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      Ruben Amorim admits he couldn’t get Marcus Rashford to buy into his Man Utd plan and it was HIS decision to loan him

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      RUBEN AMORIM has claimed he could not get Marcus Rashford to buy into his Manchester United plan.The England forward joined Aston Villa on loan for the rest of the season on Sunday after almost two decades with his boyhood club.Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim couldn’t get Marcus Rashford to buy into his planCredit: GettyRashford fell out of favour at Man Utd after Amorim’s arrivalCredit: ReutersRashford joined Aston Villa on loan during the January transfer windowCredit: GettyMan Utd boss Amorim insists it was his decision to loan out RashfordCredit: PAUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Amorim has offered no guarantees of a way back for the 27-year-old in the summer.He said: “I couldn’t get Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football and to train — the way I see it.“Sometimes you have one player who is really good with one coach — and the same player with another coach is different.“The important thing is that I’m here saying it was my decision. The same with Tyrell Malacia and Antony. It was my decision, to do these loans.Read More on Man Utd“I just wish the best to Rashford and Unai Emery — and that they can ­connect because he’s a very good player.”Rashford still remains on United’s books.And if Villa do not take up a £40million option to buy him, the pair could yet be forced together again.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAsked if the door was still open, Amorim added: “Like we said before, we are fighting for our jobs until the summer. So I am just focused on these games.Most read in Football“Thankfully Marcus is in Birmingham now with Unai, so you can take these questions to another coach. We are just focused on our players.”Ruben Amorim insists Man Utd are ‘trying everything’ to improve his squad after Crystal Palace defeat The United boss admits he has taken a risk by moving on two forwards in the winter window — while not bringing in any replacements.He said: “I look at the team and I understood my decision of changing everything in the middle of the season without new signings. It is a danger for a coach.“But since day one, with good results or bad results, I have a clear idea of what I want to do and I take these risks.“I’m not naive. This is a sport of results and we’re in a difficult situation.”Yet Amorim, who goes head to head with Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday, believes he has the backing of owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family.Amorim has lost seven of his 13 Prem games in charge — and United sit in 13th place, the same position as when the Portuguese boss arrived.The former Sporting chief said: “I understand with a lot of losses, especially at home, the environment is really hard. But I feel the support of the board.Van Nistelrooy returns to Old Trafford“I’m not the slightest bit worried about that. It’s just the pain of losing — that is the hardest thing to cope with.”Amorim showed Van ­Nistelrooy the door in November even though the Dutchman’s four games in interim charge brought three wins and a draw.Old Trafford legend Van Nistelrooy had been assistant to the sacked Erik ten Hag and Amorim is not bothered by comparisons with his record.The United boss said: “It’s not awkward — I think it’s normal. He knew the team, he worked with the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I made some decisions that are really hard, to sometimes create problems, friction in the team.“They were better than me in training this team, so I’m trying to help them see the game the way I see, to improve performance and results.” More

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      Inside Marcus Rashford’s first week at Aston Villa including house hunting and insisting he train on players’ day off

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      MARCUS RASHFORD insisted on TRAINING on his first day-off at Aston Villa as he looks to hit the ground running at his new club.The former England striker was criticised as lazy, by his former boss Ruben Amorim who accused him of not putting enough effort into training or matches during his time at Manchester United.Marcus Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan from Manchester UnitedCredit: Instagram / avfcofficialRashford insisted on training during Villa team-matesn day offCredit: Aston VillaUnai Emery convinced Rashford to join Villa after a long phone callCredit: GettyUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.But SunSport can reveal Rashford has been a model pro since agreeing to join Villa on loan last Sunday.He immediately made a favourable impression on new boss Unai Emery by refusing to take two days off at the start of his first week, along with his new teammates.Instead, Rashford volunteered to come in for a punishing session on Monday when he spent time in the gym and then on the training pitch: “shaking off the cobwebs”, working with individual coaches.The 27-year-old has settled in swiftly to life at his new club and made a positive start with his new teammates, who have taken to him immediately.Read More on FootballCrucially, Rashford will NOT commute from his Manchester home and has already started the hunt for accommodation in the West Midlands, so he spends as little time in a hotel as possible.Villa insiders say the man who left Old Trafford under a cloud, has got the bit firmly between his teeth, and is ready to kickstart his career under Emery.”It must have felt very different for Marcus when he arrived at Bodymoor Heath for the first time on Sunday,” we were told.”After all, he has only known United’s Carrington Training Ground or Old Trafford since he joined United’s Academy aged seven.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But he was keen to get to know staff and did all of his medical testing, then he went to the canteen with the club nutritionist, before having his pics taken in all three Villa kits and doing interviews with club TV.”He smiled a lot and made a positive first impression on everyone who met him. He was down to earth, seemed eager to please and was genuinely excited at the new challenge ahead.” Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transferRashford was bowled over when Emery set out his vision for him during a lengthy phone conversation at the end of last week, which convinced him Villa was the perfect move at this critical stage in his career.It was expected Rashford would hold out for a move to Euro giants Paris Saint-Germain or Barcelona, so Villa were surprised at how quickly the deal progressed once Emery spoke to the striker personally.We were told: “Marcus had other options at home and abroad. But the lure of playing in the Champions League and challenging for a European place gave us an advantage.”Unai spoke at length to him on the phone and he was incredibly detailed about what his vision was for Marcus.”He spelled out exactly what he wanted him to do and what he would never expect him to do and painted a clear picture of how he intended to get his career on an upward trajectory again.”It was a compelling conversation, there was absolutely no room for confusion, he told Marcus straight exactly what his plans were for him. It’s fair to say that phone-call sealed the deal.” More

