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    Former Newcastle and Barcelona star, 48, lands first manager job in two years with international team

    PATRICK KLUIVERT has been named Indonesia manager after two years away from the touchline.The Barcelona and Newcastle legend, 48, most-recently managed Adana Demirspor in Turkey – but lasted just five months before being axed.Patrick Kluivert will return to the dugout with Indonesia after signing a two-year contractCredit: Getty – ContributorPatrick Kluivert played alongside greats such as Ronaldinho at BarcelonaCredit: AP:Associated PressPatrick Kluivert starred at Newcastle, as well as Barcelona, AC Milan and other European giantsCredit: ReutersKluivert, a 79-cap and 40-goal Holland international, hasn’t quite replicated his glittering playing career as a manager.Nonetheless, Indonesian football chief Erick Thohir has announcing the shock sacking of successful and popular former head coach Shin Tae-Yong on Monday.Thohir – who was once Inter Milan owner – said: “We see the need for a leader who is better able to implement the strategies agreed upon by the players, and who has better communication.”Correspondence regarding the end of our relationship has been received [by Shin] and I would like to express my gratitude.READ MORE SPORT STORIES”We have also found a replacement, who will arrive on the 11th [of January]. A news conference will be held on the 12th.”Fabrizio Romano reports Kluivert has signed a two-year contract – with the option for two further years – to replace Shin.The surprise move comes as Indonesia chase a first-ever World Cup appearance in 2026.The nation – who sit 127th in the Fifa world rankings – have never featured at the tournament, but are well in the hunt after a successful start to qualifying.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIndonesia sit third in the six-team Group C in the Asian qualifiers – behind only Australia and Japan, ahead of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China.So the Indonesian football chiefs’ decision to axe Shin and replace him with largely inexperienced boss Kluivert has come as a surprise.Wolves fan goes to extreme measures to distract Justin Kluivert taking a penalty in loss to BournemouthFollowing a stellar playing career with Holland, Ajax, AC Milan, Newcastle, Barcelona, Valencia, PSV and Lille, Kluivert – whose son, Patrick, plays for Bournemouth and the Dutch national team – retired in 2008, before going into coaching.He started off as assistant at Dutch club AZ, before serving as No2 at Australian side Brisbane Roar under now-Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou and NEC, back in Holland.He spent a year in charge of Twente’s youth side, before serving as Louis van Gaal’s assistant with Holland – where he would help the nation finish third at the 2014 World Cup.Kluivert’s first attempt as a head coach came with minnows Curacao in 2015 – but he resigned after just six months despite leading the nation to their best-ever World Cup qualifying campaign.He returned for two Caribbean Cup qualifying matches in 2016, before heading back to Ajax to serve as Under-19s head coach.Kluivert served as PSG director either side of coaching stints at Curacao, Cameroon, Adana Demirspor and othersCredit: EPAThe former striker continued to lead Curacao alongside his Dutch duties but quit both after being given an offer he couldn’t refuse to work as director at Paris Saint-Germain.Since then, Kluivert has briefly returned to the touchline, with short spells as Cameroon assistant to Clarence Seedorf (2018-19), Curacao interim boss (2021) and, most-recently, Adana Demirspor (2023). More

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    Moment Anfield roof LEAKS during Man Utd draw at Liverpool as away fans sing cheeky chant

