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    Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic slams club’s recruitment and questions the ‘character and resilience’ of players

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nemanja Vidic criticised the club’s players and recruitment with a brutal assessment.Vidic, 43, won five Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League and three League Cups during his eight-year stint at Old Trafford where he amassed a staggering 300 appearances.Nemanja Vidic slammed Manchester United’s players and recruitmentVidic experienced tremendous success under Man Utd legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Action ImagesThe centre-back continues to watch his beloved club and didn’t hold back on United’s worst ever start to a Premier League season.The ex-Serbia international questioned the players’ “character and resilience” and even dismissed claims that they are under too much pressure.In fact, the former defender insists the Red Devils’ flops could do with some real pressure so that they can finally understand the true demands of the club they are playing for.Vidic told Sky Sports: “Honestly, I don’t think it’s [the] pressure [of] playing for Man Utd. The way Man Utd fans support the club and the players… Read More on Man Utd”They don’t have pressure at all. Because they’re still behind the players and the coaches. I think they need pressure. I think those players, they definitely need pressure. We are all expecting more from them. “Even now we have some fantastic players. I think my question is more about the characters, resilience, [being] ready to compete, to give extra and compete week in week out.”I remember when I was playing for Man Utd: Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans – [I was thinking] they were coming to take my place. “I was scared I was going to lose my place. And that’s normal. If I’m not performing well, they will bring in a new guy. No one had to tell me that.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd have splashed well over £1billion since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and bought hefty flops, such as Angel Di Maria, Alexis Sanchez and Antony.Vidic insists the team’s recruitment needs to change and focus on the right characters rather than the biggest names.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsThe Serbian added: “So a job needs to be done in the next few transfer windows. Not just players they are going to bring in, I think some players definitely have to try and find new teams.”Sometimes you don’t need the best player in the world to play for your club, but you need the right character.”If you want to play for the big clubs, competing for the trophies, you have to be consistent. “And that’s not just down to quality, it’s down to mentality. That’s the key for me.” More

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    Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ‘huge fan’ of £50m Premier League defender with 43 senior caps already aged 22

    ENZO MARESCA is reportedly a “huge fan” of Bournemouth defender Ilya Zabarnyi.The Cherries star has impressed since he arrived in the Premier League in 2023.Enzo Maresca is keen on signing Ilya ZabaryniCredit: AlamyThe defender is valued at £50millionCredit: GettyZabarnyi, 22, joined Bournemouth from Dynamo Kiev on an initial five-year contract.Due to his good form at the Vitality Stadium, he has already been rewarded with a new deal.He is now tied down on the South Coast until 2029, but Chelsea remain keen.CaughtOffside have claimed that the Blues could make an offer to sign the Ukranian.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report suggests that Bournemouth could be open to a sale if his £50million price-tag is met.It is further added that Maresca is “a huge fan of the defender’s playing capabilities”.It is also claimed that the manager is ready to “make room for him in an ever-expanding Chelsea squad”.This season Zabarnyi has played in every Premier League fixture for the Cherries.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has helped the side to 12th in the league with only 15 goals conceded.This defensive record is better than the likes of Aston Villa, West Ham and Brentford.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup gamesIt is only slightly worse than the 13 goals conceded by Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.He has also gained plenty of international experience having earned 43 caps for the Ukraine.However, Chelsea will have to compete with Spurs in the race for his signature.It is claimed that the North London side have been”tracking” the defender for some “a while”.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Man Utd wonderkid eyed by Premier League rivals Aston Villa for shock transfer after missing out on signing before

    MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid Harry Amass is being targeted by Premier League rivals Aston Villa, reports suggest.Amass, 17, has been considered as a very promising young prospect at United ever since his arrival from Watford in 2023.Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Manchester United wonderkid Harry AmassCredit: GettyVilla have been monitoring Amass, front, third left, since last year, before Man Utd signed himCredit: GettyThe left-back impressed former manager Erik ten Hag, who called him up to train with the first team in February.Ten Hag also issued the England Under-18 international his first ever senior call-up with the Red Devils.Amass was included in the matchday squad against Liverpool in April but remained an unused substitute.However, the teenage sensation has yet to play for the senior squad and mostly featured for Man Utd’s Under-18s and Under-21s last season.Read More on Man UtdAccording to TEAMtalk, that has led to to interest from Villa who are monitoring developments around the young defender.The Villans have been keeping tabs on Amass since last year when they missed out on his signature by losing the bidding war to United.The full-back is under contract until 2027 and the Manchester giants would probably not welcome any interest in the youngster.However, reports suggest Man Utd may look to strengthen at left-back despite Amass impressing during pre-season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPlus, both Ten Hag and former interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy wouldn’t use him despite injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.But Ten Hag was sacked last month and Van Nistelrooy will not be included in new manager Ruben Amorim’s coaching staff.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourAmorim is planning to try new things at Old Trafford and could continue the same tactics he used at Sporting Lisbon that saw him fielding three defenders at the back.But in order for that formation to work the Portuguese tactician will need very capable wing-backs, which could create an opportunity for Amass. More

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    Ruben Amorim says Man Utd are ‘the engine of the Premier League’ and reveals how his team will play under his management

    RUBEN AMORIM vowed to lead Manchester United into a new era of no-fear football.And the boss, 39, promised not to hang around in making it full steam ahead for the Red Devils — who he branded “the engine of the Premier League”.Ruben Amorim vowed to lead Manchester United into a new era of no-fear footballCredit: GettyAmorim described Man Utd as the ‘engine of the Premier League’Credit: GettyAmorim is the sixth manager to try and haul United to their feet after the dismal decade since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013Credit: GettyAmorim takes charge of 13th-placed United for the first time at Ipswich on November 24.The Portuguese gaffer, whose deal runs to June 2027, said: “We know it will take time and we will try to win time with the games.“But from day one we have to play without fear, without thinkingthey are not used to playing like this. This is not on my mind. They will start on the first day with our idea, no matter what.”Amorim is the sixth manager to try and haul United to their feet after the dismal decade since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.Read More on Man UtdJose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal were among those post-Fergie gaffers to fall short.And there was more fear than flair in two-and-a-bit seasons under Erik ten Hag.Yet Amorim is not fazed by the weight of history.He added: “It’s a great responsibility but you feel honoured and excited to be part of that.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“If the team plays well and wins games, everything looks so much better. We are the engine of football — Manchester United is the engine of the Premier League in my opinion.“For a long time we haven’t won the Premier  League but United is the biggest club in England.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tour“This is part of the history but it isn’t now, so we have to address that and try to win again.“All the people are hungry for success and this is the place I want to be because of that — because you can be part of something special.”That opportunity convinced Amorim to leave Sporting Lisbon — where he ended a 19-year title drought with two in four years.He leaves the Portuguese giants with a perfect record of 11 wins from 11 league games this season — yet the lure of Old Trafford was too good to turn down. And for all he was on the radar of others at times — including Liverpool and Chelsea — he claims he would not have left his homeland for anyone else.Amorim added: “I’m really honoured to be here. It was my only choice because I feel how big this club is. I will do everything for the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I will defend my players if I have to and I will do everything to put this club in the place it belongs. And I believe we are going to succeed.”For the full interview check out manutd.com, MUTV and the club’s social-media outlets. More

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    Paul Pogba finally free to make Prem return as Juventus rip up ex-Man Utd star’s contract with blunt 34-word statement

    JUVENTUS have ripped up Paul Pogba’s contract after his recent doping ban.Pogba, 31, was initially handed a four-year ban from football for a doping offence, before the suspension was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.Paul Pogba and Juventus reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contractCredit: GettyEx-Manchester United star Pogba’s future is currently uncertainCredit: APIt meant he was able to return to training with Juve from January and could have played as soon as March.However, the Bianconeri and the former Manchester United star have mutually decided to terminate his contract.The Serie A giants confirmed the news with a short and blunt 34-word statement that stated Pogba will become a free agent on November 30.It read: “Juventus Football Club and Paul Pogba announce that they have reached a mutual agreement for the termination of their contract as of 30 November, 2024.Read More on Football”The club wishes Paul the very best for his professional future.”Pogba, 31, tested positive for banned substance DHEA — which naturally boosts testosterone production — in August 2023.The former Manchester United star claimed he took it by accident.But the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office dismissed Pogba’s pleas and handed him a four-year ban in February — effectively ending the French World Cup winner’s playing career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, Pogba was handed a major lifeline this month after taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.They reduced his ban from four years to 18 months.Paul Pogba ban reducedPogba’s future is currently unknown but the ex-France star appears keen to return at top level and that has sparked immense speculation about a potential Premier League return.And Arsenal heroes Emmanuel Petit and Bacary Sagna have urged their former club to sign the midfielder.Petit claims his fellow Frenchman would make a perfect addition to Mikel Arteta’s side due to his motivation to “wash his name”.Sagna, on the other hand, argues Pogba would be bringing a lot of Premier League experience combined with a “desire” to start fresh.The ex-France captain issued a touching farewell message to Juventus fans after his contract was terminated.Pogba posted on Instagram: “There are moments when things don’t go the way we want, but one thing is certain: the bond I have with you, dear fans, will remain unforgettable. READ MORE SUN STORIES”You have given me so much, more than I can put into words, and I will always carry with me all the affection you gave me. “You’ll be in my heart, aways. Good luck @juventus.”What is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket. More

