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      Man Utd ‘keen to poach Man City’s top target to replace Pep Guardiola but may have to keep Ten Hag for season’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are already lining up a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag, according to reports.The Red Devils could be set to battle it out with neighbours Manchester City to secure the services of in-demand manager Ruben Amorim.Manchester City and Manchester United are reportedly eyeing Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben AmorimCredit: ReutersErik ten Hag is under increasing pressure at Old TraffordCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, is in charge of Sporting Lisbon and has helped the Portuguese side return to being a dominant domestic force and a competitive European club.His work at Sporting attracted the interest of Liverpool over the summer in their search for a replacement for Jurgen Klopp, before they ultimately brought in Arne Slot.And now it looks like the Premier League’s two Manchester giants could be battling it out for his services.According to Sky Germany, Amorim is on the list of potential new managers for both United and City.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCity have been linked with the former Portugal international as a potential replacement for Pep Guardiola, should the Catalan tactician leave the Etihad when his contract expires this summer.While they are also set to replace their sporting director, Txiki Begiristain with Sporting’s director of football Hugo Viana.Should Viana join the four-in-a-row champions then that could increase City’s chances of convincing Amorim to make the jump.But they will have competition from rivals Man Utd with Sky Germany’s report claiming that the Old Trafford outfit have made “specific enquiries” about Amorim and his situation at Sporting.Most read in FootballSporting’s director of football Hugo Viana is set to join Man City as sporting directorCredit: GettyViana will replace current sporting director Txiki Begiristain at the EtihadCredit: PAPep Guardiola’s current Man City deal is set to expire this summerCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited are caught in a limbo with current manager Erik ten Hag, who has been under mounting pressure for seemingly months but is still in his post despite a shocking start to the season.Should they push ahead with luring Amorim as his replacement, United would likely have to keep Ten Hag as boss until the summer.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd That’s because its claimed Amorim does not plan to leave Sporting this season due to his ambitions with the club.However, his contact, which is valid until 2026, includes a release clause that is active from next summer.United will be boosted by Amorim’s recent comments too, which seemed to rubbish the idea that he would simply follow sporting director Viana to Man City.In an interview with Cabine Desportiva, he said: “Hugo Viana and me, we have different and separate paths. “His appointment doesn’t mean that I’m going to Man City. We have a very good professional relationship.” More

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      I’m a former Premier League star who was arrested for cock-fighting… now I’m back playing aged 43

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      AN ex-Premier League star once arrested for cock-fighting has made a shock return to football.Fabio Rochemback hung up his boots ten years ago and has spent the last decade away from the game. Fabio Rochemback has made a shock return to footballCredit: InstagramThe Brazilian spent three years at MiddlesbroughCredit: PA:Press AssociationBut he has now joined Brazilian amateur side Guarany de Xaxim on a short-term deal.The club compete in the regional Santa Catarina Championship.Rochemback captained the side to a 3-2 win on his first appearance.The 43-year-old is best remembered by the three seasons he spent at Middlesbrough.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe played 91 times for the club and was part of the team that made the Uefa Cup final in 2006.The midfielder also had spells at Barcelona and Sporting Lisbon.Rochemback, who was capped seven times by Brazil, was nicknamed The Cannon thanks to his trademark powerful long shots.Since retiring, he hit the headlines in 2017 when he was arrested on suspicion of involvement in a cock-fighting ring.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnimal fighting is a crime in Brazil and the ex-player was detained by cops in a raid of an event in Rio Grande do Sul.Police said 89 roosters and £24,000 in cash was also seized that evening.Football icons’ strange hobbiesRochemback had a farm raided by the authorities six years earlier.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes says top manager ‘has quality’ to manage in Premier League as pressure mounts on Ten Hag

