More stories

  • in

    Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd chiefs: Give me two years then decide if I’m the right man for the job

    RUBEN AMORIM insists if he has not proved himself in two years he should leave Manchester United.The new Red Devils boss says he is “the right guy” for the task at hand at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim is the sixth new Manchester United manager in 11 yearsCredit: GettyBut as he became United’s sixth new boss in 11 years, the Portuguese said the club can decide whether he is or not in a couple of years.Amorim said: “In two years you will understand if I am the right man to be in this process.“In two years you can understand if you want to continue on this path or you want to change.“I know if you are at Manchester United you have to win games, so I will not tell you I need a lot of time.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Sporting Lisbon coach, however, believes the club will soon realise they have made the correct choice.While he did not quite quote his mentor Jose Mourinho by calling himself ‘The Special One’ he was not far off and says this is not the impossible job.He said: “Call me naïve but I believe I am the right guy in the right moment. I truly believe I am the right guy.“I am a little bit a dreamer and I believe in myself and I believe in the club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I think we have the same idea, the same mindset and that can help.“I truly believe in the players also. I think we have room to improve and I want to try new things.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training session“You guys think it is not possible, I think it is possible.”Amorim takes charge of his first game as the new United boss on Sunday away to Ipswich.And ahead of the clash, he also warned his Red Devils fans to expect some turbulence during his era.Amorim added: “It’s Manchester United, you feel the weight of history despite the last few years and you want to be part of it.”If you win here, it will be different from any other club in England.”The responsibility is enormous. It will be difficult.”There will be very difficult moments, but I really believe we will succeed.”Amorim will oversee his first match in charge on Sunday at IpswichCredit: GettyThe new boss says he needs two years to be judged on his performanceCredit: Getty More

  • in

    ‘He promised me’: Gianfranco Zola reveals Cole Palmer pledge as Chelsea icons meet for first time after EA FC comment

    GIANFRANCO ZOLA has revealed how Cole Palmer has promised to take him for dinner when he scores his next free-kick.Palmer, 22, wasn’t too sure of who the Chelsea legend was when asked about him last month.Gianfranco Zola has revealed a promise Cole Palmer made for when he scores his next free-kickCredit: instagram @premierleaguePalmer ranked 25th in the Ballon d’Or this yearCredit: GettyBut Zola believes that with practice he could win the whole thingCredit: GettyInstead, what he did know was Zola, 58, was an Icon card on the popular video game series EA Sports FC, previously known as Fifa.By that reckoning, Palmer insisted: “I know he’s an icon on Fifa so he must have been good. “I didn’t really watch him play but everyone says he was a great player.”However, the pair have now had the chance to meet up and get properly acquainted with one another.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPlaying a quickfire game of “Who has the better?” for a video shared to social media, Zola and Palmer took turns pointing at one another when they believed the other person was the answer to the question.The first question asked who has the better first touch, to which Zola pointed at Palmer. Palmer was surprised when Zola again pointed at him after being asked who has better skills.The third question saw them asked who has the better card on EAFC, to which Palmer promptly pointed at Zola, explaining how the Italian had an 87-rated Icon card while he had an 85-rated player card.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe pair were then asked, who is the best free-kick taker, Palmer quickly pointed to Zola before insisting his was just luck.In response, Zola said: “No, there is no luck, its ability. ‘You couldn’t’ – Ice cold Cole Palmer shuts down Amelia Dimoldenberg in viral interview at GQ’s Men of the Year awardsZola then revealed a promise the England international had made to him.He continued: “But he needs to practice more.”He promised me he’s going to. He told me he’s going to take me for dinner if he scores after practicing.”The comment prompted a laugh from Palmer, who then nodded to Zola.Finally, they were asked who had the best celebration, with Zola pointing to Palmer before doing his “chilly” celebration.Zola played 312 games for Chelsea between 1996 and 2003, scoring 80 goals.By contrast, Palmer only joined the Blues in 2023 but has already scored 32 goals in 58 games. However, Zola has previously said he believes Palmer, who placed 25th on this year’s Ballon d’Or list, has the potential to compete for the full trophy.He said: “He needs to work a lot on his game, of course, because he is still young and there are things that can make him better.“And if he does that, he can be in contention for the Ballon d’Or because the numbers and the skills are there.“There is still work to do but potentially he can do that. “He has a very, very good coach to work with in Maresca and I am sure he will make sure he works on that.”Palmer pulled out of Lee Carsley’s final England squad due to injury concerns that had also seen him be doubtful for the Arsenal draw before the international break.READ MORE SUN STORIESEnzo Maresca said Palmer and team-mate Levi Colwill would be assessed before determining for certain whether they would be available to play Leicester this weekend. He said: “Some of them are better, some of them are still doubts and also we need to wait because today is the first session that we do with all the players who were with their national team.” More

