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    Man Utd send scout to watch Viktor Gyokeres score for Sweden as Ruben Amorim hopes to land top transfer target

    MANCHESTER UNITED had eyes on Viktor Gyokeres on Saturday as Ruben Amorim’s top target scored his fifth goal of the Nations League campaign.The Sporting Lisbon striker put on another impressive display as he found the back of the net for Sweden in their 2-1 win over Slovakia.Viktor Gyokeres scored in front of a Man Utd scout for SwedenCredit: RexRuben Amorim appears keen on bringing him with him from SportingCredit: GettyUnited sent Sergio Souza — one of their top Scandinavian talent spotters — to Stockholm for the clash and he barely had time to take his seat before Gyokeres struck in the third minute.The former Coventry City star raced onto an Alexander Isak through ball before shooting across Slovakia keeper Martin Dubravka into the bottom corner.Souza revealed his presence at the game in an Instagram video post during the national anthems, although he was no doubt busily scribbling notes by the time Gyokeres had set the stadium alight with his latest strike.The 26-year-old is on pace to outperform his incredible 43-goal debut season in Portuguese football, having hitting the back of the net 23 times for Sporting this term.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHis 16 Primeira Liga goals are double the amount of any other player in the league and he has also netted five Champions League efforts in four games so far.Some of Europe’s biggest clubs are stepping up their interest with Paris Saint-Germain chief Luis Campos having reportedly already reached out to the his representatives.Bayern Munich have also been tipped to enter the bidding if they look to move Harry Kane on in the summer.But United potentially hold an ace up their sleeve with Amorim in place at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen asked about a potential move to Man Utd, Gyokeres said: “He probably has some strikers there already, so we’ll see. No, he hasn’t [asked me to join him].“It’s fun but nothing I attach any importance to because it’s talk and nothing concrete.”Dimitar Berbatov tips Viktor Gyokeres to follow Ruben Amorim to Man Utd Gyokeres added: “I want to finish this season at Sporting. I love it here. “We will see [about a new club] when the time comes. I want to play, that’s crucial, and there will be also other factors.”United are currently struggling for goals with their two centre forward options, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, having managed to score just three goals between them all season.On signing players from his old club, Amorim said: “In January I’m not going to get anyone from Sporting.”Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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    Man Utd ‘ready to make £33m transfer offer for Sporting wonderkid Geovany Quenda, 17, who terrorised Man City’

    GEOVANY QUENDA could be in line to follow Ruben Amorim to Manchester United according to reports. The Sporting Lisbon teenager was one of the stars who impressed when the Portuguese side beat Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League in Amorim’s final home game in charge.Geovany Quenda is being eyed for a summer move by Man UtdCredit: APRuben Amorim brought Quenda with the Sporting Lisbon senior pre-season squad before the teen became integralCredit: APWhile it was former Coventry ace Viktor Gyokeres receiving the plaudits for his hat-trick in that game, 17-year-old Quenda was the star who got Gyokeres’ tally up and running thanks to a beautiful pass cutting through the lines.Man Utd had already been tracking the left-footed winger, who played at right wing-back against City, before they moved for Amorim.And according to A Bola, the Red Devils are preparing to make a transfer offer for him next summer.The report suggests their first offer will be in the region of £33million.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Guinea-Bissau-born Portugal youth international has a full release clause of £84m after renewing his contract to 2027 in September – with his old contract containing a clause of £38m.Amorim promised he would not take players from his former side in January, but did not rule out some moves in the summer.He said: “In the January market I will not [get players from Sporting], that’s what I said.”In the summer I don’t know anymore. First point: to hold out until the summer. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Sporting’s players are very good players. I don’t know. We’ll see.”Quenda’s case saw Amorim take him with the Lions’ senior team in pre-season before integrating him into the first team and becoming integral to them before the 39-year-old manager left.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourAmorim’s first game in charge at Man Utd will be against Ipswich this Sunday.He has been boosted by the return of Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia in training, while the former could even make his club debut following his pre-season injury.Despite sitting in 13th place in the league, the club are miraculously just four points behind the top four.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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    Man Utd fans gush ‘he’s the one’ and compare Ruben Amorim to Sir Alex Ferguson after spotting how Sporting reign ended

