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      in Boxing

      Rumble in the Jungle: Ultra rare photos of Muhammad Ali preparing for George Foreman fight re-emerge 50 years on

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      ULTRA rare photos have re-emerged of Muhammad Ali preparing for his Rumble in the Jungle epic with George Foreman 50 years ago.The two men collided in boxing’s greatest battle to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.Amazing rare photos have re-emerged of Muhammad Ali preparing for Rumble in the JungleCredit: © Peter Angelo Simon / Reel Art PressThe bout saw Ali beat George Foreman to regain his heavyweight titlesCredit: AlamyThe amazing snaps show Ali getting ready for actionCredit: Reel Art PressHe can be seen laughing in a car ahead of the fight in ZaireCredit: Reel Art PressForeman, 25 years old at the time, came in as clear favourite with a 100 per cent record boasting 40 wins and 37 KOs.But he was upstaged by the legendary Ali in front of a 60,000-strong crowd in Zaire, now Democratic Republic of the Congo.The former heavyweight king, who was 32 years old back then, was looking to reclaim his belts seven years after they were stripped from him for refusing to enlist in the Vietnam War.Ali used all his trademark skills, as well as a new “rope-a-dope” tactic, to earn an incredible eighth-round knockout.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd with an estimated one BILLION viewers watching from home, the result saw Ali become boxing’s biggest draw once again.SunSport’s man Colin Hart, the last British reporter alive who was at the Rumble in the Jungle, brought fans all the info before, during and after the fight.But now, extremely rare of photos of Ali have emerged showing him getting ready to fight Foreman half a century ago.Taken from Reel Art Press book, Muhammad Ali: Fighter’s Heaven 1974, the amazing images show Ali can be seen taking in the sights and sounds of Zaire before entering the ring.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne snap shows him contemplating tactics, with another detailing some of his training skills while greeting adoring fans.Elsewhere, a fine photo depicts Ali laughing out loud while being driven in a car.The heartbreaking chance meeting between Muhammad Ali and Colin Hart where boxing legend revealed ‘I’m not scared to die’Ali was snapped contemplating his tacticsCredit: Reel Art PressHe posed for a snap at his living quartersCredit: Reel Art PressAli went for a run to build his conditioningCredit: Reel Art PressAli and Foreman ended up becoming great friends later in lifeCredit: Reel Art PressAnd another has him posing for a photo outside his living quarters.After the fight, Ali – who died in 2016 aged 74 – and Foreman – now aged 75 – put their differences aside and became the firmest of friends.Foreman said in 2012: “We fought in 1974, that was a long time ago. After 1981, we became the best of friends.“By 1984, we loved each other. I am not closer to anyone else in this life than I am to Muhammad Ali.”I’m the last British reporter alive who was at Rumble in the Jungle… it was the most bizarre 10 days of my lifeOCTOBER 30th 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the Rumble in the Jungle, when Muhammad Ali confirmed his immortality by knocking out George Foreman to regain the world heavyweight championship, writes Colin Hart.That fabulous, mind-blowing fight that took place before an African dawn broke over Kinshasa has been described as the greatest sporting event of the 20th Century.Sadly, I’m the only British journalist who was at ringside that night who is still alive to tell the tale – of the most bizarre ten days of my working life.The first bell in Zaire sounded at 4am and the two men were each paid $5million – with president Mobutu Sese Seko putting up the money.Mobutu was probably the most terrifying, murderous dictator who ever ruled a nation on the African continent — and with Uganda’s Idi Amin as a rival, that is saying something.The Zairians were scared to death of him, with good reason – as the 20th of May Stadium’s walls pock-marked with holes from firing squads executing dissidents.He even threatened to shoot telex operators who were caught sleeping when journalists wanted to send their stories to editors back home.And that’s before the fight even started, with its throbbing tribal drums, 60,000 frenzied fans… and the debut of Ali’s iconic rope-a-dope.Read Fleet Street boxing legend COLIN HART’S full look back at the Rumble in the Jungle… More

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      in Boxing

      Daniel Dubois rematch with Anthony Joshua in doubt as he’s given green light to defend title against rival Brit

