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      EFL’s first ever female manager lasted just two weeks, but women will take charge sooner or later

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      NO ONE is suggesting that a woman should be appointed manager of Manchester United, or any other leading football club, right now.But it could happen when a candidate is so successful in the women’s game that her skills fit perfectly for the job.Karren Brady says female managers will be a thing in the futureCredit: PAHannah Dingley was briefly in charge of Forest Green RoversCredit: PAMale prejudice appears to be a football’s castle wall to us and I found that climbing it was a little tricky when I was appointed managing director of Birmingham City over 30 years ago.Cheeky players made comments at first and there was an incident of entry to “men only” boardrooms. Not any more. With the barriers breached, more women moved into executive positions. Now a mix of sexes is commonplace.But the possibility of a woman managing a Premier League or EFL team is still regarded by many men as an insult, a slap in the face with a wet apron.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEmma Hayes capturing the Ballon d’Or this week for leading the USA to the Olympic gold medal reminds me that the day a woman leads a men’s team is closer than ever though.Hayes, at Chelsea, won the WSL title five times while Sarina  Wiegman, with England, won the Euros and finished World Cup runner-up.Similar triumphs in the men’s game would have won a knighthood.So why wouldn’t a club take on a manager with this record,  regardless of their gender?Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSI’ll tell you why. Because they are scared of being laughed at, or  assume men won’t listen to a woman. Forest Green Rovers briefly appointed Hannah Dingley as interim first-team coach last year.Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarreIt certainly wasn’t bigger news than Nancy Astor becoming the first woman to take her seat as an MP.And while Astor remained in Parliament for 26 years, Dingley lasted two weeks.It was still a tiny brick removed from the battlements but any pioneering woman will need the strongest support from her chairman and board.No player wants to work with a manager, female or male, who does not have tactical know-how, game strategy, leadership and decision-making skills, communication skills, modern training techniques, people skills, data analysis and a long-term vision.My guess is rebellion would evaporate as players realised the manager knew her business in all these areas.As for supporters, a few quick wins and they wouldn’t much care if Liz Truss were in charge.It will happen one day because women will make it do so. Astor has been the touchstone for 263 (40 per cent) of women to win seats in July’s election.There is no proof men are better team leaders or managers than women.Results in industry, education and politics are at least the equals of men and in school exams a good deal superior.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo, the day a woman leads a men’s team might be closer than ever.Until then, we’ll keep cheering as the women’s game grows — bringing the passion, skill and tactical brilliance the men’s leagues could learn a thing or two from.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. More

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      Final MotoGP race cancelled after track swept away and car park left underwater with new venue to be announced

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      THE final MotoGP race of the season has been moved from Valencia due to horrific flooding destroying the track.The death toll from the floods in the Spanish city has exceeded 200 people as it continues to decimate locals.The final race of the 2024 MotoGP season will no longer take place in ValenciaCredit: GettyFlooding has destroyed the track and left the car park underwaterCredit: XImages posted on social media have shown the state of the circuitCredit: XPictures of the MotoGP circuit were shared on social media earlier this week showing it had been ripped apart by the extreme weather, with the car park left underwater.Now organisers have confirmed the race, which was set to be the season finale on November 17, has been cancelled.The last race of 2024 will instead take place elsewhere at a location to be confirmed.The official statement from MotoGP read: “We have been in constant contact with the local authorities and the circuit to best assess how we can help and how we should proceed.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORT”We have a responsibility to every region where we race that goes far beyond the sport and the events.”After carefully weighing up the potential positive impact of MotoGP racing in Valencia on delayed dates versus ensuring no single resource is diverted from the recovery efforts by the presence of MotoGP, the championship and local authorities have been obliged to cancel the 2024 Valencia GP.”It continued: “In lieu of racing in Valencia, MotoGP will instead race for Valencia.”The championship will put our collective efforts behind backing the relief funds already in place to ensure our positive impact can connect with the area in the way it best serves the people and communities we have been part of for so long.Most read in Motorsport”Our efforts will begin during the Malaysian GP and continue at the final round of 2024, with a new venue and dates to be announced as soon as confirmed.”Fans around the world, our athletes, and paddock deserve a sporting finale to the 2024 season, and one that can make a key contribution to supporting the communities we race in.Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’”Any further information regarding the season finale will be confirmed as soon as possible.”Two races remain in the 2024 season – the Malaysian GP and the cancelled Valencia GP which will now be held in another location.Spaniard Jorge Martin leads the championship by 17 points from Italian Francesco Bagnaia – who closed the gap to his title rival with victory in Thailand last weekend. More

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      Hilarious moment Mikel Arteta ‘fines’ journalist during press conference as brutal discipline rules apply to everyone