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left gushing after Ruben Amorim’s final game as Sporting Lisbon manager.The Portuguese gaffer official takes charge of the Red Devils today, replacing the recently-axed Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout.Ruben Amorim’s reign as Sporting Lisbon manager almost ended in defeatCredit: APHis now former troops were on course to suffer a 2-1 defeat before an incredible turnaround late in the second halfCredit: AFPAmorim signed off with a stunning 4-2 winCredit: REUTERSManchester United fans likened Amorim’s Houdini act to a Fergie Time winCredit: GETTYAmorim bid an emotional farewell to Sporting on Sunday night after a late comeback United legend Sir Alex Ferguson would have been proud of.The Amorim era was set to end with a 2-1 defeat to Braga before his troops – his second-half subs in particular – performed an incredible 13-MINUTE turnaround.Sporting ran out 4-2 winners thanks to a wonder strike from Morten Hjulmand in the 81st minute and a late brace from Conrad Harder, who struck in the 89 and 94th minutes.Footage of Amorim’s Houdini act in his final game in charge of Sporting spread like wildfire on social media.READ MORE ON AMORIMAnd it further excited the Old Trafford faithful about his imminent arrival.One wrote on X: “Amorim got that Fergie Time juice. OT will love him.”Another said: “Comeback from Sporting after being 2-0 down away from home, Amorim has Fergie gene.”And another said: “Amorim’s got that Fergie time gene.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRuben 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.One remarked: “Ruben Amorim has started winning games in Fergie Time.”And he requests not to be compared to the great man.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter “It’s a battle you will not win, Ruben. Especially with this hyperbolic fanbase.”Another chimed in: “Amorim clinching his final win in Fergie time. How poetic. He’s the one!”Amorim, 39, was set to fly to Manchester today to begin his reign as United manager but reportedly has yet to acquire a work visa.Speaking after his side’s dramatic comeback, he said of his new job: “It’s going to be difficult, I’m not under any illusions.“I feel ready for the new challenge. I’m not naive, I know it’s going to be very different, very difficult.”I’m at peace now, I can focus on my new job and I’m looking forward to starting tomorrow.”Ruben Amorim bid an emotional farewell to Sporting LisbonCredit: AP More

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    Ruben Amorim CAN’T start work for Man Utd on Monday with work permit still yet to be granted

    RUBEN AMORIM will NOT be able to start work at Manchester United just yet, reports suggest.When he was announced as the next permanent Red Devils boss, it was said that Amorim would officially take over the role on November 11.Ruben Amorim won’t be able to take his position at Man Utd due to not having a work permit yetCredit: RexWith Ruud van Nistelrooy’s time in interim charge of the team now at an end after the 3-0 win over Leicester, the Sporting Lisbon boss is now the head coach picked to lead the team forward.However, the 39-year-old – leading Sporting into his final game against Braga tonight – has not yet been granted a work permit.According to the Daily Mail, this means he is unable to “get his feet on the grass”.Many players will be away from the club on international duty, while the first game of the Amorim era will not take place until United face Ipswich on November 24.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmorim will not be revealed to the media until his pre-match press conference for that game.However, it is expected that he will speak to club media before then.The Mail report adds that the lack of a work permit is not a setback in his appointment, with this being standard procedure with obtaining a work visa in the UK.The two-week break between club football will be used in an effort to get Amorim settled in England as quickly as possible, including finding somewhere for him to live.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFive members of his backroom coaching staff are set to join him in swapping Lisbon for Manchester, which cost United an additional £4million after already paying £8.3m to buy him out of his contract.It has left the future of Van Nistelrooy and other United staff uncertain, though the Dutchman has declared he wants to help the club get back to success in any capacity he can.Emotional Ruud van Nistelrooy given incredible ovation at Old Trafford with Man Utd interim still unclear on his futureFollowing his four-game spell in charge, of which he won three and drew one, he said: “This block of four games, it felt like a closure and the future is open.”I appreciated the clear communication of the club. It was an interim spell for a short-term. They kept me in the loop. It was four games, and for me it was important to have that clarity.”The communication was after the block of four, there will be communication towards you and your colleagues. “The most important thing is the football club. I am here to support that, and I want to continue that.”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.Ruben Amorim leaves Sporting on a highBy Charlie WyettRUBEN AMORIM would have preferred to leave Lisbon in a blaze of glory after winning a third Primeira Liga title.Yet football does not work like that. And in what was surely his final game before taking charge of Manchester United, Amorim prepared to say his goodbyes at a half-empty Estadio Jose Alvalade in a League Cup quarter-final against Nacional.Sporting won 3-1 thanks to  second-half goals by captain  Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled back for Madeira-based Nacional.The stadium  will be a good deal more lively on Tuesday when Manchester City are here for  a Champions League match — although Amorim should by then have his feet firmly under his desk at Old Trafford.Liverpool and Aston Villa were both interested in Europe’s most sought-after coach. Even City could have been a possible destination post-Pep Guardiola.Yet the United job is one Amorim, 39,  could not turn  down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting last night.There is clearly a huge split in the Portuguese club’s fan base over their coach leaving at this stage of the season with many believing he should have seen the job through.Yet Amorim, along with the three-man coaching team who are expected to follow him, leaves a club in a much better state than when he arrived here in 2020.Inside the stadium, there was applause — albeit muted — when his name was read out before the game along with the line-ups.And there did not appear to be any jeers when Amorim shuffled out from the tunnel awkwardly towards the dugout.So, while his departure is hard to take for some, none of the fans will forget his legacy.This is a club which is back as the dominant force in Portugal. Even this term, Sporting have won their first nine league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two.They are also eighth in the Champions League table, which is one hell of an effort.In contrast, Lisbon was not exactly hit by League Cup fever last night.Amorim made lots of changes, which saw Sporting’s star man Gyokeres, the former Coventry striker, start on the bench.There was, however, a first appearance in six weeks for former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards. He is certainly one player who has been transformed by Amorim since arriving at the club from Vitoria in 2022 and will be sorry to see the coach leave.While he changed his team, Amorim stuck with his tried and trusted formation of a back three.It will certainly be something Manchester United’s fans will have to get used to over the  coming months.But looking at the Premier League table, none of them will be complaining about the change.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. 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    New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim drops massive hint at summer transfer raid on Sporting, admitting ‘they are good players’