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      DANIEL DUBOIS’ rematch with Anthony Joshua has been plunged into doubt.That is because the IBF world champion received the green light to defend his title against another British rival.Daniel Dubois may not face Anthony Joshua in a rematchCredit: GettyDubois, 27, smashed AJ with a blockbuster performance at Wembley in September.Dynamite put Joshua down on the canvas four times on his way to a brutal fifth-round knockout to defend the IBF crown.A rematch was initially set to be pencilled in for Saudi Arabia in February.However, that may now be off the cards because of a ruling from IBF chiefs.READ MORE ON BOXINGIBF President Caryl Peoples confirmed Dubois “can make an optional defence against any ranked fighter before April 22, 2025”.That came after he was quizzed about a possible showdown between Dubois and Fabio Wardley. Wardley, 29, has thrown himself into contention following his thrilling first-round knockout of Frazer Clarke this month. That propelled him up to No12 in the IBF rankings – just behind the likes of AJ, Derek Chisora and Otto Wallin. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd he is desperate for a shot at one of the biggest belts in boxing. The Suffolk star said: “It needs to be a level of smartness going into this now about how we pick my next opponent, who they are, how they’re ranked, how that fight and that win would set me up going forward.Daniel Dubois already called out for next fight by giant Anthony Joshua ‘wants no part of in boxing’s worst kept secret’”Obviously hoping to get some sort of eliminator, world title shot, something along those lines.”So yeah, it’s going to be a bit more of a strategic one.”Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren also revealed his fighter’s next bout doesn’t have to be against Joshua if the Watford man is not ready. Warren said: “He is the champion and it’ll be done on his terms.”Daniel will defend his title in February and if it’s not Joshua then it’ll be against somebody who is ranked in the top five.”After April 22, the IBF will enforce a mandatory IBF title defence for Dubois – probably against the winner of Martin Bakole and Agit Kabayel – because he is required to put the belt on the line at least every nine months. However, Dubois could hold on for a unification fight – by taking on the winner of December 21’s Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch to be named undisputed heavyweight world champion. Dubois stunned AJ to retain his IBF heavyweight world titleCredit: AFPHe may face fellow Brit Fabio Wardley early in 2025 insteadCredit: GettyRound by round: How Dubois demolished JoshuaANTHONY JOSHUA bravely picked himself up from the floor against Daniel Dubois – until he could no more.AJ was floored four times in five rounds by Dubois before a thudding counter right closed the show in dramatic fashion.Here, SunSport’s Jack Figg takes you round-by-round from the Wembley war.ROUND 1Dubois comes out sharp with the jab as Joshua bounces around struggling to deal with the piston-like left.Huge right hand from Dubois has AJ staggering backwards with his hands far too low from the opening bell.Joshua made to pay for the mistake as he circles out with his hands down and gets dropped by an overhand right.ROUND 2Joshua – saved only by the bell after being floored – struggles to get going as he takes shots to the face.AJ is tottering and teetering around the ring with his guard again dangerously low and inviting pressure on.Joshua is attempting to get back into the bout but his jab looks far too lazy – he doesn’t look to have recovered from the knockdown.ROUND 3AJ comes out with more intent but swings wildly with a right and connects with only thin air.Dubois pours on the pressure and hammers Joshua into the corner scoring another knockdown.The bell sounds but Dubois lands one or two afterwards – again AJ is saved by the clock as the writing looks on the wall.ROUND 4Disaster strikes again with Joshua floored once more – losing his balance as he touches the canvas.The referee gives AJ another fighting chance and Dubois lands a low blow – giving the challenger some valuable respite.Dubois slows down as four rounds come to a close with Joshua showing sensational resilience to hang in there.ROUND 5Joshua lands a huge right hand and Dubois legs buckle – an astonishing turnaround looks to be on the cards.AJ pins Dubois onto the ropes and attempts one of his signature uppercuts but the countering right hand gets there first.Joshua is caught flush on the chin, dropped once more and this time out for good. Dubois scores a stunning KO win. More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 fans offered never-before-seen job of dressing George Russell as Mercedes post advert