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      ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta jokingly threatened to fine a reporter for being late to his post-match press conference.The Spaniard was in good spirits as he addressed the media following Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Preston North End on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta jokingly threatened to fine a reporter during a press conferenceCredit: XOne reporter appeared to ask a question about young midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, seemingly unaware Arteta had already spoken about him.The Arsenal boss quickly jumped in to joke: “You are late! We already talked about him!”That’s a fine for you!”Gabriel Jesus ended a 25-game goal drought to put the Gunners 1-0 up against Preston at Deepdale.Read More in FootballNwaneri then fired a stunning shot into the top-left corner to extend the advantage.And Kai Havertz sealed the win with a bullet header after coming off the bench in the second half.Discussing Nwaneri’s impressive performance at full-time, Arteta said: “He’s a big talent, he’s got the right attitude, he’s got the right players and context around him and we need to make sure that we put brick by brick in the right order but we have some player here.”He’s going to really dictate how fast that’s going to go but I’m really happy with him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal ratings vs PrestonARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.Tommy Setford – 6A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.Jurrien Timber – 7Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-timeWilliam Saliba – 7Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.Jakub Kiwior – 8Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.Jorginho – 7Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.Mikel Merino – 7A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.Ethan Nwaneri – 9Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.Raheem Sterling – 7The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.Gabriel Jesus – 8Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.SubsThomas Partey – 6Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.Kai Havertz – 8Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.Bukayo Saka – 6More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.Ayden Heaven – 6Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes.”So much personality there, he wants every ball, he wants to make things happen.”Outside and around he’s still a bit quiet as usual, he’s 17 years old, very respectful, his work ethic is tremendous and he loves what he does, you can tell that.”Arsenal Dominates Preston: Player RatingsArsenal next face Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.The Gunners currently sit third in the table, behind Liverpool and Manchester City. More

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      We hosted Arsenal and received compliment from Arsene Wenger, then EFL ordered us to spend £1m tearing up our pitch

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      SUTTON chairman Bruce Elliott believes hosting Arsenal in the FA Cup seven years ago started an incredible journey.That last-16 clash set the wheels in motion for a rise within four years into the EFL for the first time since the team was formed in 1898.Sutton welcomed Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA Cup back in 2017Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBruce Elliott – Sutton Utd Chairman. Pic Jamie McPhilimey. 16.02.17.Credit: Jamie McPhilimey – The SunAnd although the tiny Surrey club are back in non-league after relegation last season, Elliott hopes knocking Birmingham out of the FA Cup on Sunday at Gander Green Lane can be the prologue to another glorious chapter.Elliott said: “That run to the fifth round was our best in the FA Cup and it set off a chain of events that eventually saw us win EFL status — something we’d never expected or dreamed of.“The FA Cup has been great for this club. Of course, we famously knocked out the defending FA Cup holders Coventry in 1989 but our run in 2017 was special.“We beat Wimbledon after a replay, upset Leeds here and then hosted an Arsenal team who had just played Bayern Munich a few days earlier.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“In The Sun there was a whole page about our small changing rooms and how it was a huge come-down from what they’d experienced!“And a lot was made of our 3G pitch before that match and how Arsenal would cope with playing on it.”Arsene Wenger put out a strong team and beat the plucky part-timers 2-0 with goals from Lucas Perez and Theo Walcott.And Elliott will never forget meeting the legendary former manager after the match.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Sutton chairman said: “I apologised to him about the size of the dressing rooms.“He replied, ‘It’s fine, people forget I used to manage a small team in France and in any case I rather like the smaller sized ones, you’re nearer the players.’ What a great answer. Another lovely thing was when I asked why with the game in the bag with just 16 minutes left did he bring on Alexis Sanchez?Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFL“After all, they had paid £30million for that guy, so why risk him against a non-league team late in a game that is pretty much over.“He replied, ‘I thought it was the right thing to do for such an occasion as this!’“That was absolutely quality and class from him. He understood what a big deal it was for Sutton United.”When Sutton won promotion to the EFL in 2021, they had to rip up their 3G pitch and install a grass one. It is something that still rankles with Elliott and Sutton fans.Already in the three seasons since they lost it, it has cost the club around £1MILLION.Elliott said: “It does seem ridiculous that our 3G pitch was good enough to host Arsenal in the FA Cup — but not for League Two games!“I don’t get why the EFL doesn’t relax the rules. They’re even allowed in European competitions.“There are a lot of people at those higher levels living in the past — thinking back to the days of the inferior plastic pitches at Luton, Oldham and QPR. They are now of the highest quality.”Another bugbear for Elliott is the FA scrapping cup replays — denying them a possible money-spinning replay at St Andrew’s.He said: “There is no logic to getting rid of them until the third round when Premier League sides enter.“I understand it at that point but to lose them from the first round denies clubs at our level the chance to get another TV payday.”The Blues come to Surrey as the biggest spending club outside of the Premier League.No team in League One history has ever splashed the cash quite like the Brummies — with Jay Stansfield arriving for £15million with it set to rise to £20m depending on appearances and promotion.It is a far cry from Sutton who have one of the lowest budgets in the fifth tier.READ MORE SUN STORIESElliott said: “We’re still ambitious but we’ve always spent within our means.“It was an incredible achievement for us to be in the EFL. Now that we’ve tasted it, we most definitely would like to get there again.” More