  • in

    Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd fans to expect ‘really hard moments’ as he admits it’s ‘a different world’ to anything before

    RUBEN AMORIM has warned Manchester United fans to expect some ups and downs over the next few years.The 39-year-old was officially announced as Erik ten Hag’s successor earlier this month.Ruben Amorim was officially appointed as Manchester United’s new manager earlier this monthCredit: GETTYThe 39-year-old gaffer replaces the recently-axed Erik ten HagCredit: GETTYThe Portuguese has warned United fans to expect some turbulent times over the next few yearsCredit: GETTYAmorim’s first assignment will be a trip to Portman Road on Sunday to take on Ipswich Town.The Portuguese is looking forward to the challenge ahead and implementing his philosophy on the team and club as a whole.But the former Sporting Lisbon chief has warned the Old Trafford faithful not to expect him to perform miracles straight away.He said: “It’s Manchester United, you feel the weight of history despite the last few years and you want to be part of it. READ MORE ON AMORIM”If you win here, it will be different from any other club in England.”The responsibility is enormous. It will be difficult. “There will be very difficult moments, but I really believe we will succeed.”The Old Trafford hotseat arguably has the most eyes on it in world football.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”But Amorim is ready for all the extra attention and scrutiny which comes with the job.He said: “It’s a different world here. There’s a lot to do. How Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position change”You’re not just a coach. It’s different, but I’m prepared.”Amorim is United’s SIXTH permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May 2013.His successors have all FAILED to win the Premier League, although there has been a sprinkling of FA, Europa League and League Cup success.And Amorim is confident he can end the club’s long wait to return to the summit of the English top flight.He said: “Call me naive. But I truly believe I am the right guy in the right moment. “I could be wrong but the world still will turn [and] the sun will rise again, I don’t worry about that. “I truly believe I’m the right guy for this job.”Confidence aside, Amorim knows he’ll face the same fate as his predecessors if he doesn’t start filling Old Trafford’s trophy room.He said: “I know if you are at Manchester United you have to win games.”So I will not tell you I need a lot of time. “It’s a great league, the strongest in the world, and we have to improve a lot. “We have to win games and then to win titles.”Amorim is confident his stint at the Theatre of Dreams won’t be a nightmare and insists he should leave the club if he doesn’t deliver on his promises within two years.He said: “In two years, you will understand if I am the right man to be in this process.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In two years, you can understand if you want to continue in this path or you want to change.“I know if you are at Manchester United you have to win games, so I will not tell you I need a lot of time.” More

  • in

    Rafa Benitez didn’t hesitate when naming the best player he has ever coached with Cristiano Ronaldo snubbed

