Transfer News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal and Liverpool in three-horse transfer race to sign Brentford star who’s scored same amount of goals as Man Utd

      by

      ARSENAL are engaged in three-way transfer race to sign Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo, reports suggest.Mbeumo, 25, has enjoyed a fantastic start to the season by scoring eight Premier League goals in just nine matches for Thomas Frank’s Bees.Bryan Mbeumo is the subject of a three-team transfer race after scoring the same number of goals as Man UtdCredit: GettyNewcastle are discussing a deal while Arsenal are also interestedCredit: GettyThese eight goals astonishingly put him level with Manchester United’s league tally for the season so far, which sums up the Red Devils’ troubles pretty well.Cameroon international Mbeumo courted interest from some of England’s top clubs over the summer, with Newcastle top of a list including the Gunners and Liverpool, according to the Chronicle.However, the £50million price tag saw them baulk at a transfer.But the winger’s strong start to the season has kept Eddie Howe and co keen on a deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Telegraph report Newcastle are looking to strengthen their forward options and are internally discussing a move for Mbeumo in January.The Magpies were hit with spending restrictions in the summer in order to comply with league Profit and Sustainability rules.This saw them part ways with huge talents in Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, with the pair now doing well at Nottingham Forest and Brighton respectively.Since the takeover of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) in October 2021, the Toon have spent more than £400m on new talent.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, following news that PIF will cut investment from their sovereign wealth fund on international spending from 30 per cent to 18-20 per cent, the Toon may have to deal with tighter pockets a little longer.PIF have assured supporters their backing will not change and will press on with plans for a new stadium, though this will not help with the immediate issues regarding PSR compliance. ‘Watching Arsenal is like watching Netflix… you always have to wait for the next season’, says Man Utd legendStruggles in terms of recouping transfer fees have left their hands tied, which the Telegraph report could restrict their winter plans too.In the meantime, Toon have triggered a one-year extension to Sean Longstaff’s contract.The St. James’ Park outfit tried to land Marc Guehi in the summer with a deal that almost hit £70m, which was rejected by Crystal Palace.Newcastle sit 12th in the league, while rivals Liverpool are second and Arsenal are third after playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Emirates last weekend.Liverpool brought in one player in Federico Chiesa in the summer, with Arne Slot largely using the stars left over from Jurgen Klopp’s reign.This being said, the club did also confirm the signing of Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for next summer in a £25m deal.On the other hand, Mikel Arteta recruited heavily with Riccardo Calafiori the main arrival from Bologna for £42m.READ MORE SUN STORIESMikel Merino was added in midfield for £33m and David Raya’s loan transfer from Brentford was made permanent for £27m.Raheem Sterling and Neto also came in on loan.Liverpool impressed at Arsenal, but it was a match Jurgen Klopp probably would’ve wonBy Jordan DaviesON the face of it, Liverpool continue to go from strength to strength with Arne Slot’s tenure still in its infancy.Away at Arsenal as title contenders — with a formidable record at the Emirates having won four of their last six there — the Reds fought back, not once, but twice to earn an impressive point to remain four clear of the Gunners.Nine games in, Liverpool have seven wins, 22 points collected and sit in second in what is one of the club’s best ever starts to a Prem campaign.Nothing to sniff at there, and that is without mentioning three straight wins in the Champions League and a 5-1 Carabao Cup third-round thumping of fellow top-flight side West Ham.So to even attempt to pick flaws in Slot’s start with a run that solid would come across needlessly pedantic, deliberately nit-picky.But, and there is a but, given the standards Liverpool have set in these early months, it needs to be said: this draw in North London was a massive missed opportunity.And to go one step further, maybe this is a game Jurgen Klopp would have found a way to win?It has been a long time since Arsenal have gone into a game feeling so vulnerable defensively with world-class centre-back William Saliba missing through suspension.Full-back Riccardo Calafiori was also out injured, usual right-back Ben White began the game at centre-half and midfielder Thomas Partey started on the far right side of the defence.And then, in a chaotic second half, both Jurrien Timber and Gabriel limped off, forcing Gunners boss Mikel Arteta to swap around his back line THREE times by the 76th minute.And yet, despite all of that, a Liverpool side boasting attacking talents like Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo were hardly making the home fans sweat with a peppering of the Arsenal goal.It was not until a Klopp-style counter-attack from back to front in the 81st minute did the visitors properly test the home defence.But even that finish was a tame one — Salah tapping in past David Raya into an almost empty net.And with nine minutes left plus seven minutes injury time, the expected onslaught for another, to nick all three points — the tally-ho approach — never came.Not Klopp’s heavy metal style, more pleasant folk music with a ukulele in a country pub.You get the impression that Slot was delighted with this outcome.For large parts, Liverpool were defensively sound, gave very little away and snuck away back to Merseyside with a point tucked under their arm and a bloody nose avoided.Yet it was in these sorts big blockbuster matches that Klopp and Liverpool thrived over their nine-year romance, full of excitement, thrills and last-gasp wins that earned them a Prem trophy in 2019-20 and plenty more down-to-the-wire chases with Manchester City.And with Arteta’s Arsenal on their knees — quite literally in some cases — and hanging on for dear life, these are the moments in title races that require a bit of crazy, not caution.A Klopp team of the past would have gone completely and totally Kloppy, throwing men forward at will, blasting their opponents away and forcing the ball into the net through passion and thunder alone, regardless of how open it left them at the back.Slot is not this sort of coach.He is measured, considerate, calm. Good qualities, but not always needed in do-or-die matches that ultimately determine where you finish in May.It is hard to say if this will come back to haunt Slot, who still insists on avoiding any use of the phrase ‘title contenders’ despite clearly being title contenders.With Aston Villa and Manchester City visiting Anfield over their next five Prem outings, we will see whether the Dutchman can loosen the leash and let his team grab games by the scruff of the neck instead of playing it safe.Because as we have seen in this league, going for broke often rewards you — just ask the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola.Fortune favours the brave.Slot needs to discover his own version of that if he is to truly emulate Klopp and transform this Liverpool side into one capable of seizing moments when they matter most. More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Sporting fans split by Ruben Amorim exit as he leaves ‘final game’ ahead of Man Utd talks without acknowledging crowd