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      Champions League and Euros winner Alvaro Morata gets humbled as fans of his new club don’t seem to have a clue who he is

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      ALVARO MORATA breezed through a handful of Galatasaray fans and NONE of them recognised him.Morata, 32, has played in almost every single major competition in football throughout his successful 15-year career.Alvaro Morata just recently joined Galatasaray on loan from AC MilanBut Galatasaray fans didn’t appear to recognise MorataMorata, though, went on to score on his second match with GalatasarayCredit: GettyThe striker starred for Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid Juventus and Spain, while he also spent three years on Chelsea’s books.The Spain international has also won a raft of major honours, such as two Champions League titles with Real, two Serie A honours with Juve, the FA Cup with the Blues and Euro 2024 with his national team.However, it seems like some fans of his new team still don’t know exactly who he is…Morata completed a shock loan move to Galata from AC Milan in the closing stages of the January transfer window.Read More on FootballThis poses as yet another surprise transfer the Turkish giants complete after their stunning loan swoop for Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen last summer.Very few expected Galatasaray to pull off yet another coup by signing Morata just seven months after he joined Milan.Nevertheless, the fans appear to still getting used to the centre-forward in their squad.A clip appeared to show the Spain international checking in to a hotel in Bolu ahead of Thursday’s Turkish Cup clash at Boluspor.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA few Galatasaray fans were spotted outside the hotel waiting to greet the players – some of the excited bystanders appeared to be looking forward for an autograph or a selfie.However, none of them recognised Morata, who was wearing a black cap but was otherwise quite recognisable.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsA couple of them made eye contact with the player, while some others didn’t even look twice.If anyone didn’t know who the Chelsea flop actually was, they must certainly know by now after Galata’s 4-1 win at the Bolu Ataturk Stadium.Morata led Okan Buruk’s side to a 4-1 victory as he scored his first goal in his second appearance on 21 minutes to equalise for the visitors.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Joao Felix scores stunning goal just 12 minutes into AC Milan debut as fans say ‘we can now agree Chelsea ruins players’

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      JOAO FELIX took just 12 minutes to score his first AC Milan goal following his loan transfer from Chelsea.The 25-year-old completed a move to Italy on deadline day.Joao Felix scored after 12 minutes on his AC Milan debutCredit: GettyFelix chipped the ball over the Roma goalkeeper to put Milan through to the Coppa Italia semi-finalsCredit: GettyJust five months ago Chelsea paid £45m to sign him from Atletico Madrid.However, Felix was down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca and managed seven goals in 20 appearances, many of which came in the Europa Conference League.The Blues subsequently loaned him out to AC Milan, who paid a £5million loan fee with no obligation to buy.But the Serie A might be thinking it was some shrewd business after Felix scored an important goal to put them in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith the score 2-1 in Milan’s favour, Felix was introduced in the 59th minute as a replacement for Christian Pulisic – another Chelsea reject.The Portuguese forward was then played into open space in the 71st minute by fellow deadline-day signing Santiago Gimenez. Felix then proceeded to calmly chip the ball over Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar to make the score 3-1 and mark a perfect debut for himself and Gimenez – a £27m buy from Feyenoord.Reacting on social media, some fans were critical of Chelsea’s handling of Felix, with one saying: “We can now agree Chelsea ruins players.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA second said: “Chelsea has ALWAYS ruined players, they were the club that would buy players so other teams couldn’t and then sit them on the bench.”A third added: “Chelsea almost ruined him.”Chelsea new-boy Joao Felix has plaque at Atletico Madrid stadium vandalised by thugs after transfer exitAnother fan argued it was a motivation issue, saying: “He’s motivated for the first few games and then it will drop.”A fifth fan said: “They should make his move there permanent.”Felix did also manage to score for Chelsea on his second debut for them this season during the 6-2 thrashing of Wolves, before failing to score another league goal.Milan have been joined in the semi-finals by Bologna, while two of Inter Milan or Lazio and Juventus or Empoli will make up the rest of the last four.The final will be held on May 14, where the Rossoneri will be hoping to win the competition for their sixth time overall and the first time since 2003.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Mathys Tel has agreed SIX-YEAR Tottenham contract and WILL stay beyond Bayern Munich loan, reveals Ange Postecoglou