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      FORMULA ONE giant Mercedes has advertised a bizarre new job which involves dressing the team’s drivers.The Brackley-based team want to hire a Marketing Operations Driver Clothing Executive – someone to manage the off-track attire of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.Mercedes want to hire someone to manage the outfits of George Russell and Kimi AntonelliCredit: Mercedes AMGWhoever is appointed will be in charge of the pair’s personal, fitness, formal, lifestyle and travel wardrobe.They will also coordinate Russell and Antonelli’s highly-photographed paddock walk-in looks.Mercedes’ job description reads: “The Marketing Operations Driver Clothing Executive is responsible for project managing driver styling planning and process for the Mercedes F1 Team.”It involves working with the driver appointed stylists and team apparel partners to deliver clothing looks for collateral shoots, marketing appearances, trackside walk in looks and activations.Read More in Sport”It is also about managing relationships with our team clothing partner and driver management.”Mercedes chiefs are looking for someone who has “experience of working in a retail or marketing environment” with a skill set in project management.Rookie driver Antonelli will make his F1 debut with Mercedes next year.He will replace Lewis Hamilton, who has already signed a two-year deal with Ferrari.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAntonelli is set to partner Russell, who has been racing for the team since 2022.Mercedes currently sit fourth in the Constructor Championship standings, behind McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull.Drive to Survive and F1 legend runs B&B with rooms named after iconic tracks More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Ruben Amorim’s inner circle, from his £4m backroom staff to well-connected wife, as he closes in on Man Utd job

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      RUBEN AMORIM is closing in on the Manchester United job.The 39-year-old Portuguese manager is now planning his backroom staff – with three trusted coaches set to join him in swapping Sporting Lisbon for Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim is closing in on the manager job at Man UtdThat includes his trusted assistant manager Carlos Fernandes, assistant coach Adelio Candido, and goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital.So important are they that Manchester United are understood to be coughing up £4.1m in compensation so they can join Amorim in England.Amorim has made no secret of his biggest mentor in the game – Jose Mourinho.While wife Maria Joao Diogo is related to former PSG sporting director Antero Henrique, who famously brokered deals for Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.Read more Man Utd newsSunSport looks at Amorim’s inner circle and closest confidantes.Carlos FernandesFernandes has been a constant by Amorim’s side, all the way throughout his management career.The 29-year-old didn’t play pro, but began coaching when he was just a teenager.Carlos Fernandes has been with Amorim every step of the way in his coaching careerFernandes shows off the Portuguese league titleHe came through Benfica’s ranks, and was an assistant at the tender age of 18 when Amorim was playing for their first team.Most read in FootballWhen Amorim took on the Casa Pia job, Fernandes joined him.Then, the pair went to Braga B, Braga, and Sporting Lisbon for the past four years.’Ruben Amorim feels like Erik ten Hag all over again – Man Utd missed out on the perfect coach who’s done it already’ says Paul Scholes “My number two is Carlos Fernandes, he’s been my right-hand man right from day one. He’ll be a much better coach than me,” Amorim said of Fernandes in the past.”I often say if I become Bobby Robson, then he’ll be my Jose Mourinho! But there’s plenty of time, we’ve signed a 15-year deal!”Adelio CandidoIncredibly, Candido is even younger than Fernandes.The 28-year-old assistant coach is tipped to follow Amorim and Fernandes to Manchester.Assistant coach Adelio Candido is also expected to join Amorim at Man UtdCandido poses next to Jose Mourinho with the Sporting coaching staffLike Fernandes, he’s followed a similar career trajectory as a loyal stooge to Amorim.Candido was already a youth coach with Casa Pia, when they all crossed paths.A role with Braga soon followed, then he jumped to Sporting where he’s been for the past four years.Again, he didn’t have a playing career at the top level.Jorge VitalBringing the age up is 63-year-old Vital, a goalkeeping coach who did play pro.In the 1980s and 1990s, the shotstopper starred for clubs including Sporting and Gil Vicente in a career that spanned two decades.Jorge Vital, second from the left, is a highly rated goalkeeping coachAt 63, Vital brings up the ages of Amorim’s favourite coaching staffHe is now passing on his expertise to a younger generation, with distribution a huge focus of his training.Vital and Amorim met at Braga, and he was soon taken to Sporting.His appointment could spell the end of current goalkeeper coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar, who only joined United in July.read more sport featuresJose MourinhoThe Special One is somewhat of a mentor for Amorim.He had an internship at Mourinho’s High Performance Football Coaching course.In 2018, just before he took the Casa Pia job, Amorim was an intern on Jose Mourinho’s coaching courseAmorim and Mourinho have since become firm friends in the gameAnd he has previously cited the Fenerbahce manager as his “reference point” in coaching.He has played down any comparisons between the pair, saying of his idol: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”Mourinho has already given his backing publicly to United’s potential appointment in the past.When Amorim was linked with the West Ham job back in May, Mourinho revealed: “It’s also a question I shouldn’t answer, but what can I tell you? I like him [Amorim] as a person, I like him as a coach.”I think he has the conditions to be able to coach in any league and he has the conditions to be able to coach in any club.”But he’s in a good league and he’s in a big club.”The decision is his and it will be up to the clubs that want him or not, to convince him with more or less arguments.”What is clear from my side is that I like the person and I like the coach.”Maria Joao DiogoAmorim is married to Maria, and the pair share one son together.Maria has built her own business in interior design with an academic degree in telecommunications engineering.The couple got married in 2013 in front of 160 guests at a beautiful ceremony at the Palácio de S. Marcos church in Coimbra.Players like Nuno Gomes, Miguel Vítor, Hugo Viana, Luís Filipe and Quim were all present. As was Maria’s brother, Antero Henrique.Antero was famously the former Sporting Director at PSG – and was a Man Utd target – before the Red Devils switched their attention to Dan Ashworth.He was responsible for the most expensive transfer ever – bringing Neymar to the Ligue 1 giants in a record-breaking £198million from Barcelona.READ MORE SUN STORIESAntero also managed to convince Kylian Mbappe to snub Real Madrid, when he moved from Monaco.While Dani Alves, who was fielding several offers from Premier League clubs, was persuaded that his future belonged in the French capital in 2017.
      Her brother Antero Henrique worked as a sporting directer at PSG for club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi More