      by

      RUBEN 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 Lisbon fans are split as manager Ruben Amorim looks set to join Manchester UnitedCredit: RexAmorim received muted applause from Sporting fans as he appears Man Utd-boundCredit: GettySporting won 3-1 thanks to second-half goals by captain Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled one back for Madeira-based Nacional.At the end of the match, Amorim headed down the tunnel without acknowledging the home fans.Amorim said on the Man Utd link: “Nothing to say yet, no announcement to make. Now I have nothing to say, we are here carrying out analysis.Read More on Man Utd”Everything I say will only create more noise. There is nothing to say about the matter. There is the statement, everyone knows. It was said by the club.”Besides, we don’t know the details for sure. We’ll see. It will go through my decision as the statement said. But saying half things now doesn’t seem best to me.”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.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSYet the United job is one Amorim, 39, could not turn down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting.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.Watch Sporting Lisbon fan reveal how you’ve been pronouncing incoming Man Utd manger Ruben Amorim’s name all wrongYet 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.Amorim’s Sporting legacyThey 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.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.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt will certainly be something United 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. More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘face further chaos and could be forced to wait WEEKS before Ruben Amorim takes charge’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED may have to wait a number of weeks before Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim takes charge as their new manager, reports claim.Sporting all but confirmed United will poach Amorim after announcing the Premier League giants are willing to pay his £8.3m release clause.Manchester United may have to wait ‘a number of weeks’ to sign Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben AmorimCredit: PATalks between Man Utd and Sporting have reportedly hit a snag regarding Amorim’s notice periodCredit: APThe Lisbon giants did not confirm whether they had accepted the Red Devils’ advances in a letter to the Portuguese stock exchange but reports suggested it’s only a matter of time until a deal is finalised.According to The Mail, however, talks have hit a snag regarding the Portuguese tactician’s notice period, which will last several weeks.United are happy to meet the 39-year-old head coach’s clause but are currently negotiating when he can start.Amorim may now not be in the dugout when the Premier League giants host Chelsea on Sunday.Read More on Man UtdIn fact, the Sporting boss may not take charge until Man Utd visit Ipswich on November 24.Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will be in charge against Leicester in the Carabao Cup last 16 on Wednesday at Old Trafford.Van Nistelrooy may also be in the dugout for the game with Chelsea, the Europa League encounter at home against PAOK and the Premier League clash with the Foxes on November 10 at Old Trafford.Amorim may not assume his new position until after the international break, meaning club chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe may not get his man for another four weeks.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSporting issued the following statement: “Manchester United has expressed an interest in hiring coach Ruben Amorim, with the Board of Directors of Sporting SAD referring to the terms and conditions set out in the employment contract in force between the Company and the coach, specifically the respective termination clause and the amount of 10m Euros.”Manchester United has expressed an interest in paying Sporting SAD the amount of the aforementioned clause.”How ‘Mourinho 2.0’ Ruben Amorim can revive Man Utd after being overlooked by Liverpool in summerAmorim broke his silence on the likelihood of taking over at Old Trafford during a press conference on Monday.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd] and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”United sacked Erik ten Hag after the club’s worst ever start in the Premier League era.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League cult hero, 38, appointed manager of Ayia Napa FC in shock career move