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has hailed a top European manager as having the quality to lead a Premier League side.The Manchester United star’s comments come with Erik ten Hag’s future in doubt.Bruno Fernandes has hailed Ruben Amorim as doubts continue over Erik ten Hag’s futureCredit: GettyAmorim has enjoyed success at Sporting LisbonCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils boss has come under scrutiny over the club’s poor start to the season.Old Trafford chiefs held a meeting earlier this week in which Ten Hag’s future was discussed.It appears that the club are willing to stick by the former Ajax manager for now, but that has not stopped others from being linked with the post.The likes of Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel have been touted as potential options.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, club captain Fernandes has insisted that Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, 39, is capable of succeeding in England.The Portuguese coach has led the club to two titles in his homeland and is well-regarded.He was believed to be one of the front-runners for the Liverpool and West Ham jobs in the summer before the roles went to Arne Slot and Julen Lopetegui. Fernandes has suggested that Amorim is “prepared” and full of “quality” as a manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told CNN Portugal: “Since Mr Amorim arrived at Sporting, it has been one of the teams to practice better football.”They have been consistent, the signings have been right and they are in a very good moment. It’s a very well-prepared team.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League stars”In relation to Amorim, it shows at this moment he is prepared.”Coaching Sporting and winning championships is not easy, Sporting went 20 years without winning championships and Amorim arrived and has already won two.”This shows that the work has been done well.”If he could manage to do the same in England, Spain or anywhere else, you will never know until you get there, but I am sure his qualities are there for everyone to see.”Fernandes joined Man United from Sporting Lisbon back in January 2020 in a £47million transfer.Amorim arrived at the club in March of that year when he replaced the sacked Jorge Manuel Rebelo Fernandes.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Hugo Viana set for incredible rise from Newcastle flop to Man City chief and could bring pal to replace Pep Guardiola

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      HUGO Viana’s likely move to Manchester City may not be the last time a key figure from Sporting Lisbon ends up at the Etihad.Viana was close friends with Ruben Amorim well before they teamed up at Sporting to transform the club from cash-strapped underachievers to champions on and off the pitch.Hugo Viana has been tipped to take over from Txiki Begiristain at Man CityCredit: GettyThe 41-year-old previously played for NewcastleCredit: GettyCity’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, will step down at the end of the seasonCredit: PASporting’s current sporting director is set to replace Txiki Begiristain in the same role at City in early 2025.And when the time comes for City to find a successor to boss Pep Guardiola, it would be a surprise if they did not take a close look at Amorim – already described by Guardiola as “one of the best” coaches around.What is a shock, for a British audience at least, is the news that Viana has been lined up by City to take on one of the biggest jobs in football.He first hit the headlines in 2002 when Newcastle paid £8.5m to sign him from Sporting, a record fee for a 19-year-old, in the first major English deal involving an agent named Jorge Mendes.Read More in FootballThe midfielder was one of the hottest talents in Europe, after helping Sporting to win the Portuguese league and impressing at the European Under-21 Championship.But although Viana enjoyed the company of mentor Gary Speed, he was unable to oust the Welshman from the central midfield role that he craved.After two seasons spent mainly on the wing and the periphery at St James’ Park, Viana had two loan spells before joining Valencia permanently.After he hit the post with Portugal’s second penalty in the shootout that ended England’s 2006 World Cup at the quarter-final stage, he pretty much disappeared as far as English fans were concerned.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt is fair to say that Viana is also regarded as an unfulfilled talent in his homeland, despite an impressive spell with Braga later in his career.But it was in his final season at that club that he deepened his friendship with Amorim, having already been in international squads with him.Man City & Premier League BOTH claim victory in landmark court case as legal battle continuesIt would prove to be a key relationship.Viana returned to Sporting as sporting director in 2018 as part of the new regime of president Frederico Varandas.The club was in turmoil. A group of ultras, allegedly furious at Sporting’s 2017/18 campaign, had invaded the training ground and attacked players and staff. Bruno Fernandes was among nine stars to try to tear up their contracts, although he later signed a new deal.It took time for Viana to find his feet. He and Varandas went through three permanent head coaches as things on the pitch took time to improve.In January 2020, Sporting sold best player Fernandes to Manchester United for an initial £47m. Weeks later the club spent £8.65m –  the third highest fee ever for a manager – to poach Amorim from Braga.Most people Viana and Varandas were mad to invest so much hope and money in the unproven coach, not least because of his playing history with fierce rivals Benfica.But it proved to be an inspired gamble.Incredible successIn Amorim’s first full season, 2020/21, Sporting claimed their first league title since the one Viana had won as a player 19 years before.A second Portuguese championship followed last season, and Sporting are also winners off the pitch.Transfermarkt values the current squad at £370m, more than double what it was when Viana joined.Yet in that time, Sporting have brought in more than £650m from player sales and loans, including big-money sales like Fernandes and fellow Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte.Returning to the Champions League has given Sporting the financial stability to hold out for big fees, and Viana always has a succession plan.Ugarte was signed as a replacement for Joao Palhinha, and then sold at a profit to Paris Saint-Germain last year, with Morten Hjulmand arriving as his successor.The job for Viana at City will be different.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the Premier League champions and Begiristain, who has had a key role in identifying and appointing his successor, believe he is up to it.And it is not wild to suggest that Viana and Amorim could be the partnership entrusted with building on the Guardiola/Begiristain legacy. More