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    Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giants

    RUBEN AMORIM may have been at Old Trafford for less than a week – but already there is no doubt that he is a quick learner.As the latest man charged with bringing the glory days back to Manchester United, Amorim knows the mountain he must climb.Ruben Amorim gave his first interview as Manchester United bossCredit: Manchester UnitedAmorim replaces Erik ten Hag as new permanent Man Utd managerCredit: GettyAmorim is focused on finding Man Utd’s identity as managerCredit: GettyThere will be no quick fix, no magic wand and no guarantee a 21st title is just around the corner.He might be one of the youngest gaffers in the game, but the Portuguese boss is already way too old-head wise to make promises he will struggle to deliver.But Amorim – like his fellow countryman Jose Mourinho – knows the value of words. Not the Special One so much as the Shrewd One.This is a guy who Cristiano Ronaldo once dubbed The Poet because he is such an impressive speaker.Read More on Man UtdThere was certainly much to like in his first interview since becoming the sixth man of the post-Fergie decade to fill the Old Trafford hotseat.And the loudest message will have been music to the ears of every United fan – every football fan in fact – who scratched their head throughout the Erik ten Hag reign.When Ten Hag packed his bags for the final time last month, no-one – supporters, pundits, most worryingly of all players – could give a definitive answer as to United’s identity.United had none when he arrived and an even more confusing one when he left. Amorim arrived armed with that knowledge – and rest assured, those days have gone.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere will be no muddy waters in that respect under the new chief. No wasting time in proving it either – he wants it now, from day one, as clear as a bell.Forget all talk of formations, of 3-4-3 or 4-3-3. Ignore whether he’ll go with wing-backs or wingers. All that can come over time.Ruben Amorim arrives in Manchester ahead of starting role as Man United managerRight now the job is to bring back that identity. And he isn’t prepared to wait.Amorim insisted: “A lot of people talk about the 3-4-3, 4-3-3 and all that stuff. But when I think as a player or as a team-mate at United, it is not a system of formation.“It’s the character of the players, the way they see the club. So we have to focus on that before everything about how we play, how we press.“The most important thing for me at this moment is to create the principles, the identity and the character that we had in the past.“It’s about the team, that’s the most important thing for me, because if you work as a team, then the talent individually is going to shine.“But if I had to explain the important thing, it is the character, the way we fight, the way we play – we must have an identity.Amorim is determined to get Man Utd back to the top of English footballCredit: Getty’We must have an identity’“If our players take the shirt, they will know it is the Manchester United team. Where everybody thinks the same, running back, playing, enjoying it.“I can say the popular thing, which is to win. And of course everybody wants to win – I want to win with my players and with the fans.“But to win with an identity and one idea, that is the thing that I am focused on all the time.”After the often deadpan and straight bat days of Ten Hag – for all it brought two Cups – Amorim is already blowing through Old Trafford like a breath of fresh air.Don’t be fooled into thinking the smile is the sign of a soft touch. He showed in four years that turned Sporting Lisbon from fallen giants into champions there is a ruthless streak too.So when United’s stars return from international duty next week, there will be no honeymoon period, no gentle easing in under the new gaffer.The Portuguese gaffer will have a job on his hands to bring back the killer instinctCredit: GettyNo honeymoon periodHe wants them at it straight away – in his eyes, the only way to buy breathing space is through victory. So they’d better be prepared to graft.Amorim added: “We know we need time, but we have to win time and the way to do that is to win games.“But again the most important thing for me is identity. So from day one we will start with our identity.“Of course we are going to prepare, how to play, how to press, these small things, small details.“But you cannot go 100 per cent on every detail because it will be confusing for the players – so if I have to say one thing, my main goal, my first goal, is identity.”Amorim already knows all about the United one of old, too, after a top-to-bottom tour of the place. He reckons it’s a trip every one who pulls on a red shirt should make.Amorim left Sporting fans devastated when he opted to move to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty’You have to FEEL this is Man Utd’He added: “You see the trophies, you see the tragedy we have as a club. You can understand the history, after the crash, then we were European champions.“It is important to put that kind of strength in our team. So when players come here, they should make the same tour.“You have to FEEL this is Manchester United because if you go a lot of years without winning, you start losing that.“So you have to be very clear on the message you want to put to the players.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhatever the next couple of years bring, there will be no doubting that under Amorim. Maybe not happy days are here again just yet…but you sense they might be just around the corner.FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW GO TO MANUTD.COM, MUTV AND THE CLUB’S SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS.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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    Ruud van Nistelrooy ‘applies to become Coventry City manager’ just days after brutal Man Utd axe

    RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has applied for the vacant Coventry City managerial job just days after leaving Manchester United.Van Nistelrooy, 48, was axed by United on Monday despite an undefeated short stint as interim boss that saw him winning three out of four matches in charge.Ruud van Nistelrooy has applied for the managerial job at Coventry after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: PABut the Dutch tactician seems keen to forge a coaching career in English football after a successful spell in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven, where he won the Dutch Cup in 2023.According to talkSPORT, the legendary striker has put his name in the hat for the Coventry job to replace Mark Robins in the Championship.Robins’ dismissal was met with shock by Sky Blues fans after an impressive seven-year stint that saw him turning the club from League Two strugglers to Premier League promotion contenders.Coventry owner Doug King claims the EFL side has received plenty of CVs from “high-quality” managers.Read More on Man UtdOne of which is reportedly ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, which means Van Nistelrooy may face some intense competition for the job.The Real Madrid great would have a tough act to follow at the CBS Arena after a brilliant job by fellow Man Utd hero Robins, who also has a lot of history at Old Trafford.The former striker famously saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s job back in 1990 when he scored the winner in a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup, which led to the Scottish legend’s first ever trophy with the Manchester giants.However, Van Nistelrooy did an impressive job at United after replacing Erik ten Hag at the helm as he restored excitement and confidence.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnder the Netherlands legend, the Red Devils beat Leicester twice, drew with Chelsea and registered their first European win in a year by beating PAOK in the Europa League.Many were sad to see the former assistant boss go following the decision to start anew under Amorim, who is bringing in his own team from Sporting Lisbon.Ruud van Nistelrooy impressed by Amad Diallo after Man Utd end European drought Van Nistelrooy penned an emotional farewell message to the fans insisting the club will always have a “special place” in his heart More

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    Alexander Isak breaks silence on Arsenal transfer speculation after ‘breakdown in Newcastle contract talks’

    ALEXANDER ISAK has broke his silence on rumours he might leave Newcastle.The striker scored 25 goals in 40 games last season, with his form catching the eye of some other of Europe’s top clubs like Arsenal.Alexander Isak has lifted the lid on his Newcastle futureCredit: RexThere were preliminary contract talks in the summer, but they went no further and there are no plans to reopen discussions. This led to reports of a “breakdown” between Isak and Newcastle.But SunSport understands neither the player or the club see a new contract as a top priority as his deal does not expire until 2028.Isak has now had his say, telling The Chronicle: “Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There have been many such years where it has been talked about. It does not affect me.“I am commenting on my situation in Newcastle and I have never had any problem there. “I am fully focused on my task there and that we will have a fantastic season. “There are still great opportunities for that. I have no thoughts about anything else.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The only thing I can say is that a lot of information and rumours often come out but much of what I read is not true.”That is about all I can say about the whole thing.”Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelIsak has scored five goals in 11 games this season and is believed to still be wanted by Arsenal.Newcastle could demand more than £100million for the 25-year-old Swede, who they signed for £63m from Real Sociedad in 2022. More