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Jason Puncheon has made a shock move into management with second-tier Cypriot side Ayia Napa FC.The former Crystal Palace forward spent the best part of a decade in England’s top flight.Former Premier League star Puncheon has joined the second-tier Cypriot sideCredit: GettyHe scored 24 Premier League goals and came off the bench in the 2016 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.Prior to his seven-year spell at Selhurst Park, he had enjoyed stints on loan at Millwall, Blackpool and QPR while with parent club Southampton.And after his time at Palace came to an end, he moved to Cyprus for the final four years of his professional career.Now he has taken to management with second division side Ayia Napa – having previously coached Peyia 2014 and AEZ Zakakiou.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA club statement read: “Agia Napa Athletic Club announces the start of its partnership with coach Jason Puncheon.”Jason has previously been the coach of the PEGEIA team and also of Sa Zakakiou. The agreement with him is until May 2025.”A member of the technical team will also be Christos Tsapatsoulis, who will be the direct partner of our new technician.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJason Puncheon enjoyed seven years at Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty Images – Getty”The board of directors wishes both of them every success with our team.”Most read in FootballAyia Napa is a tourist resort on the southern coast of Cyprus and is famed among Brit partygoers for its thriving nightlife.Football icons’ strange hobbies More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Sporting ‘to accept offers for Viktor Gyokeres £30MILLION below release clause with boss Ruben Amorim on way to Man Utd’

      by

      SPORTING LISBON will reportedly let star man Viktor Gyokeres leave for a cut-price fee next summer – with some of Europe’s biggest clubs ready to pounce.The 26-year-old has an £85million release clause in his contract, which expires in June 2028.Viktor Gyokeres could be sold for a cut-price fee next summerCredit: GettyIncoming Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim could attempt to lure him to Old TraffordCredit: PABut according to Sky Germany, that will be reduced at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.Gyokeres, who has scored 14 goals in as many games this season, will therefore be allowed to leave Sporting next summer for as little as £50m.Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are among the clubs tracking the sought-after striker.But Manchester United could also enter the race – especially if Sporting boss Ruben Amorim completes a move to Old Trafford.Read More on Man UtdAmorim has been tipped to replace Erik ten Hag following the Dutchman’s departure.United are set to pay his £8.3m exit clause, meaning he will be free to swap Lisbon for Manchester.A statement from Sporting on Tuesday afternoon read: “Manchester United has expressed an interest in hiring coach Ruben Amorim, with the Board of Directors of Sporting SAD referring to the terms and conditions set out in the employment contract in force between the Company and the coach, specifically the respective termination clause and the amount of 10m Euros.”Manchester United has expressed an interest in paying Sporting SAD the amount of the aforementioned clause.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRuud van Nistelrooy has been placed in charge as interim United boss ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie with Leicester.But if things go to plan, he could step aside in time for Chelsea’s visit to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.How ‘Mourinho 2.0’ Ruben Amorim can revive Man Utd after being overlooked by Liverpool in summerRuben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

    • 263 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘immediately transfer list Antony after Ten Hag axe as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s team refuse to wait for Ruben Amorim’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have already placed Antony on the transfer list following Erik ten Hag’s axe, according to reports.The £85.5million star was Ten Hag’s biggest signing, and one of his many flops.Man Utd have placed Antony on the transfer listCredit: GettyAntony has scored just five Premier League goals since his arrival two years ago.And his time at Old Trafford could be up soon now Ten Hag is no longer in charge – with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim in line to be announced as new boss.Antony has been told he can leave in January, report talkSPORT, even before the new man is in the hotseat.And United are understood to be willing to take a big hit in what they paid for the winger in order to get him off the wage bill.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAjax are reportedly interested in re-signing Antony, along with Flamengo in his native Brazil.Antony no longer has Ten Hag’s protection, with the Dutchman’s loyalty to the 24-year-old said to be a point of contention in the squad.Fans speculated Amad was annoyed after Antony was brought on ahead of him against Fenerbahce last week.Fenerbahce have also been linked with a move for Antony, who was believed to be pushing for a loan transfer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has struggled for minutes this season and has failed to justify his £200,000 wage since joining the club.In total, Antony has played 83 times for United, scoring 11 goals.’Something seriously wrong!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to huge Man Utd call which saw Erik Ten Hag sacked More

