered by Barcelona in El Clasico.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor what it’s worth, I think he should have won the Ballon d’Or.Should he have gone to the award ceremony? Probably, but let’s not pile in on him too much.Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and Ukraine More

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      FA Cup second round draw: Date, start time, live stream FREE, ball numbers and TV channel

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      THE FA CUP is rolling on at pace with the first round proper fixtures currently underway.And that means we won’t have long until the second round draw!Kelly Somers will be hosting the second round drawCredit: Instagram @kellyesomersSides from League One and League Two are entering the competition in the first round proper as the road to Wembley begins.Northampton Town are hosting Kettering Town in a huge derby.While MK Dons are taking on AFC Wimbledon.The lowest ranked team in the first round is Hednesford Town, who are currently 14th in the Northern Premier League Division One West.The Pitmen take on Gainsborough Trinity and will be number 12 in the second round draw should they pull off the shock.The second round proper ties will be played between Friday 29 November and Monday 2 December.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen is the FA Cup second round draw?The FA Cup second round draw is taking place on Sunday, November 3.The draw will be broadcast during BBC’s first round highlights show on BBC Two, and is expected at 7.45pm.Most read in FA CupKelly Somers will be hosting, with Emile Heskey and Leon Osman conducting the draw.How can I watch the FA Cup second round draw?The FA Cup second round draw will be televised on BBC Two during the BBC’s first round highlights show.It will also be available to be live streamed for FREE on the FA Cup’s YouTube page and across the FA Cup’s social channels.Emile Heskey will be conducting the drawCredit: GettyWhat are the ball numbers?1. Rotherham United or Cheltenham Town2. Barrow or Doncaster Rovers3. Worthing or Morecambe4. Boreham Wood or Leyton Orient5. Exeter City or Barnet6. Carlisle United or Wigan Athletic7. Tamworth or Huddersfield Town8. Brackley Town or Braintree Town9. Curzon Ashton or Mansfield Town10. Wycombe Wanderers or York City11. Bradford City or Aldershot Town12. Hednesford Town or Gainsborough Trinity13. Burton Albion or Scarborough Athletic14. Tranmere Rovers or Oldham Athletic15. Rochdale or Bromley16. Walsall or Bolton Wanderers17. Grimsby Town or Wealdstone18. Bristol Rovers or Weston Super Mare19. Milton Keynes Dons or AFC Wimbledon20. Solihull Moors or Maidstone United21. Stockport County or Forest Green Rovers22. Reading or Fleetwood Town23. Stevenage or Guiseley24. Northampton Town or Kettering Town25. Rushall Olympic or Accrington Stanley26. Swindon Town or Colchester United27. Salford City or Shrewsbury Town28. Crewe Alexandra or Dagenham & Redbridge29. Port Vale or Barnsley30. Chesham United or Lincoln City31. Chesterfield or Horsham32. Southend United or Charlton Athletic33. Notts County or Alfreton Town34. Maidenhead United or Crawley Town35. Harrogate Town or Wrexham36. Woking or Cambridge United37. Gillingham or Blackpool38. Tonbridge Angels or Harborough Town39. Sutton United or Birmingham City40. Newport County or Peterborough United More

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      Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s new home is nearer his two Manchester rivals & neighbours include United star

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      LIVERPOOL boss Arne Slot’s new home is nearer his two Manchester arch rivals.The Dutchman, 46, has bought a five-bedroom pile in Hale Barns.He and wife Mirjam will be ten miles from Manchester United’s Old Trafford and 11 from Man City’s Etihad Stadium.And it will take him three times longer to reach the Reds’ Anfield HQ.Neighbours will include United duo Matthijs De Ligt and Christian Eriksen.A source said: “There’s a saying, keep your friends close and enemies closer.Read More on Sport”Well, Arne couldn’t be any closer if he tried. It will probably cause a few raised eyebrows but he’s not the first Liverpool man to live in Manchester.“Quite a few players live over there, despite the history between the clubs. It’s a beautiful area.”Slot’s new pad, once home to United’s Victor Lindelof and City’s Gabriel Jesus, has previously been voted Best Luxury Home at the Northern Design Awards.Slot turned down the offer of moving into predecessor Jurgen Klopp’s rented seven-bed home in Formby. Most read in FootballThe £4million mansion north of Liverpool, originally owned by Liverpool great Steven Gerrard, is now up for sale.Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s new home is nearer his two Manchester arch rivalsCredit: GettyHow Arteta dominated Liverpool with stealth Havertz trick before genius Slot switch saved the day More