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      Pep Guardiola admits Man City facing squad ’emergency’ after star stretchered off in tears and another injury blow

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      PEP GUARDIOLA admits Manchester City are facing an “emergency” situation amid the club’s injury crisis.Forward Savinho, 20, became the latest casualty on Wednesday as he was stretchered off in tears during Man City’s Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham.Pep Guardiola has admitted his side are ‘in an emergency’ with their injury listCredit: RexSavinho was stretchered off in tears during Manchester City’s defeat to TottenhamCredit: AlamyThe Brazilian is set to be out for two weeks with an ankle sprain.Manuel Akanji has also experienced a fitness issue after he felt a tweak in the warm-up ahead of the Spurs clash as he joins a host of star players on the sideline.They include Rodri, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, Kevin de Bruyne, Manuel Akanji, Oscar Bobb and Josko Gvardiol.The absentees leave Man City desperately short in terms of squad depth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Guardiola has revealed he may have to rely on his academy players in the coming weeks.He said: “It happens in many clubs and we’re not the only club in the world to be going through it. There are a lot [of injuries] in certain departments and positions but it is what it is.”We are using them [the academy players] because we are in an emergency in certain positions but some of them, we trust them, like in the past.”They help us, that’s why the academy is there… We don’t have other options, sometimes.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSManuel Akanji pulled up in the warm-up ahead of the Tottenham gameCredit: GettyYoungsters Nico O’Reilly, James McAtee and Jacob Wright all featured in midweek and could play a part against Bournemouth on Saturday.Guardiola is hopeful a number of his side’s injury problems will be resolved by the turn of the year.Man City star Savinho talks about his rise to football stardom He added: “Maybe in January we will have all the players back, except Rodri.”When we are all together, the squad is enough, when completely focused and fit.”For now we just have to try to recover players as quick as possible and then we will see.”Following the trip to Bournemouth, Man City travel to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League as they test themselves against incoming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.Their final game before the international break then comes away at Brighton on November 9. More

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      in Motorsport

      Huge Lando Norris F1 title boost as Max Verstappen slapped with five-place grid penalty for Sao Paulo Grand Prix

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN will take a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race in Brazil in a boost for McLaren title rival Lando Norris.The penalty comes after Red Bull put a new engine in Verstappen’s RB20 with four races remaining. Max Verstappen has been hit with a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Sao Paulo Grand PrixLando Norris has been handed a boost as he bids to reduce the gap in the Drivers’ ChampionshipVerstappen will be using his sixth internal combustion engine for the race at Interlagos, his second such breach of the season.The move had been expected after the Dutchman finished sixth at last weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix.Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko revealed there was a leak in the previous engine’s intake tract on Sunday.Verstappen’s grid penalty will boost Norris’ hopes of reducing the Dutchman’s 47-point lead in the Drivers’ Championship.READ MORE MOTORSPORT NEWSWith the Brazilian GP being a Sprint track, Interlagos will host a shortened race on Saturday.But Verstappen’s penalty only applies to Sunday’s full-length contest.Meanwhile, Norris topped the only practice session in Sao Paulo earlier today, with qualifying due to start at 6:30pm.Verstappen leads Norris with four races of the season remaining.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe three-time champ aborted his only attempt at a flying lap on soft tyres and finished 15th in practice.Verstappen, 27, was given two 10-second time penalties for being overly aggressive in wheel-to-wheel combat with Norris last Sunday.Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing He finished 59 seconds down on race-winner Carlos Sainz in Mexico, so even without the penalties, would have been fourth at best.Norris closed the gap after picking up 18 points following his second-place finish.Verstappen, who has not won since June’s Spanish GP, did not want to go into details about the incidents and was more concerned about Red Bull’s lack of pace.Each driver is entitled to use four power units throughout the course of the season and face grid penalties for exceeding the limit.Verstappen incurred a 10-place grid penalty after taking his fifth engine of the season in Belgium in July.Red Bull’s decision to take the penalty in Brazil will have been largely motivated by the many straightforward overtaking opportunities the circuit presents.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Arsenal fan guilty of hurling vile racial abuse at OWN player Thomas Partey – but claimed he was just being ‘sarcastic’