    RAFA BENITEZ didn’t need to think twice when naming Steven Gerrard as the best player he has ever coached — snubbing Cristiano Ronaldo in the process.Benitez, 64, has managed some of Europe’s top teams during a glittering coaching career which started in 1986 at Real Madrid’s academy.Rafa Benitez has named Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as the best player he’s ever worked withCredit: GettyBenitez snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo after they fell out at Real MadridCredit: GettyHe has since taking charge of giants including Liverpool, Chelsea and Real.And Benitez has a host of trophies to boot, including two league titles, an FA Cup, one Europe League and a Champions League.The Spaniard’s travels have seen him work with some of football’s top names.Fernando Torres, Luka Modric and Eden Hazard are just some of the stars to have crossed Benitez’s path.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the tactician, most recently in charge of LaLiga side Celta Vigo, reckons Gerrard was head and shoulders above the rest.Benitez managed the midfield powerhouse for six years at Liverpool, with the pair winning an FA Cup and Champions League together.Benitez made his choice despite having also managed legendary forward Ronaldo at Real Madrid.But they famously fell out almost immediately, with Benitez’s contract terminated just six months into his Bernabeu reign.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSExplaining why Gerrard was king in his eyes, Benitez told the It Was What It Was podcast: “He’s the best player that I have ever coached.“He was very good and at the beginning when we were knowing each other.”Rafa Benitez reveals ‘five or six’ offers to return to Premier League but admits ‘there are teams I won’t coach’Benitez explained how Gerrard continued to develop throughout his careerCredit: GettyBenitez was then questioned about the difference between Gerrard and Ronaldo.He was asked: “You coached Ronaldo. You think Steven was a better player?”Benitez answered: “In terms of a complete player. Stevie has the power, he could score goals, good in the air, both feet, could shoot from distance, short, taking penalties, deliveries, corners, free-kicks.“Defending, if it was necessary. He had energy, he trained well and was a good professional. The point with him is he was a box-to-box midfielder from the beginning and little by little he was understanding the game.“He had all the potential and he was getting better in terms of position and decisions later on. But he was great from the beginning.”Rafa Benitez’s managerial statsThose numbers in full:Real Madrid B, July 1993-June 1995: P65 W26 D18 L21Valladolid, July 1995-Jan 1996: P29 W5 D10 L14Osasuna, July 1996-Nov 1996: P11 W3 D4 L4Extremadura, July 1997-June 1999: P92 W36 D26 L30Tenerife, July 2000-June 2001: P46 W23 D11 L12Valencia, July 2001-June 2004: P162 W88 D41 L33Liverpool, June 2004-June 2010: P350 W194 D77 L79Inter Milan, June 2010-Dec 2010: P25 W12 D6 L7Chelsea (interim), Nov 2012-May 2013: P48 W28 D10 L10Napoli, May 2013-June 2015: P112 W59 D28 L25Real Madrid, June 2015-Jan 2016: P25 W17 D5 L3Newcastle, March 2016-June 2019: P146 W62 D31 L53Dalian Pro, July 2019-Jan 2021: P38 W12 D8 L18Everton, June 2021-Jan 2022: P22 W7 D5 L10Celta Vigo, July 2023-March 2024: P33 W9 D9 L15TrophiesLa Liga x2, Uefa Cup (Valencia)FA Cup, Community Shield, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup (Liverpool)Italian Super Cup, Club World Cup (Inter Milan)Europa League (Chelsea)Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup (Napoli)Championship (Newcastle) More

  • in

    Ben White ruled out for MONTHS in major blow to Arsenal title hopes, confirms Mikel Arteta

    MIKEL ARTETA has ruled Ben White out for MONTHS due to injury. It comes as a blow for Arsenal’s title hopes with the star defender sidelined amid an ongoing knee problem. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with Ben WhiteCredit: GettyArteta said: “Ben is gonna be out for months. It’s been different kinds of struggles. It’s never been the same thing. It’s not been improving. “It got to a point a where we have to protect the player. Unfortunately it’s going to be a few months.”White was forced into surgery due to his knee injury which also kept him out earlier on in the season. The right-back has made nine appearances this season but looks to be out into the new year. READ MORE IN footballArsenal sit fourth in the table with just one win in their last five games, losing ground on rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. White is not Arsenal’s only injury woe with Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice also doubts for Nottingham Forest’s visit to the Emirates on Saturday.Both had a “partial” training sessions while Leandro Trossard was also out on the pitch after being forced off for Belgium on international duty. Meanwhile Riccardo Calafiori picked up a knee injury in October and has since missed five matches. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Arteta said: “Riccy trained today. His rehab has gone really well. He will be in the squad.”Takehiro Tomiyasu has only played one match this season amid a knee injury and remains sidelined.Arteta said: “He’s gonna be away now for a few weeks to continue with his treatment and change his environment a bit. “He’s a guy that will work 24 hours to be fit and he feels terrible being out. Hopefully it can unlock him.”Moment Jude Bellingham gives Arsenal transfer hope after fan asks him to join Gunners More

  • in

    Christian Horner praises ‘unbelievable & fantastic’ wife Geri Halliwell for weathering ‘perfect storm’ sexting scandal