    INCOMING Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has dropped a huge hint that he might carry out a summer transfer raid on Sporting Lisbon.Amorim is set to begin work as United boss tomorrow, calling time on his four-and-a-half-year spell with Portuguese giants Sporting.Ruben Amorim has hinted that he could raid Sporting Lisbon for signings in the summerCredit: PAThe 39-year-old has enjoyed success with Sporting since taking over in 2020, winning two league titles and two Portuguese League Cups.And he’s done so with an incredible squad that has helped him gain an advantage over the opposition, alongside his tactical skillset.But it looks as though Amorim could be ready to rip that squad apart and cherry pick the best part to lure to the Theatre of Dreams.Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of his final game in charge of Sporting tonight, Amorim hinted that he could try and sign some of the current crop at the José Alvalade Stadium.READ MORE ON MAN UTDRuling out a short-term raid, he said: “In January I’m not going to get anyone from Sporting. That’s what I said.”He then opened the door for potential business in the summer.He added: “In the summer I don’t know what I’m going to do. The main point is to hold on until the summer. “Second point, you can see that Sporting players are great players. Let’s see what will happen.”Most read in FootballAmorim could be keen on bringing star striker Viktor Gyokeres to Man UtdCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSporting is stacked with top talent that could be of use to a struggling Man Utd side.The Red Devils are crying out for a goalscorer and will certainly have a keen eye on Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres.Watch Ruben Amorim celebrate with guard of honour as Sporting Lisbon boss narrowly avoids nasty bumps accidentThe former Brighton and Coventry striker has scored an unfathomable 66 goals in 67 appearances since his arrival in Portugal.While he has already found the back of the net 23 times in 17 games this term – including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.Other players who have been tipped to make the switch include ball-playing centre-back Goncalo Inacio and holding midfielder Morten Hjulmand.Amorim will already be reuniting with one of his former players at Old Trafford.Summer arrival Manuel Ugarte played under Amorim 85 times and was a huge part of Sporting’s team during his spell with the club.Amorim will be reunited with Manuel UgarteCredit: AlamyThree Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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    ‘Cristiano Ronaldo got quicker, stronger and learned after being humiliated by AC Milan.. that game changed his career’

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s career changed forever and put him on the path to superstardom after a disastrous performance against AC Milan in 2005.Ronaldo, 39, joined United in 2003 at the age of 18 from Sporting Lisbon and struggled to adapt to the Premier League due to his lack of physicality and end product.Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s career turned after a disastrous display at AC MilanCredit: GettyMan Utd greats Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt were frustrated with Ronaldo at firstCredit: PA:Press AssociationBut Scholes and Butt insist the Milan humiliation is what put Ronaldo on the path to superstardomCredit: GettyFellow Man Utd greats Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt still remember CR7’s rough start to life at Old Trafford that “frustrated the life” out of them and other esteemed team-mates.And there was one Champions League match against Milan at the San Siro that saw the star forward getting dominated by Gennaro Gattuso and Paolo Maldini so much that his peers lost their patience.The Red Devils suffered a heartbreaking elimination in the Last 16 as they lost 1-0 across both legs.According to Scholes and Butt, though, one good thing came out of it was the wake-up call Ronaldo desperately needed to turn things around.Read More on Man UtdThe Portugal captain got bigger, quicker, stronger and smarter, which eventually led to him winning the Ballon d’Or with United and four more at Real Madrid.Scholes told Butt on the Football’s Greatest Eras podcast: “I always remember a game at AC Milan and he frustrated the life out of me.”We were playing them away. But Gattuso kept running over to him and taking the ball off him and it was doing my head in. “He was playing against Maldini anyway, but Gattuso just kept coming over, taking the ball off him, taking the ball off him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We were having a right go at him. ‘Look, you’ve got to pass the ball, pass the ball before he gets to you. It’s quite obvious what’s happening’. “And I think it was after that game that he realised and he thought, ‘Right, that’s the game, that’s the biggest stage, and I wasn’t quite up to speed’.Cristiano Ronaldo breaks young fan’s phone with wayward penalty and sends him collapsing to floor “Now, whether he thinks that or what, I don’t know, but he wasn’t game intelligent enough. “But I think from that point on, he just excelled. He got bigger, he got quicker, he got stronger and he learned more.” More