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      in Soccer

      Carabao Cup quarter-final draw: Date, start time, TV channel, FREE live stream and ball numbers

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      IT’S almost that time again when football fans cross their fingers and hope for a kind tie as the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw takes place TONIGHT!Last year’s losing finalists Chelsea will need to beat Newcastle for a second successive time in just a matter of days to put their name in the hat.Chelsea thrashed Barrow in the previous roundCredit: APManchester United fired seven past Barnsley during the fourth roundCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy takes charge of Manchester United after Erik ten Hag’s sacking, facing Leicester City at Old Trafford for a spot in the quarters.Injury-hit Arsenal make the trip to Preston with the last-8 firmly in their sights, while the pick of the bunch sees Tottenham welcome Carabao Cup serial winners Manchester City to North London.Southampton and Brentford are already into the hat after winning on Tuesday night.SunSport can tell you everything you need to know about the upcoming draw.Read more on Carabao CupWhen is the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw?The Carabao Cup quarter-final draw will take place TONIGHT – Wednesday, October 30.It is scheduled to begin after the conclusion of Tottenham vs Manchester City, which kicks off at 8.15pm GMT.Meaning that the draw is likely to proceed from 10.15pm GMT, as long as there are no penalties.What TV channel is the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw on and can it be live streamed?The Carabao Cup quarter-final draw will be shown LIVE on Sky Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football in the UK.Subscribers can live stream the draw via NowTV and the Sky Sports app.Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.How can I watch the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw for FREE?For football lovers who do not have a Sky Sports subscription, the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw will be shown for FREE via the official Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.When will the Carabao Cup quarter-final ties take place?The Carabao Cup quarter-final ties will be played in the week commencing Monday, December 16.Most read in FootballFixtures will likely be on Tuesday, December 17 and Wednesday, December 18.What are the ball numbers?1 Brentford2 Southampton3 Aston Villa or Crystal Palace4 Brighton & Hove Albion or Liverpool5 Manchester United or Leicester City6 Newcastle United or Chelsea7 Preston North End or Arsenal8 Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester CityCarabao Cup fourth round schedule/resultsTuesday, October 29Southampton 3-2 Stoke CityBrentford 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday (Brentford win 5-4 on pens)Wednesday, October 30Brighton vs Liverpool – 7.30pm – Sky Sports+Newcastle vs Chelsea – 7.45pm – Sky Sports+Man Utd vs Leicester – 7.45pm – Sky Sports+Preston vs Arsenal – 7.45pm – Sky Sports+Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace – 7.45pm – Sky Sports+Tottenham vs Man City – 8.15pm – Sky Sports Main Event More

