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    Ruben Amorim plotting shock £50m transfer raid on Sporting’s biggest rivals as he lines up first Man Utd signing

    RUBEN AMORIM is already working on bolstering his Manchester United defence.The new United boss wants Benfica’s rising star Tomas Araujo, 22, and could push for a £50million deal for the central defender when the transfer window opens in January.Man Utd are lining up a £50m January swoop for Benfica defender Tomas AraujoCredit: RexRuben Amorim managed Benfica’s rivals Sporting Lisbon before joining UnitedCredit: PAAmorim has a meeting with Old Trafford decision makers on Friday and will discuss a move for Araujo.Araujo has been a pillar of the Portuguese giant’s team this season, partnering with former Manchester City stopper Nicolas Otamendi in the backline.The Red Devils have been dealing with substantial injury issues at the back this season, and Amorim has instantly set his sights on his compatriot, who won his first international cap only last week.A product of the Benfica academy, Araujo was targeted by Crystal Palace and Paris Saint-Germain last summer. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLStill, Benfica’s bosses rejected the moves, although some of Europe’s top clubs are closely monitoring the situation.He’s started eight games in the Portuguese league this season, with one assist, helping Bruno Lage’s team bounce back after Roger Schmidt’s firing in October.Benfica have only lost one game since Araujo began getting a regular run of games – he has also started in the last four games in the Champions League.SunSport understands that new Old Trafford chief Amorim has placed Araujo on his wanted list as he begins his United rebuilding job.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAraujo has all the attributes Amorim is after — he is 6 ft 2, a good passer of the ball, and physically strong, with plenty of room for improvement.He can play centrally or on the right side of the defence and is considered the best prospect to come out of Portugal’s most productive academy since current Manchester City star Ruben Dias.Ruben Amorim takes brutal swipe at Ed Sheeran as Man Utd boss admits Sky Sports pundit ‘is the real star’ Super agent Jorge Mendes is looking to establish a working relationship with AmorimCredit: ReutersThe Portuguese rising star has a release clause of 100million euros, as Benfica consider him one of their most significant assets.SunSport understands super agent Jorge Mendes, who has guided Cristiano Ronaldo’s and Jose Mourinho’s careers, is trying to establish a close working relationship with Amorim.The Old Trafford boss, however, is doing things his way.A source close to Amorim told SunSport: “Ruben wants everyone to be on the same page. He won’t change the way he works.”Amorim needs A LOT of time on training pitch to fix Man Utd… unfortunately he won’t get it, writes Charlie WyettIN theory at least, the only way is up for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.We are nearly a third of the way through this Premier League season and it is still staggering to see United lurking in 12th place.They have managed just four wins with a goal difference of 0. Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less.It is certainly not a false position and a point at Ipswich illustrated the massive job that Ruben Amorim faces.United’s fans sang the name of their new manager throughout the game.They also gave the players rapturous applause on the final whistle and although this was an improvement on some of the performances this season, the bar has been set pretty low.The club’s optimistic supporters will see that their team is only six points off the top four.  Ultimately, though, it is difficult to see United even reaching last season’s final position of eighth as they look worse.United’s patched-up defence will improve – and a three-man formation at the back will help them – but you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from. Marcus Rashford struck after 81 seconds and then went missing for the rest of his 68 minutes on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were also introduced in that double change midway inside the second half but added absolutely nothing. What a terrible couple of signings they have proved to be and United’s fans would swap both of them for Ipswich’s Liam Delap.Amorim did not celebrate the Rashford goal and paced around his technical area throughout looking uneasy.Each time there was a break in play, he called over players for instructions.Alejandro Garnacho headed over to the touchline on a couple of occasions while there were also words for Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Jonny Evans.Amorim, a manager with infectious enthusiasm, will be hopeful he can get his message across to all of the players in the next few weeks.But the problem for the Portuguese coach is that this was the first of 10 games in the space of 33 days.What he really needs are spells on the training ground without a midweek game but he does not have that luxury. More

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    FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem continues sacking spree with shock dismissal of F1 lead steward Tim Mayer