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    Danny Murphy admits he’s ‘upset’ and ‘annoyed’ by TNT Sports’ decision to put Noel Gallagher on co-comms

    DANNY MURPHY has said he was left “upset” by TNT Sports’ decision to throw Noel Gallagher on co-commentary for Manchester City’s game against Sporting Lisbon.The Oasis star surprised fans by appearing on comms alongside Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist.Danny Murphy has been left unhappy at TNT Sports’ decision to place Noel Gallagher on co-commentaryCredit: BBCGallagher joined Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist during Man City’s loss to Sporting LisbonCredit: ReutersAnd he soon proved to have the commentators curse as his club lost 4-1, with the first goal for the Portuguese side coming moments after Gallagher had remarked “how easy” the game had been for City.However, the decision to hand musician Gallagher the job over an ex-professional left him “annoyed”.Speaking on talkSport on Wednesday, Murphy said: “It would upset me. I wouldn’t want to hear that. “Partly from a selfish perspective. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Because I know how much work I put in and how difficult it is to try and see things, engage things, spend years watching different techniques and games to try and analyse them.”So, yeah, that would annoy me. “I’ve got no problem with listening to different types of people watching football, pre [or] post [match], maybe even after.”As co-commentary, it’s neither here nor there. It doesn’t add much value for me. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It’s a very difficult job. I know from doing it. As a third one [like Gallagher], it’s fine. “But there’s not much there you’re going to learn.Danny Murphy says Ex-Rangers star El Hadji Diouf was strange and he once blanked him for weeks for no reason “I’d rather see him before or after the game, giving his little anecdotes about Pep [Guardiola] and the players. “He gives you something different. Some people will like it because of the novelty. “I wouldn’t want to hear it every week, put it that way.”Murphy has been a regular pundit on Match of the Day since retiring. More

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    Viktor Gyokeres set to spark massive summer transfer battle with Man Utd to be joined by Chelsea and Arsenal in race

    CHELSEA and Arsenal are set to join Manchester United in the battle to sign Europe’s most in-demand player Viktor Gyokeres.The Sporting Lisbon sensation is now widely expected to leave the Portuguese giants at the end of the season.Viktor Gyokeres is being eyed by Chelsea, Arsenal and Man UtdThe No9 has been linked with a move to follow new United boss Ruben AmorimHe could follow his current boss Ruben Amorim to Old Trafford – with United chiefs willing to pay the £63m it would take to sign him.But Sun Online has learned the Swedish superstar’s advisors are pushing for a move to a club in the Champions League.And that’s put Arsenal and Chelsea, who are bidding to qualify for Europe’s top competition next season, on red-alert. The Gunners might have a head start though.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMikel Areta’s side have been scouting Gyokeres over the past 12 months in their search for more firepower up top.But Chelsea are also on the lookout for a prolific number nine and the young Swede would fit the bill.Both clubs are also in a far better position to be able to offer the player the Champions League football he so dearly craves, with United languishing in 13th in the Prem.Sporting reportedly have a gentleman’s agreement with Gyokeres to let him go for less than his release clause which is set at around £84m.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 26-year-old’s current contract expires in 2028.He has has gone from Championship striker to one of the world’s best in a whirlwind year.Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City The Swedish forward enhanced his reputation with a hat-trick in a shock 4-1 win over Manchester City on Tuesday night.Sporting would look for around £67m but could accept as little as £63m.And that is likely to interest a host of Prem giants.Amorim ruled out taking him with him to United in January – but said he does expect the forward to look for a new challenge in the summer.He said: “I’ve just made peace with the Sporting fans so I’m not even going to make a joke about it.”Gyokeres is a Sporting player and it’s is a great club, he did a lot for the club. He just has to stay and finish the season at the club.”His 66 goals in 67 appearances has already drawn interest from Saudi Arabia.With Gyokeres likely to stay in Portugal for the rest of the season, United are also being tipped to go for another Sporting star.READ MORE SUN STORIESReports say they are tracking 17-year-old winger Geovany Quenda, who has impressed this season.Amorim is preparing to leave Sporting for Old Trafford next week and could bring a couple of players along with him.The striker could swap sunny Portugal for rainy Manchester More