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU declared Mathys Tel WILL be a Tottenham player beyond the end of the season.The French striker, 19, completed a deadline-day loan move from Bayern Munich to Spurs, who hold a £45million option to sign him permanently.Ange Postecoglou says loanee Mathys Tel will be a Tottenham player next seasonCredit: GettyThe Bayern Munich striker has agreed a six-year deal ahead of a potential £45million permanent switchCredit: RexGerman reports had suggested the player could still choose not to join the North Londoners in the summer, despite that option.But SunSport understands Tel is happy to stay should Spurs trigger it and a six-year contract has already been agreed.Asked if he could clear up the confusion and if Tel would remain at Tottenham beyond the current season, bullish Postecoglou replied: “He’ll be a Tottenham player.“I think he’ll show everyone he’s going to be a Tottenham player in the next six months. I didn’t bring him here for six months.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTel has been cleared to make his Spurs debut at Liverpool tomorrow having trained and received his work permit.The same goes for 26-year-old centre-back Kevin Danso, signed on loan from RC Lens on Sunday, who is likely to start the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.Tel had initially rejected a switch to Spurs when a straight £50m deal was on the table.But he had a change of heart on Monday, having had a persuasive exchange “purely about football” via phonecall and on text over a couple of hours with Postecoglou.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Aussie joked: “I felt that if I kept him on the phone long enough, I would wear him down. He was falling asleep by the end!“I got a sense pretty early on that there was a connection there and he was hearing what he wanted to hear. It is a big decision.Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transfer“He is a 19-year-old man at a fantastic football club. They would have been quite happy to keep him there I am sure but he also knew he needed to play.“But not just play. Play where he is going to develop. I think it is  a credit to him that rather than just jump at what came at him, he was very thorough in the way he made his decision.”Tel had interest from other clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, but was convinced, in the end, by Spurs.Postecoglou said he was “100 per cent” certain Tel is happy to be at Spurs and sees the move as a coup for Spurs, who are in all cup competitions but 14th in the Premier League.The ex-Celtic boss added: “He is very, very exciting.“When you meet him you realise he’s got that bit about him as a person who has enormous self-belief and confidence in what he can do and what he wants to do.“Even though he’s young, physically he’s already in a place where he can take on the enormous challenges of being an attacking player in the Bundesliga and I think he can handle the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s a goal-scorer, he can take people on, he’s got speed.“I’d be very surprised if there was a club that wouldn’t be interested in somebody like him.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      ‘We really wanted him’ – Napoli chief reveals Alejandro Garnacho request that saw Man Utd star’s transfer fall apart