    MOHAMMED BEN SULAYEM has sacked F1’s leading steward Tim Mayer in another bombshell dismissal. The FIA president’s move comes just three-weeks after former F1 race director Niels Wittich’s shock axing with just three races to go.Leading F1 steward Tim Mayer has been sacked by FIA president Mohammed Ben SulayemCredit: AlamyMercedes driver George Russell recently said the drivers are “a bit fed up” with Ben Sulayem’s leadership of the FIACredit: GettyMayer is the son of McLaren co-founder Teddy Mayer and one of the most respected figures in the sport.He has not been called up to officiate as chairman of the stewards since his last outing at Mexico City Grand Prix last month.The 58-year-old also worked for the organisers of the US Grand Prix in Austin, who were summoned after fans invaded the track after the race. Comments made by the US promoters reportedly upset Emirati executive Ben Sulayem.Read more on F1Mayer and Wittich are the latest in a series of senior people to leave the FIA in the past year, with Luke Skipper, former director of communications, leaving in October 2024.This coincided with the departure of Jacob Bangsgaard, the former secretary general of mobility. Steve Nielsen also left his role as sporting director at the FIA in December 2023, just before single-seater technical director Tim Goss followed suit. Rui Marques, the F2 and F3 race director, was named as the Wittich’s replacement from last weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEarlier this month furious drivers released an open letter demanding they are treated like ‘adults’ by the FIA when it comes to swearing, jewellery and clothing.Since then Mercedes driver George Russell recently said the drivers are “a bit fed up” with the leadership of the sport’s governing body. Why snapping up Adrian Newey is such a coup for Aston MartinHe made it clear he was referring specifically to the leadership of Ben Sulayem.Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), also said that the drivers “weren’t aware” of the decision to remove Wittich. The sport’s governing body suggested in a statement that the German had chosen to leave his post to “pursue new opportunities.”But Wittich hit back, claiming he did “not resign” just hours after the FIA had announced his departure from the role. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who was crowned champion last weekend in Las Vegas, said: “It’s a bit weird with three races to go to do that and to have to now deal with a different race director.”Leclerc added: “That came out a bit of nowhere. I think we were all surprised. “It could have probably been managed in a better way.” More

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    Mary McGee dead at 87: Racing legend and star of Lewis Hamilton’s ‘Motorcycle Mary’ film passes away

    RACING legend Mary McGee has passed away at the age of 87.The American was a pioneer in motorsport, breaking new ground as a woman in a male-dominated field.Motorcycle racing pioneer Mary McGee has passed away aged 83Credit: GettyShe was the subject of a Lewis Hamilton-produced short filmCredit: GettyMcGee competed from 1960 to 1976, becoming the first woman to race the Baja 1000, and the only woman to finish the Baja 500 solo.She initially raced sports cars before making the switch to motorcycles in 1964, and raced the Baja 500 on recommendation from Steve McQueen.Her family announced her death, saying: “Mary embodied resilience, grace, and optimism.”She was a historic athlete and a motorsports pioneer who embraced life’s challenges, cared deeply for others, and made time to brighten the lives of those around her. READ MORE IN F1″While we are deeply saddened by this loss, we are comforted knowing that her light will continue to shine in everyone she touched.”We would like to take a moment to extend a thank you to the healthcare providers, caregivers, friends, and family members that made Mary’s transition peaceful. “She particularly enjoyed the last few months meeting those who learned her story through the documentary, Motorcycle Mary.”McGee was also the subject of the short film, Motorcycle Mary, which was produced by Sir Lewis Hamilton.Most read in MotorsportThe F1 star invited McGee to the Canadian Grand Prix as a special guest this year and they spoke before the race.Sky Sports commentator also spoke to McGee, and he has paid tribute to the legend following her death.Lewis Hamilton in awkward car journey with George Russell and Carlos Sainz after Las Vegas GPHe said: “This is very sad, spoke to her on the grid in Montreal and was due to make a feature with Mary in Austin but she wasn’t well. “Truly remarkable lady, there is a documentary being released anytime about her life.” More

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    Former world champion reveals he was pulled over by police and drug tested after eating HULA HOOPS at the wheel