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      Heartwarming moment stars rush to celebrate with BALL BOY after genius assist sends them to first cup final in 32 years

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      A BALL BOY was made the star of the show after his genius assist helped Racing beat Corinthians 2-1 to reach their first continental final in 32 years.The teenager’s quick-thinking set up the decisive goal that put Argentina’s Racing Club into their first-ever Copa Sudamericana final – South America’s equivalent of the Europa League.A quick-thinking ball boy was involved in setting up Racing’s winnerCredit: Copa SudamericanaRacing players turned to celebrate with the youngster by hugging him over the advertising boardsThe club have reached their first ever Copa Sudamericana finalHis quick throw from a dead-ball waiting on a cone caught Brazil’s Corinthians napping on Thursday.The youngster swiftly tossed the ball to Racing’s Maximiliano Salas, whose catapulted throw was headed on by striker Adrian Martinez.Double goalscorer Juan Fernando Quintero picked up the pass and sat the goalkeeper down with a sleek finish in the 39th minute, to send the club into their first cup final for 32 years.The lad, who had quickly turned away to jump over the advertising boards after he provided the ball, returned to the barrier after the goal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhere he was greeted by a swarm of Racing players who had quickly turned to celebrate by cradling him over the pitch-side boards.The 15-year-old, who plays for Racing’s academy side, is named Martin Santoro, according to reports in Argentina.Santoro told Argentinan outlet Diario Ole: “The ball went off the pitch and I wasn’t sure whether to jump up or not. “I got up and Salas asked me for it. I gave it to him quickly and he threw it in. The goal was exciting because it came from the ball that I quickly handed to him.”Most read in FootballJuan Fernando Quintero scored a braceRacing Club stars celebrated with jubilant fansCredit: GettyThey will face another Brazilian side, Cruzeiro, in the finalCredit: EPAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCorinthians opened the scoring in Buenos Aires with a back heel assist by former Man Utd star Memphis Depay to Yuri Alberto. But Racing turned their fortunes around by converting a penalty in the 36th minute and three minutes later after the ball boys heroics.’He is everything you need in a human’, say fans after ex-Chelsea star N’Golo Kante’s latest amazing gesture on pitchThe first leg in Sao Paulo last week ended 2-2, meaning the Argentines won 4-3 on aggregate.And it sparked wild scenes on the final whistle and joyous fans let of flares and fireworks.The stunning incident left fans claiming that Racing now have their own version of the Tottenham ball boy.Young Spurs fan Callum Hynes was lauded for “assisting” Harry Kane’s equaliser after quickly throwing the ball to Serge Aurier against Olympiacos in the Champions League in 2019.The English youngster swiftly gave the ball to Serge Aurier, whose throw set up Lucas Moura’s cross for Kane to level after Spurs were 2-0 down.The Spurs boy was thanked by Jose Mourinho after his quick throwThen Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho invited Hynes to enjoy a pre-match meal with his players a few days later.So let’s see if the young Argentinean ball boy will be rewarded with the same special treatment.READ MORE SUN STORIESRacing face another Brazilian team in Cruzeiro, who reached the final after beating Argentina’s Lanus 1-0 on Wednesday.Meanwhile, Depay’s side are currently fighting against relegation in the Brazilian championship, with seven games remaining.Former Man Utd star Memphis Depay now plays for Racing More