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      Man City targeting Premier League flop to take over as sporting director after Txiki Begiristain bombshell

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      MANCHESTER CITY have allegedly earmarked former Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana as a potential replacement for outgoing chief Txiki Begiristain.Sporting director Begiristain will step down from his position at the end of the season.Man City chief Txiki Begiristain is set to leave at the end of the seasonCredit: PAFormer Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana is believed to be in the frame for the jobCredit: EPAViana spent four years at St James’ ParkCredit: PA:Press AssociationSunSport revealed this week that he will play a key role in identifying and appointing his replacement.Begiristain aims to have a new man in place by January and will then spend six months helping the new chief settle into their new role.While Begiristain’s successor is yet to be revealed, ex-Newcastle star Viana is believed to be in the frame.The 41-year-old spent four years at St James’ Park as a player following his move from Sporting Lisbon in 2002 and made 61 appearances.Read More in FootballSince retiring, Viana has taken up a senior position in football.He is currently director of football at Sporting Lisbon, having accepted the job in 2018.Manchester United identified him as a potential candidate for the position of chief operating officer at Old Trafford earlier this year.He caught the attention of Sir Jim Ratcliffe by assisting the transfer of Bruno Fernandes in 2020.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut taking over from Begiristain at Man City would be an even harder job.City have won 14 major trophies under the guidance of the Spaniard, including the Champions League and six Prem titles.But they are currently in the midst of a huge legal battle with the Premier League.A hearing is underway into allegations that City broke PL rules more than 100 times in relation to sponsorship deals, player and manager contracts and failure to cooperate with the investigation.City deny all the charges. An initial verdict is expected in the spring, but the saga is unlikely to end there and Begiristain will be gone before everything is resolved.Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher. More

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      Champions League club appear to play in special kit in order to comply with fussy Uefa rule

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      SPORTING LISBON were forced to make a subtle change to their kit for their Champions League opener to comply with Uefa rules.The Portuguese champions played host to Lille on Tuesday night as they returned to Europe’s premier competition after one year away.Sporting Lisbon wore this new kit for their Champions League openerCredit: GettyThis is the club’s usual home strip with three white lines through the shirtCredit: ReutersAnd they kicked things off in style with a comfortable 2-0 win – which included a stunner from defender Zeno Debast.Former Coventry striker Viktor Gyokeres also got on the scoresheet for the hosts.It was the first of Sporting’s eight fixtures in the new-look Champions League.The others will come against PSV, Sturm Graz, Manchester City, Arsenal, Club Brugge, RB Leipzig and Bologna.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the strip Sporting wear in domestic competitions has been altered for European matches.That is because Uefa rules dictate that if a shirt has three or more colours, one must be “clearly dominant”.Sporting’s shirt contains white, green and black stripes.But in order to ensure one was the focal point of the shirt, one of the white stripes near the bottom of the jersey was changed to black by designers Nike.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis meant the black dominated the shirt, meaning the kit did not break any Uefa regulations.It is expected they will have to do the same for their remaining games when they wear their home strip.Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on TNT Sports after cheeky Champions League jibe More

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      England’s newest star Angel Gomes brought crashing back to Earth as he is SENT OFF in of Champions League defeat

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      ENGLAND star Angel Gomes went from hero to zero as he was sent off in the Champions League.The 24-year-old made his Three Lions debut in the win over Ireland and then put in a man of the match performance against Finland last week. Angel Gomes was sent off in Lille’s defeat to SportingCredit: APHe was given a second yellow just seconds after conceding the opening goalCredit: EPANow back with his club Lille, Gomes played in their Champions League opener away at Sporting Lisbon yesterday.But the midfielder was sent off in the first-half for two bookable offences.He picked up his first yellow card just 21 minutes after kick-off for stopping a counter-attack by chopping down ex-Wolves winger Trincao.And then with 40 minutes on the clock, Gomes caught the back of Viktor Gyokeres’ leg after he cleverly spun away from him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLithuanian referee Donastas Rumsas decided it was worthy of another booking and sent the former Manchester United wonderkid for an early bath.The second booking came a matter of seconds after Gyokeres had opened the scoring for Sporting.And with Lille down to ten-men, they were unable to overturn the deficit and lost 2-0.Zeno Debast scored the other in what was a goal of the season contender.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDuring his time with England, Gomes’ composure on the ball and hard work out of possession saw him earn praise from manager Lee Carsley.Carsely said: “He absolutely loves football. He watches football, he’s interested in tactics, he knows all the player in any league.Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on TNT Sports after cheeky Champions League jibe”If you ask him for any feedback you need to be prepared that he is going to give you some feedback on the session or how we’re going to build up, or the positions.”He’ll help in terms of he will often say about some build-ups that he’s done at other clubs or what he’s played against, because obviously he’s playing in France so he sees different things.”He fully deserves it (his call-up).”But since returning to the French club, it has all being going wrong for him as he was an unused sub as Lille lost to newly-promoted Saint-Etienne 1-0 last weekend. More

