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      FA Cup first round: ‘Baffled’ club chief blasts ‘confusing’ TV picks after Ollie Watkins’ former club snubbed

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      FA CUP bosses have been slammed for their “confusing” first round TV picks by a club chief hoping for a giant-killing. Weston-super-Mare make the short 24-mile journey to Bristol Rovers tomorrow.Weston-super-Mare travel to Bristol Rovers’ Memorial Stadium with the derby not on teleCredit: RexOllie Watkins spent one season on loan at non-league club as a youngsterCredit: BPMThe sixth tier club have come through three qualifying rounds to make the first round proper and have been rewarded with a local derby against League One opponents. Many expected the game to be one of the five selected for TV coverage across ITV and the BBC this weekend.But Weston-super-Mare’s huge clash has been surprisingly snubbed. Tamworth welcome Huddersfield on the Beeb tonight and Northampton’s local derby with Kettering Town is on tele on Saturday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSutton vs Birmingham and Harrogate vs Wrexham are live on Sunday before the action concludes on Monday as Chesham United face Lincoln. But the West Country clash’s rejection has frustrated Weston-super-Mare director Ed Bliss, who told Bristol Live: “It baffled all of us.”You’ve got Birmingham and Sutton being televised. Confusing. You know why with Wrexham. They’ve got a bit of weight behind them. I’m not taking it away from them. “But you can’t get a better opportunity to televise a game in the FA Cup than two reasonably well-matched teams on each other’s doorstep. Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So it’s confusing, but that’s the way it goes sometimes.”Asked how much the club could have made if shown on tele, Bliss explained: “It would have been in the realms of about £80,000.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers”So a game changer for us to build for next season, to plug in a little bit of finance for this season. But that’s the way it goes.”Weston-super-Mare, who are top of the National League South, was where England hero Ollie Watkins played on loan in the 2014/15 season.They are taking around 2,000 fans up the M5 to the Memorial Stadium for the huge FA Cup clash, which has been labelled one of the biggest games in the club’s history. More

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      Whisky brand poke fun at incoming Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim with billboard outside Old Trafford

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      A whisky brand has delivered a cheeky warning to the new Manchester United manager – not to ‘balls it up’ when they get behind the desk.The job, one of the biggest in world football, has been described as a poisoned chalice in the past.The van said the Man Utd job ‘sounds like Heaven, burns like hell’Credit: Anthony Devlin/PinPepThe cheeky whisky company were not slow to capitalise on Amorim’s appointmentCredit: Anthony Devlin/PinPepMan Utd have announced that Ruben Amorim will become the new head coach on November 11Credit: X formerly Twitter / @ManUtdBut interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy started them off on the right foot with a thumping 5-2 win at home against Leicester last night.Fireball cinnamon whisky liqueur parked the tongue-in-cheek van outside Old Trafford, which also offering a free drink to the incoming coach.And the new full-time boss, Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim, is going to need more than Dutch Courage to succeed.Lorenzo Farronato for the brand said: “As the next stage of Manchester United’s managerial saga appears to be almost decided, we’re thrilled to be able to give United fans something to spice up the occasion.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“We want to wish the manager the best of luck in their new role and to let them know that Fireball is here for any celebrations (or commiserations) that come with the next rollercoaster era of club leadership.”Man Utd today announced Amorim as their new head coach on a three-year deal.But the Portuguese boss will stay at Sporting until the international break, formally taking charge of the Red Devils on November 11.His first match will be away at Ipswich, whose manager Kieran McKenna was linked with the United job in the summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRuud van Nistelrooy will remain in temporary charge until Amorim formally begins work.United have home games against Chelsea, PAOK Thessaloniki and Leicester before Amorim takes over.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.Sporting fans give verdict on Ruben Amorim ahead of move to Man Utd More

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      Mikel Arteta debunks claims referees and VAR have conspiracy against Arsenal after flurry of controversial decisions