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans came up with a cheeky chant during their clash with Liverpool after the roof at Anfield started LEAKING.The Red Devils faithful have become accustomed to seeing water gush down through holes in the ageing Old Trafford stands when serious downpours occur.Footage emerged of water leaking from one of the Anfield stands last weekendCredit: XManchester United fans came up with a cheeky chant after seeing the leaky roofCredit: XUnited fans have become accustomed to seeing leaks at Old TraffordCredit: PASo they took great pleasure in seeing leaks at the home of their bitter rivals Liverpool on Sunday.Footage shared on social media showed streams of water dripping from one of the stands during the match.And the leaks prompted the travelling United fans to mock their sworn enemies’ famous home.They repeatedly chanted: “Anfield’s falling down, Anfield’s falling down!”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFootie fans were quick to comment, with one saying: “New roof as well.”Another said: “Anfield roof leaking and it’s supposedly brand new.”And another said: “Anfield leaking like a tap! Isn’t that supposed to be their new stand?”It’s unclear whether the leaking water dripped on to the fans in attendance, who were treated to a pulsating second half of football.Most read in FootballThe fierce rivals shared the points thanks to a 2-2 draw.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball.Lisandro Martinez broke the deadlock in the 52nd, firing the visitors into the lead with a beautiful near-post finish.Cody Gapko levelled the scores seven minutes later with a scintillating strikeAntony branded ‘most unintentionally funny guy’ after footage of Man Utd star celebrating against Liverpool emerges Mohammed Salah looked to have won the game for the Reds from the penalty spot in the 70th minute.But Amad Diallo made sure the spoils were shared ten minutes later with a neat finish from inside the penalty box.United boss Ruben Amorim was actually fuming afterwards, saying: “I get more mad because of the other games.”It’s even harder to understand some things. “This is not about the system, the technique, it’s about something else…”I am upset today, really upset. I am pleased with the performance but everyone today is going to say that the team did a good job. “Today I am allowed to be the only guy upset with the team — but today we were a team.Manchester United players celebrate Lisandro Martinez’s openerCredit: AP”We had some good games during this last month but then we dropped again. “It’s something that we need to be really consistent. “We had this talk after (winning against) Manchester City, it was the same.”I want to see my team play so much better. “But I think the most important thing to address today is the mentality and that is the key for everything. “Today we were a different team not because of the system, not because of a technical or tactical aspect.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We faced the competition in the way we are supposed to face every day. “Training and match, it doesn’t match the place, the opponent, we need to face every day like that.” More

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    Man Utd fans say ‘I will never hate this man’ as Lisandro Martinez’s interview after Liverpool draw goes viral

    FANS have hailed Lisandro Martinez after his honest assessment of Manchester United’s performance went viral.The Argentine scored a brilliant goal as the Red Devils impressed in a 2-2 draw with bitter rivals Liverpool yesterday.Lisandro Martinez explained Man Utd’s solid performance by pointing to his mindCredit: BBCMartinez scored United’s opener with a brilliant finishCredit: GettyUnited’s display came as a shock after they went into the clash on a horror run of four defeats in a row.After the game, Martinez was asked by the BBC: “There have been some very poor performances this season. You wonder how you can go from that to this so quickly.”He brilliantly replied by passionately pointing to his head and saying : “The mind.”United fans loved the response, with one saying: “I will never hate this man.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Martinez is the true captain of the team. I love Bruno but with the way Lisandro speaks. He’s got the right mentality.”A third wrote: “I love him man. I’ll never doubt you again.”Following his gesture, Martinez explained: “Today we changed the mindset, the belief, the confidence.”I saw everyone secure today with confidence, in every duel, with the ball, defending.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We really enjoyed the game today. “Sometimes when we had the ball a few games ago, we were stressed, thinking too much and today we played without feelings.Antony branded ‘most unintentionally funny guy’ after footage of Man Utd star celebrating against Liverpool emerges “When you play like that you can enjoy football.”Bruno Fernandes was also brutally honest on the inconsistency of United’s performances, saying: “I’m pretty upset. If we show this level at Liverpool, first in the league, why can’t we do this everywhere? It frustrates me.”Also, finally I did a proper performance. We said we need much more from ourselves to get more from this season.”We know how tough it is to play against Liverpool. Today we put in a real effort to the game, playing with some passion and heart is what is going to give you something from the game.”You have to put in effort and that’s why we took something from today.”It can’t stop here. We have to bring this frustration to the next game to understand this has to be the level.”If we can do it at Anfield, we have to do it everywhere.”Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball. More

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    ‘I’ve never seen something like this’ – Bruno Fernandes slams Man Utd fans’ treatment of Joshua Zirkzee