    RED Bull boss Christian Horner has spoken out about his “sexting” scandal that rocked the Formula One world to praise his wife Geri Halliwell.The motor-racing chief, 50, credited his former Spice Girls wife for protecting him during the controversy that rocked their marriage.Christian Horner has spoken about the ‘sexting’ scandal that rocked his marriage with Geri HalliwellCredit: GettyHorner praised his wife for supporting him through the investigationsCredit: ReutersThe couple have been married since 2015Credit: AFPHorner was cleared of misconduct towards a female colleague, an allegation he always denied, by an internal probe in February.He was accused by a Red Bull F1 employee of sending suggestive messages, in texts that were leaked.A KC cleared Horner for a second time in August after the unnamed accuser launched an appeal following the internal probe.In his most recent public remarks on the scandal, Horner told the Daily Mail that his wife had supported him throughout.Read more on Christian HornerHe said: “My wife has been unbelievable, fantastic. Your partner is always the one you share your difficulties with.“She has been absolutely outstanding and hugely supportive.”A source told The Sun in August the drama had meant “weeks of hell” for the family and added: “Geri is very relieved.”“It has been a horrible process but she has loyally and staunchly stood by Christian throughout the entire ordeal.”Most read in MotorsportHorner was reportedly under pressure at the time of the scandal by the father of his championship-winning driver Max Verstappen, The Sun previously reported.Jos Verstappen had supposedly started a feud with the team boss when in March he reportedly said Horner was: “playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”Red Bull boss Christian Horner and wife Geri Halliwell can finally put sexting claims behind them after the allegations were thrown out by a second judgeDespite the controversy at the time, Halliwell unexpectedly appeared hand-in-hand with her husband at the F1 opening race in Bahrain in March.In his recent interview, Horner continued to praise his singer wife and explained how she helped him overcome the scandal.He added: “She saw through a lot of things from having an outside perspective and it is good to have that weight and measure. It is hugely important.”The couple, who have been married since 2015, have a child together and two children from previous relationships.The Red Bull boss also claimed his team’s success had opened him up to a scandal like this.He said: “What happened at the start of the year felt like a perfect storm.“In life, it is a great lesson that the more success you have, the more of a target you become.”Horner’s team could win their eighth driver’s championship as the 2024 F1 season has just three races left.READ MORE SUN STORIESMax Verstappen currently leads the driver’s standings with a 62-point gap to McLaren’s Lando Norris.The Red Bull driver could win the Championship this weekend at the Las Vegas Grand Prix if he beats Norris head-to-head.Horner and Halliwell after the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 26, 2023Credit: GettyHorner and Halliwell kiss before the Bahrain Grand Prix in March 2023, where the couple put on a united front during the scandalCredit: PA2MMFBBW Christian and Geri Horner at the Cocklebarrow Point to Point, to see their horse Quickly Now Please in action, who finished second in the MaidenCredit: Alamy More

  • in

    Ex-Brazil striker Hulk to marry his ex-wife’s NIECE in huge beachfront wedding ceremony

    EX-BRAZIL striker Hulk has organised a beachfront wedding ceremony to marry his ex-wife’s niece.According to Portal Leodias, Hulk is due to marry Camila Angelo in December after they already tied the knot at a civil ceremony in 2020.Hulk poses with his wife Camila AngeloCredit: NewsflashCamila is the niece of Hulk’s ex-wifeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/ClJeod9LceX/Hulk’s former wife Iran, left, pictured with her niece CamilaThe footballer was previously married to Camila’s aunt, Iran Angelo, with the couple together for 12 years.They have three children together; sons Ian and Tiago, and a daughter, Alice, who are already cousins to his new wife.Hulk stunned many in 2020 when he married Camila following the end of his 12-year relationship with Iran.Now their wedding ceremony is set to take place on a beach on the coast of Paraiba.READ MORE IN footballThe couple welcomed their second child, Aisha, into the world in June after daughter Zaya was born in April 2022.Hulk scored 11 goals in 49 games for Brazil between 2009 and 2021 and was part of the Confederations Cup-winning squad in 2013.At club level be came a star Porto between 2008 and 2012, which included him a Europa League and four league medals.The 38-year-old also enjoyed spells with Zenit St Petersburg in Russia and Shanghai SIPG.Most read in FootballReports of Hulk and Camila’s relationship emerged in December 2019, just five months after his marriage with Iran ended.The couple married in September 2020 while Hulk was still playing in China for Shanghai SIPG following his split from the mother of his three other children – two sons and a daughter.It is believed Hulk told his family about his relationship with Camila in December 2019 – including his children.Watch ex-Brazil star Hulk incredibly miss from a yard out with chance that was easier to score for Atletico Mineiro More

  • in

    Newcastle vs West Ham: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend with BetMGM

    NEWCASTLE are looking to keep their unbeaten run going when West Ham visit in this week’s Monday Night Football.Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsNewcastle vs West Ham: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Newcastle vs West Ham: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More