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      MIKEL ARTETA has rejected claims that Premier League referees have a conspiracy against Arsenal.The Gunners have been on the wrong end of some controversial decisions this season.Mikel Arteta is not entertaining claims that Prem officials are against his teamCredit: PADeclan Rice was sent off for tapping the ball away against BrightonCredit: GettyLeandro Trossard saw red for the same thing against Man CityCredit: ReutersBoth Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard saw red for delaying the restart of play against Brighton and Manchester City respectively.And William Saliba was sent off for denying Bournemouth an “obvious” goal-scoring opportunity – despite fouling Evanilson on the edge of the centre circle.Many fans also slammed referee Anthony Taylor after he denied the Gunners a potential late winner against Liverpool on Sunday.However, Arsenal boss Arteta is not willing to entertain any conspiracy theories that suggest Prem officials are intentionally out to sabotage his team.Read More in FootballAsked about the suggestions in a press conference today, the Spaniard insisted: “No, because every club has got its history and they have games and situations and comments.”That is part of the game and we have to understand it as it is. Every decision I make I am going to be criticised, or nobody is going to understand or they will understand and praise it.”There are always going to be opinions about our jobs, that’s normal.”Arteta lambasted officials following his team’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle last season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal ratings vs PrestonARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.Tommy Setford – 6A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.Jurrien Timber – 7Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-timeWilliam Saliba – 7Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.Jakub Kiwior – 8Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.Jorginho – 7Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.Mikel Merino – 7A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.Ethan Nwaneri – 9Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.Raheem Sterling – 7The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.Gabriel Jesus – 8Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.SubsThomas Partey – 6Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.Kai Havertz – 8Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.Bukayo Saka – 6More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.Ayden Heaven – 6Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes.He branded the decision to award Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner a “disgrace” and “embarrassing”.However, the 42-year-old has let go of the grudge ahead of this weekend’s meeting with the Magpies.How Arteta dominated Liverpool with stealth Havertz trick before genius Slot switch saved the dayQuestioned about his row with the PGMOL, he said: “No, hopefully we are past it.”We talked through it in depth and that’s done. It is a year. A year in football is a long, long time.”Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara recently berated Arsenal fans for their suggestion that officials are against them.He told Grosvenor Sport: “Arsenal fans need to stop moaning, there’s no referee conspiracy against them.”There’s no match official going, ‘yeah let’s stitch up Arsenal’. You get some decisions, and you don’t get some decisions – that is football.”You can’t argue against the red cards that they’ve received. By the rules, they’ve all been dealt with correctly.”William Saliba’s against Bournemouth was a last man foul; Leandro Trossard kicked the ball away at the Etihad and Declan Rice did the same against Brighton!”You can’t get away from that, so to say there’s a conspiracy against them is nonsense. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It might be harsh but that’s just football. Look at the penalty Manchester United conceded to West Ham last weekend, are you telling me there’s a conspiracy against United?”Are United out saying there’s a conspiracy against them? It happens every game and it happens to every team, get on with it Arsenal. Just deal with it and win the game.” More

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      Ruben Amorim wants to bring £70m Ousmane Diomande with him to Man Utd in transfer for one of Europe’s most-wanted stars