    BRUNO FERNANDES slammed his own fans for their treatment of team-mate Joshua Zirkzee against Newcastle.The forward was heavily booed at Old Trafford before his 33rd minute substitution was greeted by cheers.Bruno Fernandes slammed fans for their treatment of Joshua ZirkzeeCredit: AFPZirkzee was booed against NewcastleCredit: GettyZirkzee headed straight down the tunnel before returning to the bench, with some reports claiming he became tearful.Fernandes watched the affair play out from the bench too due to his suspension, and he revealed the fans’ attitude annoyed him.The United captain told talkSPORT: “I was in the stands and I’ve never seen something like this.”And it really frustrates me and annoys me because he’s a player that always gives it his all.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”As a player that is coming into the team from a different league, he needs time to adapt but, he has huge qualities.”He hasn’t shown all the quality but it can’t be that from the first game of the season everyone was hyping him as one of the best strikers and now everyone does not believe in him anymore.”We do believe in him inside the dressing room.”I would rather be myself in this position against Newcastle and not seeing one of my team-mates in that position.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball.Zirkzee has since been tipped to leave United on loan this month amid interest from Juventus and Napoli.But he made a cameo appearance against Liverpool at the weekend and produced what should have been an assist for Harry Maguire, who blazed over from close range. ‘Tears in my eyes’ – Bruno Fernandes’ post-match interview shows Man Utd star’s true colours after Liverpool draw More

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    Will Marcus Rashford leave Man Utd in January?

    MARCUS RASHFORD has made it clear he wants a new challenge after being dropped by Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.The academy graduate is expected to garner much interest in the January transfer window.Rashford has reportedly rejected offers from Saudi Arabia already but United will be monitoring the situation closely.What do you think will happen with Rashford? Vote in our poll below.Most read in FOOTBALL More

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    Antony branded ‘most unintentionally funny guy’ after footage of Man Utd star celebrating against Liverpool emerges

    MAN UTD fans were in hysterics after spotting Diogo Dalot’s bizarre interaction with substitute Antony during Sunday’s game with Liverpool. The Brazilian was unused from the bench as United battled to a dramatic 2-2 draw at Anfield.Antony passionately celebrated Lisandro Martinez’s goal at AnfieldCredit: XThe Brazilian was stopped in his tracks by a bizarre intervention from Diogo DalotCredit: XAntony was an unused sub in the 2-2 draw and has endured a tough seasonCredit: GettyAntony joined in the wild celebrations after Lisandro Martinez smashed the Red Devils ahead early in the second half.The Argentine centre-back rifled home from a tight angle infront of a jubilant United away end.Martinez is expecting his first child with wife Muri Lopez Benitez and celebrated by putting the ball inside his shirt.Antony was spotted roaring in celebration into his teammate’s ear during the pandemonium.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut in a bizarre moment, Dalot grabbed hold of the 24-year-old and pulled him sharply towards him.The Brazilian’s non-plussed reaction quickly went viral on X.One fan laughed: “Most unintentionally funny guy man.”Another joked: “Why did Dalot grab him like he stole someone’s phone?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third wrote: “I’ve said something like this before, but Dalot is so aggressive when other people score or put in a great challenge.”While a fourth added: “I saw fans being mad at him for this. Like the guy isn’t complaining sitting on the bench. And puts on a shift when he’s in.”Man Utd Player Ratings vs LiverpoolAntony has endured a tough two years at United since arriving for £85.5 million in August 2022.The Brazilian enjoyed a decent first season but has since fallen out of favour at Old Trafford.He has made just six Premier League appearances this campaign, all from the bench, scoring no goals.Reports suggest “multiple approaches” have been made for Antony with the January transfer window now open.Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball.Antony’s agent Junior Pedroso told Give Me Sport: “Many clubs have approached us for Antony’s move in January.”These clubs wanted to understand the situation for Antony, so I can confirm that there’s concrete interest.”To be fair, Manchester United have never expressed any interest to sell or loan out Antony to us. We never received this sort of communication so far.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Man Utd management never told us that they want Antony to leave.”I can say that Antony’s future is very much tied to Manchester United’s interests.” More