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      Fans say ‘what a blast from Debast’ as Sporting star scores Puskas Award contender with 30-yard rocket

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      FANS were left gushing over a wonder-strike from Sporting Lisbon star Zeno Debast that’s already a contender for the Puskas Award.The incredible moment occurred in the 65th minute of last night’s Champions League clash against French giants Lille.Zeno Debast scored a wonder-goal for Sporting Lisbon against LilleThe strike is sure to be a Puskas contender – scroll down to see the full videoHosts Sporting were already 1-0 through Viktor Gyokeres, while Lille were a man down after having new England star Angel Gomes sent off.The Portuguese champions piled on the pressure and were looking to make their advantage count when Debast struck.The Belgian centre-back, 20, only joined Sporting this summer from Anderlecht for £18million.And his defensive displays had already won plenty of admirers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut nobody was expecting him to pull the trigger on an outrageous 30-yard rocket that sped through the air and cut across the box into the roof of the net.Sporting fans let out an incredible roar as they watched in amazement.And as the ball crashed into Lille’s goal, Debast turned around before sprinting off to celebrate his first goal for the club.It ended up being the final goal of the game, sealing a 2-0 victory for Sporting.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd viewers at home were left stunned by Debast’s exquisite technique.One said: “What a blast from Debast.”Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on TNT Sports after cheeky Champions League jibeAnother declared: “OMG top thunder strike.”One noted: “Sweetest goal you’re going to see for a long time.”Another added: “What a strike son.”Debast’s goal was the icing on the cake as Sporting bagged their first three points of the campaign.They already lead the Portuguese Primeira Liga table with five wins from five.Star striker Viktor Gyokeres has an incredible nine goals in all competitions so far.And if Debast can continue to hit the occasional stunner from deep, it could be hard to look past Sporting retaining their title under Ruben Amorim.Owen Hargreaves Season PredictionsHARGREAVES ON BELLINGHAM“I SAW the Super Cup and Jude Bellingham played the best game of his life.“He’s playing a bit more in his natural position, a little bit deeper. He’s the perfect midfield player.“Jude is just going to get better and better with Kylian Mbappe and Endrick.“I know a lot of people have not seen much of Endrick but to go with him and Rodrygo, Valverde, Modric, Courtois and Alaba, Rudiger, Carvajal . . .“That is some collection of players, it’s amazing.”HARGREAVES ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DARK HORSES“PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN, just in the way Luis Enrique plays. He plays such aggressive football and they’ve got so many really good ball players.“I’m happy to see they’re focused on young French players. That’s probably what they should have done long ago.“Inter are really good. They’ve got a clear identity to how they play under Simone Inzaghi.“Marcus Thuram came on a free, it’s amazing no one else picked him up.“They’re not the most offensive team but often those teams do really well in the Champions League.“They don’t make mistakes in silly moments.”HARGREAVES ON PREM CONTENDERS“MANCHESTER CITY have the best squad and they’re using four centre-backs so defensively they’re a bit more stable.“Arsenal need a little bit more experience in the Champions League. “To win the Champions League might take a little bit more time in the transfer windows. But they’re going to win trophies, it’s a question of when.“Liverpool have crazy firepower. Federico Chiesa is an amazing player and he’ll suit the Premier League because he’s crazy explosive.“I’m excited for Aston Villa as Villa Park is going to be one of the best atmospheres in Europe this season.”HARGREAVES ON PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR“MICHAEL OLISE is going to be great at Bayern Munich.“Playing at Crystal Palace he probably didn’t get the notoriety he deserved but he’s such a good finisher and technically really good.“Endrick at Real Madrid is cool because people don’t know a lot about him. He’s still so young but he’s just got it.“Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen is an amazing player with a really unique style. His numbers from last season were crazy.“As a young kid, putting himself in the Ballon d’Or conversation is rare. He’ll be playing at Real Madrid or Man City in a couple of years. More