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      in Motorsport

      Major change to Brazilian GP as £22million project completed ahead of crucial Sao Paulo spectacle

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      BRAZIL’s Formula One race track has undergone a major change ahead of Sunday’s race.The Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo has been a staple of the F1 calendar since 1990 – with the exception of 2020’s cancelled race due to Covid-19.Brazil’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix has undergone a major change following a £22m investmentCredit: GettyThe entire Interlagos race track has been resurfacedCredit: AFPAnd this weekend it will once again play host to thousands of fans from around the world who turn out for the motorsport bonanza.Organisers have confirmed the circuit has undergone a huge change for the grand prix weekend.A stunning £22million (R$163.6million) investment from Sao Paulo City Hall has seen the track completely resurfaced, with a host of other changes also revealed.Mayor Ricardo Nunes said: “This place has become a machine, a machine for generating jobs, a machine for generating income, for economic movement, and a machine for taking the name of the city of São Paulo to the world.READ MORE IN F1″We went from having a deficit facility to now having a facility that generates jobs, generates income and generates revenue for the city.”The last change to the surface of the track came 10 years ago.Other changes to the venue have seen work enter the final phase of a pit lane auxiliary access track to the pits as, ruled by motorsport governing body the FIA.This adds to the renovation and maintenance of existing facilities including the pit lane, paddock area, operation control centre, press area, support building and grandstand.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA review of safety devices including tyre barriers, metal guardrails, fences, and non-slip paint in escape areas has also happened.Additional “comprehensive maintenance” has been carried out on permanent facilities, including electrical and hydraulic installations, floors, ceilings, frames and gas and compressed air systems.Five mysteries behind Ayrton Senna’s deadly F1 smash – including black box conspiracyThe major investment is allowing the racetrack to add a new access and a new hospitality centre, with the old one being demolished to make way for a 12,240 square feet three-floor megastructure at the back of the paddock that can hold up to 6,000 people.One part of the project still in the works is a 360-metre-long underground access track set to be completed by April 2025 to facilitate the transit of large structures, trucks and public inside the circuit without the need to cross the circuit.The 2023 race is estimated to have generated around £220million (R$1.64 billion) for the economy, with 77 per cent of visitors coming from outside of the capital and 12.2 per cent coming from tourism.Another stunning plan for the weekend’s race is a touching tribute to be paid by to three-time world champion Ayrton Senna, 30 years on from his death at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994.According to BAND, Lewis Hamilton will be given the honour of driving the Brazilian’s 1990 McLaren MP4/5B car, with which Senna won his second F1 title.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁The seven-time world champion will take the Honda-powered car around the circuit at around 8pm UK time on Saturday, following the conclusion of official F1 activities on track for the day.Organisers have also opened a “Senna forever” event for the weekend, where Samba F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi is set to take part alongside Hamilton.The Brit, who idolises Senna, was given honorary Brazilian citizenship in 2022 and has won three times around the Interlagos track.Senna’s death came just one day after Ronald Ratzenberger, who hit an exposed concrete wall in an impact of 500g force.The biggest crash ever survived was by IndyCar driver Kenny Brack in 2003, when his car came to a dramatic halt from 220mph with a 214g impact force.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis season’s F1 driver championship may go down to the wire after Lando Norris closed the gap to reigning champion Max Verstappen to 47 points after the Red Bull driver received a 20-second penalty in Mexico.There are four feature races to go plus two sprint events, including one taking place this weekend in Brazil.Organisers are also hosting a tribute for Ayrton Senna, 30 years on from his deathCredit: Getty Images – GettyLewis Hamilton will reportedly drive his 1990 McLaren car after official F1 events are concluded on SaturdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Soccer