    • 300 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho: I like Ruben Amorim as a person and as a manager.. incoming Man Utd boss can coach any club in any league

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO has spoken glowingly about Ruben Amorim who looks poised to become the next Manchester United manager.Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim, 39, is in advanced talks to succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.Jose Mourinho has spoken very positively about Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyAmorim worked an internship under Jose Mourinho at Manchester UnitedCredit: Twitter @Mourinho_XtraEarlier this year he was linked with the Liverpool and West Ham jobs – and even flew to London amid talks of him taking over from David Moyes.And when he was being touted as The Hammers’ next coach in May, Mourinho, who gave Amorim an internship during his time at Man Utd, praised the Portuguese manager. Speaking to Mais Futebol, he said: “It’s also a question I shouldn’t answer, but what can I tell you? I like him [Amorim] as a person, I like him as a coach.”I think he has the conditions to be able to coach in any league and he has the conditions to be able to coach in any club.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”But he’s in a good league and he’s in a big club.”The decision is his and it will be up to the clubs that want him or not, to convince him with more or less arguments.”What is clear from my side is that I like the person and I like the coach.”Amorim took his first managerial role at Portuguese side Casa Pia just months after working under Mourinho in 2018.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”He went on to coach Braga and then joined Sporting in 2020 – where he has gone on to win two league titles and two cups.When compared to Mourinho earlier this year, Amorim said: “Don’t compare me to Mourinho. There will never be another Mourinho.”How ‘Mourinho 2.0’ Ruben Amorim can revive Man Utd after being overlooked by Liverpool in summerInterim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will be in charge of Man Utd’s Carabao Cup tie against Leicester at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.However, Amorim could be at the helm as soon as Sunday’s Premier League clash at home to Chelsea.It is understood Man Utd will pay Sporting in the region of £8million to bring him to the club.When asked about the job during a press conference on Monday, he said: “I was already expecting this question and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.” More

    • 263 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s striker woes may be solved thanks to Amorim… but incoming boss’ Gyokeres comments may come back to bite him

      by

      SPORTING LISBON manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly in line to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.Ten Hag was sacked by the Red Devils on Monday following a 2-1 defeat to West Ham.Ruben Amorim has been linked with the Man Utd jobCredit: GettyAmorim could attempt to lure Viktor Gyokeres to Old Trafford – but his previous comments could come back to bite himCredit: PAAmorim has valued Gyokeres at £83mCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy subsequently took over as interim boss while United chiefs began the search for a permanent successor.But ex-Portugal international Amorim has already emerged as the club’s top target.And he is said to be keen to accept the job.Amorim’s potential move to Old Trafford could pave the way for a top striker to join United.Read More on Man UtdOnce settled in to his job, the 39-year-old could attempt to lure Sporting forward Viktor Gyokeres to Manchester.The Sweden international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months.Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea have all expressed an interest in signing the former Coventry star.But Amorim’s presence could attract him to Old Trafford instead.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGyokeres enjoyed a prolific campaign with Sporting Lisbon last season, scoring 43 goals in 50 appearances.The 26-year-old has carried that impressive form over to this term with 14 goals in the same number of outings.Man Utd want Ruben Amorim’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”And, just last month, Amorim insisted Gyokeres is worth at least £83MILLION.He said: “Viktor is a great player, and I believe he is worth €100 million.”Particularly, Sporting, along with president Frederico Varandas and sporting director Hugo Viana, believes he is worth that amount.”Therefore, that is the price; anyone wanting to sign him will have to pay €100 million.”Having publicly put a huge price tag on the striker, it could be difficult for him to facilitate a transfer if he does become the next United boss.Since taking over in 2020, Amorim has won 170 of his 237 matches in charge of Sporting.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was questioned about his future during a press conference on Tuesday and explained: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd] and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would also have been a popular and gettable option – but England got in there first.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More