    BRITISH boxing legend Nigel Benn has revealed he was drug tested by police after eating HULA HOOPS as he drove his car.Benn, the father of welterweight contender Conor, decided to eat the beloved crisps as he drove his motor last weekend.British boxing legend Nigel Benn was recently stopped by police as he drove his carCredit: REXBenn – the dad of Brit star Conor – was stopped as he began swerving in the road as he ate Hula HoopsCredit: PAThe former WBC super-middleweight champion ended up being drug tested by coppersCredit: INSTAGRAM@NIGELBENNOFFICIALBut his wheelside scoffing caused him to start swerving in the road, so much so that the police decided to pull him over.And the coppers quickly gave the former WBC super-middleweight champion a roadside drug test.Nigel, 60, wasn’t under the influence of drink or drugs and passed the tests with flying colours.’The Dark Destroyer’ saw the funny side of the situation, so much so that he posted a photo of him being drug tested to his Instagram.READ MORE BOXING NEWSHis accompanying caption, which included several laughing emojis, read: “Got a drugs test on the weekend because I was swerving while eating Hula Hoops”[The] moral of the story ‘DON’T EAT HULA HOOPS WHILE DRIVING.'”Hundreds of Nigel’s fans flooded the post’s comment section, with one writing: “No way!?”Another said: “Hula Hoops are made for Walkers.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS10 Sep 1993: Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank trade blows during a bout. Mandatory Credit: Holly Stein /AllsportCredit: GettyAnd another said: “Tested positive for being cool as AF.”One remarked: “What flavour?”Four Kings takes a look back at the iconic week in British boxing from 1991Another chimed in: “Flavour?”Nigel has been an ever-present in son Conor’s boxing career, which was derailed two years ago after he failed two drug tests ahead of his family grudge match bout with Chris Eubank Jr.And Conor, who this month had his suspension lifted by the UK National Anti-Doping Panel, has claimed negotiations for his domestic dust-up with Eubank Jr – the son of his dad’s former rival Chris Eubank Sr – are underway.He told Sky Sports: “I believe negotiations have started.”It’s been very turbulent in terms of me going through what I was going through, in terms of the legal case.Conor Benn is in negotiations to fight rival Chris Eubank Jr – the son of dad Nigel’s bitter rival Chris Eubank SrCredit: GETTY”But now that that’s cleared, negotiations are on the way.”In my opinion, it’s one of the biggest British domestic fights in history.”I don’t think two fathers and two sons have ever fought [like this]. It’s about history. It’s about legacy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s the fight the public want. “It’s been two years and I don’t think I’ve slipped from people’s minds for good or bad over the past two years.” More

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    Bristol Rovers manager Matt Taylor forced to step away indefinitely due to ongoing family emergency

    BRISTOL ROVERS manager Matt Taylor has been forced to step away due to a family emergency.The League One boss will step down indefinitely due to an ongoing emergency.Matt Taylor has stepped away from managing Bristol Rovers indefinitely following a family emergencyCredit: GettyA statement from the club read: “Bristol Rovers can confirm that first-team manager Matt Taylor is to take a leave of absence due to an ongoing family emergency.”David Horseman and Wayne Carlisle will take interim responsibility for all footballing duties.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Bristol Rovers are with Matt and his family during this difficult period, and we look forward to welcoming him back to work as soon as is suitable.”The Club will be making no further comment and asks that the privacy of Matt and his family is respected during this time.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAssistant manager Wayne Carlisle and first team coach David Horseman will step in as interim bosses in Taylor’s absence.Taylor was in the dugout for Rovers’ 2-0 defeat to Blackpool on Tuesday night.The Pirates currently sit 14th in League One, having won six, drawn three and lost eight of their games.They face Barnsley in the FA Cup on Saturday, their first clash without Taylor at the helm.Most read in FootballFans have sent their well-wished to Taylor amid the news and are right behind their gaffer during his difficult time.One wrote: “Thoughts are with Matt & his family at this difficult time”.While another added: “Family come first despite our love for the club. Thoughts & prayers to MT and his family. Stronger united”.And a third commented: “Such sad news, thoughts with him and his family.”Fellow Football League clubs such as Rotherham, Exeter City and Bristol City also posted messages of support. More

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    Embarrassing moment Champions League star scuffs his lines with ‘one of the worst misses in football history’

    CHAMPIONS LEAGUE star Ivan Martin had a moment to forget during Girona’s 1-0 defeat the Sturm Graz last night.Martin, 25, missed an absolute sitter to put Girona ahead in the Champions League league phase clash in Austria.Ivan Martin missed a golden chance for his first ever Champions League goal last nightCredit: RexMartin drifted into the back post to find space with the goalkeeper out of placeCredit: DAZNHe was found by a tidy pass from teammate Bryan GilCredit: DAZNMartin unbelievably missed the target, hitting the ball over the barCredit: DAZNThe midfielder was left face down with his head in his handsCredit: DAZNThe attacking midfielder found himself in a golden position to score his first ever Champions League goal during the first half of the match.But what looked to be a certain goal was soon a moment that will have kept Martin up all night as he fluffed his lines and hit his shot over the bar from around two yards out.The former Villarreal man was devastated with his miss and put his head in his hands following the shocking moment.While fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing with the keeper completely out of the equation when Martin missed the target.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn social media, one wrote: “That has to be one of the worst misses in football history”.While another asked: “Miss of the century?!”A third joked: “That’s impressive tbh it’s so much harder to miss this chance than to actually score”.And a fourth teased: “He should be arrested after the match”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThings got worse for Martin when his miss came back to haunt him as Sturm Graz scored a 58th minute winner through former Arsenal striker Mika Biereth.Girona have now lost four of their five Champions League games this season, falling to defeats at the hands of PSV, Feyenoord and PSG.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers More