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      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO’s transfer to Napoli fell apart after the star made an “unfair” request to join them.Garnacho, 20, at one stage looked destined to leave Manchester United during the winter transfer window.Alejandro Garnacho’s move to Napoli failed due to one ‘unfair’ reasonCredit: GettyNapoli sporting director Giovanni Manna said they ‘really wanted him’Credit: GettyThis was due to him partly not fitting Ruben Amorim’s system, partly owing to a lack of minutes and partly due to PSR pressure on Man Utd.Napoli and Chelsea were among the main clubs linked with the winger, but ultimately a deal was not reached with Garnacho finding a new lease of life at Old Trafford.The Italian side had been looking to sign a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who departed for Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the month in a deal worth £59m.But Giovanni Manna, sporting director of the Naples outfit, has now revealed why a deal to sign the Argentine fell apart.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he said: “We discussed and met Garnacho even before Kvara left, we made an important offer to United. We really wanted him.”The player wanted to leave the Premier League in January because in July it’s different; he wanted to be satisfied financially, something that we can’t do at the moment.”We don’t want to and I don’t even think it’s fair when there’s an average salary in the dressing room and you put a young player who earns a higher salary.”It’s not right towards the others who are doing important things.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”We created a competitive team for a competition, and we are there thanks to the coach and the team, it wasn’t right.”Despite extensive discussions with the Red Devils, Napoli were also unable to agree a transfer fee despite the asking price being lowered to £55m.Manchester United player ratings against Crystal PalaceNapoli were also in the race for Patrick Dorgu, before he eventually moved to Man Utd in a deal worth £25m plus £4m in add-ons.Manna added: “Napoli must take strong players, whether they’re young or older. “For example, we negotiated Dorgu for the summer, then if United arrives and makes an offer outside the market it’s difficult to tell them to wait for us.”I’ll give you a practical example – if there’s an opportunity like [Scott] McTominay we’ll take it, but we’re not a club that takes a free agent for a five million salary and six million commission, that’s not our modus operandi, many others do it. “We take the good ones, the functional ones, if they have a prospect it’s better, but it’s not a necessary condition.”We took Buongiorno, Gilmour, but also Spinazzola, McTominay, Neres, Romelu, strong players in their market moment.”It seems that we had to do who knows what, we had to replace Kvara, we didn’t do it as we wanted but this summer we made few mistakes and the team is showing it.”Taking the step to please Garnacho means that I put someone in there with players who have been busting their asses since July… it’s not right, then we wanted to do it.”I’m not happy, we didn’t succeed, but the market didn’t end yesterday, it starts again and we will have to be good and show strength now. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Staying focused on the Champions League objective, which doesn’t mean not dreaming but staying focused, otherwise if you fly then you fall and hurt yourself. “This Napoli deserves only positive words, always and in any case, what is being done nobody expected.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Man Utd ‘line up Flamengo right-back Wesley Franca, 21, in transfer worth over £20m’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are targeting a summer swoop for Flamengo star Wesley Franca, according to reports.The 21-year-old right-back has risen through the ranks at the Brazilian giants.Wesley Franca (right) is being targeted by Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyThe full-back has starred for Flamengo since breaking into the first-team two years agoCredit: ReutersWesley was a near-ever present as Flamengo finished third in Brazil’s Serie A last season. The versatile defender is being watched by Red Devils scouts ahead of a potential £25million move, according to reports in Brazil.Reports claim Ruben Amorim wants to put Wesley on the right side of his 3-4-3 system.United splashed the cash on Patrick Dorgu earlier this week, bringing in the left-sided full-back from Lecce.READ MORE ON MAN UTD NEWSBut any deal for Wesley is likely to take place after the Club World Cup.Flamengo are taking part in the revamped 63-game competition, which gets underway on June 14.The club have already rejected a bid worth over £20m from Russian side Zenit for Wesley.And they believe they could receive an even bigger offer from United in the summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited have yet to fire under Amorim, with reports suggesting almost the entire squad could be up for sale.The Portuguese boss has been unable to turn around the club’s fortunes since arriving in November.Ruben Amorim insists Man Utd are ‘trying everything’ to improve his squad after Crystal Palace defeat Amorim has since claimed he is in charge of the “worst Manchester United team in history”.And the 40-year-old admitted last month he had lost his temper in the dressing room following a 3-1 defeat to Brighton, breaking a TV.Amorim said: “I’m a young guy and sometimes I make a mistake.”That’s why I don’t [usually] speak after the game. This game, I needed to talk and maybe it was a mistake.”Then I get more nervous and go to the [press] conference really nervous and say things you should not say.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t promise I will not do it again. I don’t know, but I’ll try to improve.”Amorim later clarified his comments, adding: “I did not say I was nervous. I said the team was nervous and I was frustrated.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Tottenham snap up England star’s son seven months after older brother signed contract in different sport

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      TOTTENHAM have signed Martin Offiah’s son Phoenix.The rugby league legend scored over 500 tries throughout his career and is the top try-scoring English player ever. Phoenix Offiah has signed for TottenhamCredit: InstagramHis dad Martin is a rugby league legendCredit: Graham Hughes – The TimesHis youngest son Phoenix, 15, has been snapped up by Spurs after previously being on the books of Crystal Palace, Brentford and Queens Park Rangers. Having put pen to paper on his contract, the young striker wrote on Instagram: “Thank you to everyone who helped me along my journey.”Happy to say that I have signed for Tottenham. Grind don’t stop now.”His proud dad, who has passed his lightening quick pace down to his kids, said: “Another proud day in the Offiah household. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Phoenix signs for Spurs seven months after his older brother Tyler signed for Bath Rugby. The hard work starts now my boy.”On his journey, dad Martin previously said: “It’s been a long road for Phoenix to get this far. He played rugby union at Ealing Trailfinders, like his brother, up until the age of eight and scored a really good try at Twickenham.”After that, he said ‘Dad, I want to play football’, but he was just as good at rugby as Tyler. “It wasn’t for him, though, and I said, ‘It’s your life, I’ll support you on your journey’. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”So when he was about ten he got scouted by QPR and Fulham.”He chose QPR because it was closer to home and spent two years in their development system. Inside making of Spurs whiz Bergvall who outshone Kulusevski and Gyokeres as kid “When QPR told Phoenix that he wasn’t the finished article, he was very distraught and went away to work hard on his skills.”Phoenix’s brother Tyler, 18, is yet to make his senior rugby union debut but has featured for England’s Under-18s.Sport runs in the Offiah family as their cousin Odeluga is on the books of Brighton.The 22-year-old defender has featured ten times for the Seagulls and is currently out on loan at League One outfit Blackpool.Odeluga Offiah plays for BlackpoolCredit: Getty More