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    ‘A total lack of respect’ – Celtic boss Rodgers slams his own fans for song about Arsenal star

    BRENDAN RODGERS slammed his own fans for singing about Kieran Tierney.The Celtic boss branded the chants about the Arsenal star “disrespectful” to incumbent left-back Greg Taylor.Brendan Rodgers slammed Celtic fans for singing Kieran Tierney’s nameCredit: PATierney has been linked with a return to Celtic ParkCredit: GettyRodgers felt the chanting was disrespectful to Greg TaylorCredit: Kenny RamsaySunSport exclusively revealed last month that the Hoops are hoping to seal Tierney’s signing from Arsenal on a pre-contract agreement.It would mean a stunning return for the Scot, who began his career at Celtic Park and made 170 appearances for Celtic.Rodgers acknowledged that history but felt it was wrong for fans to sing his name given Taylor has been a tremendous club servant.He said after the win over St. Mirren: “There were a few things I may have overheard at the end there. That’s a total lack of respect. Of course there is.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Greg Taylor, he’s been absolutely amazing at this club.”How does he feel? I haven’t spoken to him, but I don’t think he can miss it, being on the pitch.”He nearly breaks his nose, bleeding for the club, for a cause.”It’s not very respectful to sing for another player, no matter what Kieran’s history is. I don’t like that.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”What I know is this is a man who gives everything for this club.”He’s there for the team, he stands up and is counted. The next mistake, he goes again.Celtic fans convinced footage captures exact moment Rangers supporter throws coin at Arne Engels”His availability and consistency over a long period of time has been absolutely brilliant.”I’m really hopeful we’ll keep him.” More

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    Spurs starlet forced to retire aged just 23 and more than two years after horror injury that ‘ultimately ruined career’

    TOTTENHAM starlet Jamie Bowden has announced his retirement from professional football at just 23 years old.The highly-rated youngster took to Instagram to reveal that he has been forced to hang up his boots following an ankle injury suffered back in 2022.Jamie Bowden has been forced to retire at the age of 23Credit: GettyAddressing his fans and followers, Bowden wrote: “Sadly, my football playing career has come to an end.”On August 13th 2022 I suffered an ankle injury that would ultimately ruin my interesting playing career I had ahead of me.”Firstly, I give thanks for being able to call myself a professional football player and to score a professional goal whilst on loan at Oldham.”I started kicking balls at such a young age and loved every moment of it. It’s just unfortunate that I was never able to fulfil my potential on the pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Since then I’ve learnt lots of new things. I’ve learnt that mental health is real and how powerful it can be.”My love for the game is deep, that football is in my DNA and my want to help is profound. God is with us throughout.”I want to thank the people that have stuck by me during this hard period, and the people who helped me during my playing days.”I look forward to see where the beautiful game takes me next.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBowden left the Tottenham academy in July 2023 after over 15 years on the books with the north London club.The versatile midfielder joined the Spurs setup as a six-year-old and was regularly on the cusp of breaking into the first team – making the bench in the Europa League and Premier League.Tottenham announce the signing of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia PragueAs mentioned in his statement, Bowden spent the first half of the 2021/22 season on loan in League Two with Oldham Athletic.That taste of professional football saw the former Republic of Ireland youth international score his only professional goal, as well as racking up five assists.Since Bowden’s release from the Spurs academy, he has tried to revitalise his career elsewhere.A short trial with AFC Wimbledon ended unsuccessfully, before the youngster jetted off to Europe to try and earn a spot with Spanish third tier club Deportivo de la Coruna.Unfortunately, despite taking part in a friendly match and a number of training sessions, the decision was made not to offer him a contract.Bowden has hinted that he may continue working in football despite making the decision to stop pursuing the dream of a playing career.Tottenham offered support to former first team star Ryan Mason following his injury-forced retirement at just 25, with the former England international now an assistant coach under Ange Postecoglou.READ MORE SUN STORIESBowden’s former academy teammates were quick to wish him luck in the comments of his retirement post.Stars such as Dane Scarlett and Alfie Devine were amongst those to pass on a message to the former rising star. More