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      AN ARSENAL fan has pleaded guilty to racially abusing star midfielder Thomas Partey – but claimed he was only being sarcastic.Charles Ogunmilade, 28, admitted racially attacking the Gunners’ Ghanaian midfielder with a “grossly offensive” message after Arsenal’s 3-3 draw with Southampton last year.The aspiring photographer called Partey a “dirty black c**t” in a shocking racist postCredit: GettyCharles Ogunmilade, above, sent the post after Partey hit a long-range strike over the bar.Credit: Chris EadesThe post, on Elon Musk’s X platform, were sent moments after £50m midfielder Partey, 31, spooned a 30-yard wonder-strike effort over the crossbar.His shot followed Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard scoring to rescue a critical point in the title race with two goals in the last two minutes of the match.Recruitment consultant Ogunmilade, of Romford, Essex, spoke only to confirm his name, age and plea.Prosecutor Rami Amin said: “During the evening of April 21, 2023 there was a Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton.Read more about Arsenal“This featured a player for Arsenal called Thomas Partey.“This defendant posted a comment on the Twitter platform.”The court heard the content of the post, which The Sun is not repeating, meant the offence was aggravated because of the racist language used.Padma Panigrahi, defending, insisted the vile remarks had been made in jest.Most read in FootballThe solicitor added: “My client has advised me that he and his friends communicate on Twitter.“He and his friendship group mimic what white, racist football hooligans say.“That’s why it was in inverted commas – they were basically being sarcastic.“That’s what a white football racist would say in that situation.“He’s very remorseful, that’s why he’s admitted it in an interview and co-operated with the police.“His family are in Nigeria.”The court heard Ogunmilade would contest a football banning order, which is typically applied to cases involving the sport.He is likely to be handed a community order.Head magistrate Margaret Orgill JP told the football fan: “As you know, we need a probation report.“If you commit any offence while on bail, you will get a more severe punishment.He was granted unconditional bail to appear for sentencing at City of London magistrates’ court on November 26.Ogunmilade made no comment when approached by The Sun outside court.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club previously demanded an investigation into a vile troll who posted a racist image of England hero Bukayo Saka, 21.And last month law student Suhel Ali escaped jail after calling world-class winger Saka offensive terms in a voice note on X.Partey attempted to win the match for Arsenal but hit his shot over the bar, after Martin Odegaard had levelled the score at 3-3Credit: ReutersSuhel Ali, 20, escaped jail last month after racially abusing Bukayo SakaCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk More

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      Man Utd legend Dwight Yorke lands new management job nearly two years after being sacked by Australian team

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      FORMER Manchester United star Dwight Yorke has been named head coach of the Trinidad and Tobago national team.Yorke, 52, made 72 appearances for the Soca Warriors across 20 years during his playing career.Dwight Yorke has been named head coach of Trinidad and TobagoCredit: GettyYorke made 72 appearances for the Soca Warriors across 20 yearsCredit: AFPAnd now he is set to lead the nation through a series of World Cup qualifiers.The ex-United striker’s appointment marks a “new chapter” for the nation.Discussing his arrival, TTFA President Kieron Edwards said: “With World Cup qualification in our sights, we’re thrilled to welcome Dwight Yorke as the new head coach of our Men’s National Team.”Dwight’s experience, leadership, and commitment to the red, white, and black are exactly what we need to inspire our players and our nation.”Read More in FootballMeanwhile, Yorke admitted he is thrilled to be working with the national team ahead of such an important run of fixtures.He explained: “I am proud and privileged to receive the honour of leading the Trinidad and Tobago national team.”The opportunity to work with this talented, close-knit group of players is something I look forward to.”Having helped Trinidad and Tobago to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2000, captained the side at the 2006 World Cup and been Assistant Manager, my love and commitment to my national team is well documented.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I saw first hand as a player how working together to achieve our targets brought joy and united our country. I see that same ambition and desire at all levels of the current set-up.”So I look forward to building on the work of someone who I played alongside with for a number of years from youth level right up to senior team, a good friend and former team-mate, Angus Eve, and the current interim head coach, Derek King.’I did my coaching badges with Ruben Amorim, I think Man Utd have got the right man’ says Gabby Agbonlahor “As a player I experienced some incredible moments in a Trinidad and Tobago shirt. With this squad I hope they can continue as head coach.”Yorke had been out of work since leaving Australian side Macarthur in January 2023.He was sacked after a huge dressing room clash whereby he compared his squad to a “pub team” and claimed the club was “run by muppets”.Yorke was a potent finisher during his Premier League days, best known for partnering Andy Cole up front for Manchester United.He made a total of 584 career appearances scoring 188 goals.Dwight Yorke struck up a ferocious front line at Utd with Andy ColeCredit: Getty More