      ‘I write this with a huge mix of emotions,’ says Ruud van Nistelrooy ahead of replacing Ten Hag as Man Utd interim

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY admits he is experiencing a “huge mix of emotions” after replacing Erik ten Hag.Manchester United sacked Ten Hag on Monday following the 2-1 defeat at West Ham.Ruud van Nistelrooy broke his silence on Erik ten Hag’s sackingCredit: GettyThe former striker will lead his side as interim boss against LeicesterCredit: GettyHis No2 Van Nistelrooy – who was brought in as assistant in the summer – was placed in interim charge while the club searches for a permanent successor. And he will take his first match in charge of United when they host Leicester tonight in the Carabao Cup.Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in 219 games for the Red Devils between 2001 and 2006, broke his silence on his appointment and Ten Hag’s exit.Writing his manager’s notes in the club’s official matchday programme for the Foxes clash at Old Trafford, he expressed his gratitude to his departed compatriot and addressed the fans.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLVan Nistelrooy said: “As I am sure everyone can imagine, I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotions. “Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer and, while I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity, and I am saddened to see him leave.“Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so. “I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Despite our results, I am loving being back at Old Trafford and working with the team and staff every day. “We’ve seen the squad’s potential at times this season, but clearly not often enough. Sporting fans give verdict on Ruben Amorim ahead of move to Man Utd“Now is the time for everyone at the club to work together, give everything and turn this season around while we have time. “From my experiences as both a player and a coach here, I can say for sure that when players, staff and supporters pull together, Manchester United can be unstoppable.”Van Nistelrooy went on to reference the visit of Steve Cooper’s newly-promoted side – who sit just one place and two points behind United in the Premier League table. And the interim gaffer insisted this was the ideal chance to return to winning ways. He added: “Thankfully, we have time on our side and with fixtures coming so regularly now, we also have plenty of opportunities to build up some positive momentum, starting with tonight’s visit of Steve Cooper and Leicester City in the Carabao Cup. “It will not be easy, of course. Leicester are Premier League opposition and they will also be highly motivated by the prospect of moving into the quarter-finals. “However, every game we play is also an opportunity for us to remind everyone – ourselves included – of what this great club stands for.“When I returned in the summer as Erik’s assistant, it was because I believe that Manchester United can climb back to the levels that I knew here as a player. “I still have that belief, but it will take time and a lot of hard work. “The first step is to restore the winning habit, starting at Old Trafford this evening. “I know first-hand the positive effect that our wonderful fans can have on the team, so please get behind the players as we fight together to move a step closer to Wembley.”Van Nistelrooy was touted as a possible permanent appointment when the news of his interim role was first confirmed.However, it has become clear very quickly that Ruben Amorim is United’s No1 choice.His current club Sporting announced on Tuesday that the Red Devils had made contact and were ready to trigger his £8.3million release clause. 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.Talks are understood to have begun and Amorim is expected to fly to Manchester to finalise a deal – which will also include his backroom staff. Amorim oversaw a 3-1 Taca da Liga win over Nacional in Lisbon last night in what many expected to be his farewell match.But after the game, the manager remained tight-lipped on his future – but fielded various questions about a possible move to Old Trafford.Amorim said: “There is interest from Manchester United, there is the payment of a clause and then, when I have something more concrete, I will come here and take over the situation, because it is always my choice.”As long as you don’t have everything decided, for one side or the other, it’s not worth saying anything, it’s just going to create noise.”I just say that I will take on whatever I want to do, as I have always done.”What I control is the decision that takes place from now on. And I will be here to tell you what I want to do and how it will be done. At this time, no decision has been made.”There is an intention of the club. They are in talks with Sporting. Then, it will also be my decision.”But everything is time and I will explain everything that happens next. To be talking now is just creating noise and confusion even more for the situation.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIf a deal is not done this week, Van Nistelrooy will remain in the dugout for Sunday when United take on Chelsea at home.It remains unclear whether or not the former Dutch international striker will be kept on as a coach at United if and when Amorim arrives. Ruben Amorim is expected to take over as the new Man Utd bossCredit: GettyRuben Amorim leaves Sporting on a highBy Charlie WyettRUBEN AMORIM would have preferred to leave Lisbon in a blaze of glory after winning a third Primeira Liga title.Yet football does not work like that. And in what was surely his final game before taking charge of Manchester United, Amorim prepared to say his goodbyes at a half-empty Estadio Jose Alvalade in a League Cup quarter-final against Nacional.Sporting won 3-1 thanks to  second-half goals by captain  Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled back for Madeira-based Nacional.The stadium  will be a good deal more lively on Tuesday when Manchester City are here for  a Champions League match — although Amorim should by then have his feet firmly under his desk at Old Trafford.Liverpool and Aston Villa were both interested in Europe’s most sought-after coach. Even City could have been a possible destination post-Pep Guardiola.Yet the United job is one Amorim, 39,  could not turn  down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting last night.There is clearly a huge split in the Portuguese club’s fan base over their coach leaving at this stage of the season with many believing he should have seen the job through.Yet Amorim, along with the three-man coaching team who are expected to follow him, leaves a club in a much better state than when he arrived here in 2020.Inside the stadium, there was applause — albeit muted — when his name was read out before the game along with the line-ups.And there did not appear to be any jeers when Amorim shuffled out from the tunnel awkwardly towards the dugout.So, while his departure is hard to take for some, none of the fans will forget his legacy.This is a club which is back as the dominant force in Portugal. Even this term, Sporting have won their first nine league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two.They are also eighth in the Champions League table, which is one hell of an effort.In contrast, Lisbon was not exactly hit by League Cup fever last night.Amorim made lots of changes, which saw Sporting’s star man Gyokeres, the former Coventry striker, start on the bench.There was, however, a first appearance in six weeks for former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards. He is certainly one player who has been transformed by Amorim since arriving at the club from Vitoria in 2022 and will be sorry to see the coach leave.While he changed his team, Amorim stuck with his tried and trusted formation of a back three.It will certainly be something Manchester United’s fans will have to get used to over the  coming months.But looking at the Premier League table, none of them will be complaining about the change. More