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    Tyson Fury doesn’t react as Oleksandr Usyk makes surprise sick admission ahead of rematch

    TYSON FURY remained stonefaced as Oleksandr Usyk revealed his dislike of pre-fight preparations.The Gypsy King will bid to exact his revenge on the former undisputed heavyweight champion in a second successive Saudi showdown on December 21.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk renew their rivalry in a second successive Saudi showdown next monthCredit: GETTYUsyk candidly revealed in a sitdown with Fury that he finds fight preparations to be nauseatingCredit: TNT SPORTSFury was completely unmoved by Usyk’s revelationCredit: TNT SPORTS BOX OFFICEThe pair, 36 and 37 respectively, faced off for the first time since their May melee at a London press conference last month before doing a sitdown face-off.And it was in their sitdown with TNT Sports that Usyk revealed he finds the build-up to fights extremely nauseating.He told pundit Steve Bunce: “When I come the ring, I live there. Tyson, too I think.”When fighters go to the ring, there is more life. Preparation (imitates being sick), training (imitates being sick) – watch us fight.”READ MORE ON FURY USYK 2Usyk’s revelation didn’t move Fury in the slightest, with the former unified heavyweight king staring at footage of their first meeting playing on the TV.Slick southpaw Usyk edged an enthralling 12-rounder via split decision to become the first undisputed king of heavyweights in nearly 25 years.Fury came dangerously close to being knocked out in the ninth round of the Riyadh rumble but somehow managed to survive Usyk’s hellacious onslaught after being dropped.Usyk stalked a hurt Fury like a bloodhound looking for the finish, although his sights weren’t set on hurting the Brit.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWatch Fury Vs Usyk 2 live on DAZN*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue.How to Watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 live on DAZNGet ready to rumble with Fury vs Usyk 2 live on DAZN Pay-Per-View! Here’s how:Buy the PPV: Get access to the fight by purchasing the PPV on DAZN.No Commitment, 7-Day Free Trial: With your PPV purchase, you’ll also receive a 7-day free trial of DAZN. Enjoy all the action and explore DAZN’s sports lineup with no extra cost!First Month Free: Monthly DAZN subscribers can get their first month for free when signing up!No Subscription Required: The PPV price is all you need to pay. There’s no obligation to continue after your free trial ends.Don’t miss the biggest fight of 2024! On December 21st “Gypsy King” Tyson Fury takes on “The Cat” Oleksandr Usyk for a second time in what promises to be the rematch of the century — order now and start your free DAZN trial today!The former undisputed cruiserweight king said: “I didn’t want to damage him.”I know the game of boxing. After the fight, he would go back to his family.Oleksandr Usyk gets Tyson Fury to sign photo of first fight and vows to sell it to raise funds for Ukrainian troops”For this reason, there’s no need to hurt him.”Defeat to Usyk was the first of Fury’s professional career and has lit a fire under the Wythenshawe warrior, who is adopting a KILL-OR-BE-KILLED mentality for their rematch.He said: “I’m going to roll the dice and it’s going to be you or me… best foot forward and swing away.”I’ve never been afraid to get knocked spark out. I’ve always put it on the line every time.”He continued: “There’s no secret! I’m going in there to knock you out.”Because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do.”I don’t think I’m going to get a boxing decision.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’m going to have to take it out of the judges’ hands like I did in America that time [against Deontay Wilder].”And I’ve got to get him out of there. Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.”Tyson Fury has vowed to exact his revenge on Olekandr UsykCredit: GETTY More

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    Misfits star pulls out of huge Supercard event just hours before fight as he gives X-rated reason for injury

    A MISFITS boxing star has pulled out of the huge Supercard due to injury.HSTikkyTokky injured his shoulder and withdrew from his clash with Masai Warrior just hours before the bell was set to ring.HSTikkyTokky has withdrawn from his fight against Masai WarriorCredit: Instagram @hsdubaitokkyTheir fight was due to take place tonight in Doha, Qatar live on Dazn.HSTikkyTokky revealed his withdrawal was down to injuring himself doing a sex act on social media.He wrote: “Quick nobu with @lillie_may6 in Qatar.”Injured my shoulder hard last night so can’t scrap tomorrow unfortunately, big love.”READ MORE ON BOXINGSunSport understands that medics would not let him fight due to the shoulder injury.More to follow…THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More