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      RUBEN AMORIM wants to bring one of Europe’s most promising centre-backs with him to Old Trafford. The Sporting manager has been confirmed as Manchester United’s successor to Erik ten Hag.Ruben Amorim has landed the new manager’s role at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyAmorim is keen to bring Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande with him to Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe 39-year-old arrives at Old Trafford with an impressive track record in Portugal, leaving Sporting top of Liga Portugal with nine wins from nine to start the season.Sources close to United say he is determined to adopt a three-at-the-back system in the Premier League.The formation has served him well in Portugal, and he thinks it can help deliver success at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have three top-quality centre-back options to ensure Amorim can implement his favoured three-man backline, once Leny Yoro returns to fitness.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA centre-back trio of Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez provides the balance at the back.But United lack quality options in reserve, with Harry Maguire unlikely to be at the club for much longer.Victor Lindelof has long been linked with an exit, and, at 36, Jonny Evans won’t be around forever.With that in mind, Amorim is keen to bring Ousmane Diomande to the club from Sporting.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne of Europe’s most in-demand young defenders, landing Diomande would be a major coup for United.He’s previously been chased by Liverpool and Arsenal, with Bayern Munich also linked.Ruben Amorim responds to questions about Man Utd job after Sporting match Sporting will only be willing to sell Diomande if a club were to activate his £70m release clause.The 20-year-old came through the youth academy of Danish club Midtjylland.He joined Sporting in 2022 for just £6.1m, enjoying a breakout season last year and catching the eye of Europe’s elite. Diomande (L) celebrates Sporting’s Liga Portugal titleCredit: GettyRuben 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.Man Utd confirmed on Friday afternoon that Amorim has joined the club as their new manager.A club statement read: “Manchester United are delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Head Coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He will join until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club. “He will join Manchester United on Monday 11 November.” More

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      Man Utd release statement announcing Ruben Amorim but with different job title to Ten Hag

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have handed Ruben Amorim a different job title to Erik ten Hag. Amorim, 39, was announced as the new Red Devils boss on Friday.Ruben Amorim has been handed a new job titleCredit: RexThe club said he would takeover the position on November 11, at the start of the next international break.However, the two-time league winner with Sporting CP has already made history at United with his job title, which is different to any of his predecessors.Rather than being called a “manager”, United’s statement labelled him as a “head coach”.This marks a shift at United following the arrival of Ineos and the introduction of a true footballing structure, headed by Dan Ashworth as sporting director.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is the first time ever United have called the person managing the men’s team a head coach, rather than a manager.Every manager appointed prior to Ineos’ arrival had been announced by the club as a “manager”.When Erik ten Hag had his contract extended in the summer, he retained the power of a transfer veto.But with his new title, Amorim has not.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, Man Utd Women boss Marc Skinner was handed the title “head coach” when he joined in 2021, while Casey Stoney had also been named a head coach when she arrived in 2019.The club’s statement on Amorim’s appointment said: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Head Coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements.Ruud van Nistelrooy hints he wants to stay at Man Utd in plea to Ruben Amorim as interim vows to ‘serve’ club”He will join until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club. He will join Manchester United on Monday 11 November.”Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.”Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP; the first of which was the club’s first title in 19 years.”Amorim’s first game in charge of United will be an away trip to Ipswich.The statement also confirmed that Ruud van Nistelrooy would continue in his role as Interim manager. 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.Initially arriving as an assistant to Ten Hag, the Dutchman led the team to a 5-2 win over Leicester in the League Cup midweek.He has pleaded with Amorim to find room to keep him in the coaching staff, declaring he is willing to serve the club in “any capacity”.SunSport understands that United have paid £900,000 to bring Amorim in early, rather than wait three more weeks for his 30-day notice period to expire.The Red Devils have paid £8.3million to release him from his contract at Sporting, and are set to pay an extra £4m for his staff.Amorim will return to Old Trafford for the first time since 2018, when he completed an internship at the club under his idol Jose Mourinho.READ MORE SUN STORIESSunSport has exclusively revealed that Amorim has already made plans for his first transfer signing.Amorim wants to poach one of his Sporting stars to join United, £70m-rated 20-year-old defender Ousmane Diomande. More

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      I started pre-season at Arsenal with a huge hole in my side after club scout saved my life – I thought I was dying

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      MARTIN KEOWN has revealed that he thought he was “dying” during an Arsenal trip to France.The former defender, 58, began his career in the Gunners’ academy.Martin Keown initially came through the ranks at Arsenal in the 1980sCredit: RexHe eventually returned for a lengthy second spell with the GunnersCredit: PA:Press AssociationPart of a gifted crop that also included Tony Adams, David Rocastle and Niall Quinn, Keown had issues with youth team coach Tommy Coleman.Appearing on The Rest is Football alongside Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, Keown revealed that he suffered a health scare during a trip away with the team.”I was forced to go on a trip abroad,” he began. “I had broken and dislocated my elbow, and I had to go to France to watch…”He (Coleman) rang me and said ‘you’re not having a holiday fella, we’re on holiday, you’ve not got your feet up, you come with us’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”And then I started getting a grumbling appendix problem. For three days I was literally lying in the dormitory, ‘Yeah I can’t go out, I’m in too much pain’.”And I thought ‘I’m dying, I’m literally dying’. And I had a voice in my head saying ‘You better do something’.”(The) Italian team next door didn’t speak English. Steve Rowley the club scout, you may have heard that name, he just turned up in the car park.”And I used to say to him every day I saw him after that ‘You saved my life… If you didn’t turn up…’Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He went off, he’d gone for a few hours but eventually they got medical care to me and went straight in, and I had peritonitis in the end, where the appendix burst.”And that was all around that Gary, all around that coach… In fact, I started pre-season with a big hole in my side.Arsenal legend Martin Keown slams Man Utd for making Harry Maguire a ‘scapegoat’ and points finger at club’s real issue”And I couldn’t straighten my elbow because I’d broken and dislocated my elbow.”But I didn’t want to sit in the medical room for another pre-season because I had gone through a lot of that.”Following his difficulties with Coleman, Keown left Arsenal for Aston Villa in 1986 having made just 22 first team appearances.Following seven years away and a further stint at Everton, he eventually returned to Highbury in 1993, where he would then stay for 11 years.’TOOK THAT PERSONALLY’During his chat with Lineker and Shearer, Keown opened up on where he felt his issues with Coleman had begun.He said: “You go into digs and you’re reliant on where you end up. It was all great when I was doing my trials with nice families and then suddenly there wasn’t anywhere to stay.”So I went and stopped with Tommy. And Tommy had been a part-time coach previously, but now he was full-time. You’re coming home and you’re with the youth team manager, making the tea, there’s never any kind of respite.”In my wisdom I went to see Steve Burtenshaw, head of the youth team, and said ‘I think it would be better if I moved somewhere else’.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But Tommy took that personally. And so did his wife. She literally just wanted to fling me out that very night.”He said ‘You’ve made life murder for me now, so I’m going to make life difficult for you’. And he did.”Keown explained his early difficulties at ArsenalCredit: Rex More

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      Man Utd CONFIRM Ruben Amorim as first ever head coach days after sacking Ten Hag as start date revealed

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      RUBEN AMORIM has been appointed Manchester United manager.Amorim, 39, is confirmed as Erik ten Hag’s successor following his sacking on Monday.Manchester United have hired Ruben Amorim as their new managerCredit: GettyErik ten Hag was sacked by the club on MondayCredit: AlamyTen Hag had found himself under mounting pressure at Old Trafford and finally saw his time with United come to an end after a 2-1 defeat to West Ham last weekend.Now Portuguese tactician Amorim has replaced him in the hot seat at the Theatre of Dreams, becoming the club’s first ever head coach on a contract until 2027, with the option of an extra year.The club released a statement which reads: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Head Coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements.”He will join until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club. He will join Manchester United on Monday 11 November.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football. Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP; the first of which was the club’s first title in 19 years.”Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to take charge of the team until Ruben joins.”Amorim has left his position as manager of Sporting to take the role with United after the Red Devils paid up his £8.3m release clause to lure him to the Premier League.Sir Jim Ratcliffe and execs at United made Amorim their number one target from the off and have now secured their man.Most read in FootballAmorim led Sporting to two league titles and two cup successes during his spell with the clubCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt hasn’t been simple though, with United and Sporting locked in negotiations about when Amorim was able to join the Manchester club.Sporting have managed to keep hold of their man until the international break, meaning he will still take charge of the Liga Portugal side for their Champions League clash with Man City on Tuesday.Ruben Amorim leads Sporting Lisbon training sessionHis start date at Old Trafford has been confirmed as November 11, with his first game 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.Premier 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.Amorim has been in charge of Sporting since 2020, leading the Green and Whites to two league titles and two Portuguese cups in that time.While he has put the club in a superb position this term, sitting top of the Primeira Liga table – winning every league game they’ve played and conceding just twice. He has a different prospect on his hands in Manchester with United currently 11th in the league after losing more games than they have won in the league this season.However, interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy got the Red Devils firing once again in United’s first game of the post-Ten Hag era.United thrashed Leicester City 5-2 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night to book their spot in the competition’s quarter-finals.Amorim is known for his high possession style and has always favoured a back three during his time as a manager.It can be expected that he will try and maintain that winning formula as boss of United.His sides have become synonymous with both strong defensive foundations and an array of different attacking approaches.United could also splash another £4.1m to bring Amorim’s coaching staff to Old Trafford.The Portuguese giants want extra cash to release three trusted members of the tactician’s backroom staffREAD MORE SUN STORIESAmorim wants to take Sporting’s assistant manager Adelio Candido, assistant coach Carlos Fernandes and goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital with him to Old Trafford.While SunSport can reveal he also wants to sign Sporting’s £70m-rated Ousmane Diomande.Amorim is inheriting a Man Utd team in crisisCredit: GettyHere’s just one example of how Man Utd could line up in a new formation under Amorim More

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      Ruben Amorim to Man Utd LIVE: Red Devils ANNOUNCE Sporting boss as new head coach days after Ten Hag sacking – updates

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have appointed Ruben Amorim as the club’s new head coach.The 39-year-old Sporting boss replaces Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman’s two-and-a-half-year tenure came to an end on Monday.Amorim will take the reigns on November 11, with his first game in the United dugout coming away at Ipswich.The Portuguese coach has signed a deal until 2027, with the Premier League giants holding an option for an additional year.Follow our live blog below…Enzo – Ruud a ‘fantastic guy’Chelsea and Enzo Maresca will go up against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s United on Sunday. And the Blues boss can’t wait to face off with his former teammate, who is acting as interim boss at Old Trafford.The pair spent a season together at Malaga in 2011-12.Maresca said: “I didn’t speak with Ruud. I will give him a big hug before the game. “We expect a tough game. Fantastic guy. Humble, very professional. “We had a very good group of human beings with Malaga. It’s nice to remember that kind of moment.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPep talkManchester City boss Pep Guardiola has welcomed Ruben Amorim to English football.But he claims he has “no advice” for his crosstown rival.Guardiola said: “Welcome to Manchester United, to England, and I congratulate him next Tuesday [when City play Sporting]. “We faced each other two or three seasons ago in the Champions League.”No advice. I’m not the right person to give advice to colleagues. “Not because he’s [at] United, I think they have a lot of people in United that will tell him the situation in the club, so I cannot give him advice.”Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedRuud era continuesRuud van Nistelrooy will stay on as interim boss until Amorim arrives at Old Trafford on November 11.The former United striker will be in charge for another three matches, all of them at home. He oversaw Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Leicester, where United ran out emphatic 5-2 winners. Man Utd vs Chelsea, November 3Man Utd vs PAOK, November 7Man Utd vs Leicester, November 10Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAmorim on ArtetaMan Utd’s new boss will come up against Mikel Arteta and Arsenal on December 4.It’s not the first time the two bosses have come face-to-face.Prior to a Champions League clash between Sporting and the Gunners last year, Amorim declared he was full of admiration for the Spaniard.And he preached the need for fans to have patience in the modern game. Amorim said: “Arteta is a [good] example because he was able to withstand the pressure, which is unbearable for a team in the Premier League. “Now he is bearing the fruits. It is important for fans to understand that to pick up the fruits from your work, you have to wait.”Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedSporting statementPortuguese champions Sporting CP have confirmed how much Man Utd have spent to take Ruben Amorim to Old Trafford.A statement from the club read: “Sporting SAD has reached an agreement with Manchester United FC regarding terms and conditions of coach Ruben Amorim’s departure, in return for which MUFC will pay Sporting SAD Euro 11,000,000 (£9.2million).””Furthermore, Sporting SAD will have a benefit of Euro 1,658,000 (£1.4m) relating to the extinction of credit rights, recorded as liabilities and contingent liabilities, as a result of the revocation and renegotiation of contracts relating to intermediation fees.”Credit: PACopy linkCopiedFriends reunited United fans are keen to see if Ruben Amorim can kickstart Manuel Ugarte’s Old Trafford career. The midfielder excelled under the 39-year-old at Sporting before earning a big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain.Ugarte has appeared just four times for United this season since joining from PSG in the summer. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedDalot excited to work with ‘perfect match’ AmorimMan Utd’s Diogo Dalot is the first player to comment following the arrival of new boss Ruben Amorim.Dalot told Sky Sports: “He is a fantastic coach and knows what he wants. Very demanding is what I can expect. “It’s a perfect match for a club like this. He has high standards and I hope it can be a good match. I hope we can win together. “The Premier League suits people from Portugal. We have a culture of constantly trying to improve ourselves as we come from a small country. “I really hope that it is one more case. I am really excited to start working with him.”Copy linkCopiedFirst fiveAmorim’s first game will be on the road against Ipswich on November 24.The 39-year-old’s first test at Old Trafford will come just four days later against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.Games against Everton, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest follow in a typically quickfire Premier League winter schedule. Copy linkCopiedTrusted teamUnited could also splash another £4.1million to bring Amorim’s coaching staff to Old Trafford. The Portuguese giants want extra cash to release three trusted members of the tactician’s backroom staffAmorim wants to take Sporting’s assistant manager Adelio Candido, assistant coach Carlos Fernandes and goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital with him to Manchester. Credit: APCopy linkCopiedStat attackRuben Amorin only began his managerial journey in the summer of 2018.Just six years later, he’s heading to one of the most successful clubs in English football.Copy linkCopiedMoney talksMan Utd have paid an extra £900,000 to Sporting – so they can land Ruben Amorim three weeks early.The Portuguese club initially demanded the 39-year-old stay for a one-month notice period.SunSport understands Old Trafford bosses were so keen to get Amorim through the door before the international break that they shelled out almost £1m in extra compensation. Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedDio in demandSunSport understands Ruben Amorim wants to bring £70million Ousmane Diomande with him to Man Utd. One of Europe’s most in-demand young defenders, landing Diomande would be a major coup for United. He’s previously been chased by Liverpool and Arsenal, with Bayern Munich also linked.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedThree and outDespite Amorim pledging his future to Man Utd, he will remain in the dugout with Sporting CP for three more games.All eyes will be on Tuesday night’s visit of Manchester City in the Champions League, which comes after a home clash tonight with Estrela Amadora. Amorim will be hoping to leave the club on a high after a Lisbon derby against Benfica on November 10.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedUnited statement in fullThe Red Devils have their man – and he’ll be in the building from November 11.”Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Head Coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements.”He will join until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club. He will join Manchester United on Monday 11 November.”Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football. “Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP; the first of which was the club’s first title in 19 years.”Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to take charge of the team until Ruben joins.”Copy linkCopiedAmorim’s first gameWith the new boss confirmed to arrive in just 10 days, United fans can look forward to Amorim’s opening match.But they will have to wait a few weeks yet before seeing their new boss on the touchline.Amorim’s first game will be a trip to Ipswich Town on Sunday, November 24, after the upcoming international break.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedDevil in the detailMan Utd’s statement on Ruben Amorim has revealed they are giving him a different job title to Erik ten Hag.The 39-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at Old Trafford after the Dutchman was sacked on Monday.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAmorim’s start dateUnited have confirmed Amorim will join up with Man Utd on Monday, November 11.Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue as interim manager and take charge of Sunday’s game against Chelsea.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedAMORIM CONFIRMEDManchester United have confirmed Ruben Amorim has joined the club as their new manager.The 39-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal running until June 2027, with a club option of an additional year. Credit: XCopy linkCopiedTen Hag ‘completely devastated’Erik ten Hag has returned to the Netherlands after Monday’s sacking.His former teammate Hans Kraay has revealed the former United boss is “ruined” after his time at Old Trafford was cut short.Speaking to Dutch outlet SoccerNews, Kraay said: “I understand he is getting £15million and people will think he is somersaulting through Manchester.”No, he is completely, completely devastated, he is completely ruined.”At the moment you don’t think about money. That will come later.”Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedDeco’s warningRuben Amorim was touted as a potential successor to Xavi at Barcelona back in February. But Barca sporting director Deco was not convinced the 39-year-old had the relevant experience to manage at the very top.Deco told Nascer do Sol earlier this year: “How many Portuguese coaches are prepared for the weight and responsibility of taking charge of Barcelona, ​​especially Barcelona with all the difficulties it faces?”I know that Ruben Amorim is doing a good job at Sporting and that, on top of that, he plays with a style similar to ours. “But he also has very little experience.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedRuud – Ten Hag ‘hurt’ after sackMan Utd’s interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed Erik ten Hag’s “hurt” after losing his job on Monday.The Dutchman won two trophies with the club after joining in April 2022.But he leaves United languishing 14th in the Premier League after a dismal start to the season. Van Nistelrooy said: “He is very disappointed and touched. I really felt he loved and cared for the club.“He wanted to bring this club forward and that’s why we connected. “That is why it hurt that he had to leave, but he was also proud of the achievements with the club winning two cups.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedDalot – ‘We’ll be ready’Man Utd’s players are keeping a close eye on developments from Portugal today.Diogo Dalot has admitted the team have “seen the rumours” regarding Amorim’s future. He said: “Obviously he’s a good manager, we don’t know if he’s coming. “We see the rumours like you, like everybody we see it.”But we will just focus on what we have here, doing our job and what the future brings. We’ll be ready.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAmorim ‘betrayal’ Ruben Amorim’s imminent move to Manchester United has not gone down well with former Sporting president Jose Dias Ferreira.He told Portuguese outlet Sic Noticias: “I have great admiration for Amorim.”For everything he did for Sporting. [But] his departure leaves me disappointed.”As a Sporting fan, I can truly say that it is a betrayal.”Because betrayal is not just stabbing someone in the back. Betrayal is not fulfilling promises, commitments or principles.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAgbonlahor – ‘Utd have got right man’Former Aston Villa star Gabby Agbonlahor did his coaching badges with Ruben Amorim.And he believes the 39-year-old is exactly the right man to turn United back into Premier League challengers.Agbonlahor told talkSPORT: “I did do my coaching badges with him.”You could tell he was so into it in a way that he had to get his badges to go and start managing…he was very focused.”Since the start of last season, Sporting Lisbon have scored the most goals in the top six leagues. “They were waiting 19 years to win a title, he goes there and they’ve won two in the last five seasons…”United have got the right man.”Copy linkCopiedSeeing redSporting Lisbon star striker Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly been left unhappy with Amorim’s upcoming exit.The ex-Coventry forward has netted 41 goals in 44 games since joining the club in 2023.He turned down offers this summer to leave, reportedly as he was “enticed” to continue working with Amorim. Speaking to SportTV, Gyokeres said: “He’s here and that’s what I’m focused on, let’s see what happens. “He’s still here, so I’m not going to wear myself out.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More