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      Glam footballer Madelene Wright sends fans wild as sexy cop for Halloween in low cut top as they say ‘arrest me’

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      MADELENE WRIGHT has sent fans wild with a raunchy Halloween post on social media.The footballer has amassed an enormous following due to her stunning pictures and talent on the pitch.Madelene Wright is in the Halloween spiritCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightShe shared these stunning pictures on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightAnd Madelene, 25, has now got in the Halloween spirit with her latest post.She shared two snaps of herself dressed as a sexy cop in a tight-fitting outfit.She posed in front of a spooky backdrop filled with skeletons and ghoulish features.She captioned the post: “Trick or treat.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHer 323k followers went wild for the post as they flooded the comment section.One posted: “Omg this is insane.”A second wrote: “Absolutely a trick honey, then the treat.”One commented: “Gorgeous.”Most read in FootballWhile another quipped: “She can arrest me.”One more added: “Best copper ever.”Glam footballer Madelene Wright shows off her new glasses with smouldering video before sharing cheeky bum pic Last year she dressed up as an angel for HalloweenCredit: InstagramLast year, Madelene dressed up as an angel and was labelled “naughty but nice” by her followers.She also recently shocked fans by leaving Leyton Orient Women after less than a year.She then announced in August that she would join Chesham United Women.Alongside her time on the football pitch, Madelene works as an OnlyFans model.She has previously boasted that her side hustle earns her a whopping £500,000 per year and helps fund her lifestyle away from the beautiful game.Inside Madelene’s glamorous life as influencer, footballer and OnlyFans star…Wright lives a glamourous lifestyleShe often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: InstagramMadelene has over 300k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightShe recently celebrated her 25th birthdayCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightThe football also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightShe claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightThe footballer has recently signed for Leyton OrientCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wrightShe has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadeleneShe often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: InstagramMadelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright More