The Sporting Lisbon boss will take charge at Old Trafford after the November international break as he looks to improve spirits at the Red Devils following their poor start under Erik ten Hag. While a push for fourth place might appear ambitious when making a bet on football, Amorim’s tactical approach and ability to build winning teams in Portugal have earned him the opportunity to take on one of the biggest jobs in football.

The 39-year-old has a massive task ahead of him. United have endured their worst start to a Premier League season in recent memory, sitting 14th at the time of Ten Hag’s sacking. Although the current squad has potential, their performances have lacked cohesion and identity, even after spending so much money in the transfer window.

Ten Hag was given time after winning the FA Cup against the odds over Manchester City, but after spending big for little reward, the time had come for INEOS to pull the trigger. While silverware is often the currency of success in football, the Dutchman was in serious debt due to inconsistent league performances, culminating in his sacking.

Amorim, known for implementing a clear and consistent playing style, faces the immediate challenge of restoring belief and structure within the team, assisted by popular interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who steadied the ship in home games against Leicester City and Chelsea.

With Champions League qualification still a slight, though an ambitious possibility, Amorim’s ability to turn around Sporting offers hope to United fans.

After rising through the ranks as Braga manager, Amorim’s track record shows he has a remarkable capacity to transform teams. At Sporting Lisbon, he led the club to two PrimeiraLiga titles, including last season’s triumph, and they remain unbeaten in Portugal this term. His side’s success has extended to Europe, where Sporting are flying high in the Champions League, with two wins from their first three games.

Central to this success has been Amorim’s tactical innovation, particularly his implementation of a 3-4-2-1 formation and emphasis on aggressive pressing and a high defensive line. His short-passing, possession-based style has made Sporting a force in both domestic and European competitions.

Even after his departure, the manager is adored at the José Alvalade Stadium for his ability to transform Sporting into a dominant force, breaking the club’s 19-year title drought and maintaining their competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.

Amorim’s success at Sporting naturally caught the attention of the Premier League. Over the summer, he was heavily linked with Liverpool and West Ham United, both clubs eager to find a manager with a strong tactical vision and a proven track record of developing players. However, Amorim stayed loyal to Sporting, believing he had unfinished business.

It wasn’t until Manchester United came calling following TenHag’s departure that Amorim finally took the leap, joining a club with a strong Portuguese core, including Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, and former Sporting star Manuel Ugarte.

Tactically, Amorim is expected to stick to the blueprint that brought him success in Lisbon. He is renowned for his use of a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 formation, with a high-pressing game and an emphasis on possession. His Sporting side was built around a solid defensive foundation, with centre-backs like Gonçalo Inacio playing a key role in building attacks from the back.

United’s defence, particularly Lisandro Martínez, could benefit from this approach. Amorim’s teams also rely on dynamic wing-backs to provide width in attack, a system that may take time for United’s current full-backs to adjust to. However, players like Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw, once fit, could thrive in these roles. There is also the option to play wingers like Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony in these areas, revitalising those who are struggling in front of goal.

There’s also a historic link between Sporting and Manchester United through Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest players in football history, who started his European journey in Lisbon before becoming a legend at Old Trafford. This connection adds a symbolic layer to Amorim’s appointment, as he follows in the footsteps of a club whose bond with Sporting runs deep.

As Amorim embarks on this new chapter in his career, he will need to replicate the success he achieved for the Sportinguistas. United are desperate for a manager who can impose a clear identity on the team and restore their competitive edge.

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Saipan, the highly anticipated film starring Éanna Hardwicke as Roy Keane and Steve Coogan as Mick McCarthy, is set to hit theaters in 2025, bringing the explosive events of Ireland’s 2002 World Cup campaign to the big screen. This drama captures the real-life clash between Irish football captain Keane and manager McCarthy, culminating in Keane’s shocking exit from the tournament after a heated dispute during the team’s preparations in Saipan.

Directed by acclaimed filmmakers Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn (Good Vibrations, Ordinary Love), the film features an original script by Paul Fraser (A Room for Romeo Brass), ensuring an authentic and compelling narrative. Production took place across Louth, Belfast, and Dublin, with support from Screen Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen.

Joining Hardwicke and Coogan is a talented supporting cast, including Alice Lowe (Sightseers), Jamie Beamish (Derry Girls), Alex Murphy (The Young Offenders), Harriet Cains (Bridgerton), and Peter McDonald (The Batman). Producers Macdara Kelleher and John Keville of Wild Atlantic Pictures (Evil Dead Rise, Cocaine Bear) and Trevor Birney and Oliver Butler of Fine Point Films (Kneecap, No Stone Unturned) are behind this thrilling production, with Patrick O’Neill, Rachael O’Kane, Greg Martin, and Ursula Devine as executive producers.

Saipan promises to offer a riveting perspective on one of the most controversial moments in Irish sports history, blending cinematic storytelling with the real-life drama that captivated fans worldwide.

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Manchester United will travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in a high-stakes Carabao Cup quarter-final, while current titleholders Liverpool are set to take on Southampton. Arsenal hosts Crystal Palace in a thrilling London derby, and Newcastle United will play at home against Brentford. These exciting quarter-final ties are scheduled for the week of December 16.

For the first time in 14 years, no EFL clubs have reached the League Cup quarter-finals. Tottenham earned their spot after defeating Manchester City in the fourth round, while Manchester United, led by interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, secured an impressive 5-2 victory over Leicester. United aims to have their anticipated new manager, Ruben Amorim, in place by the time they meet Spurs.

2024 Carabao Cup Quarter-Final Draw:

•Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United

•Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

•Newcastle United vs Brentford

•Southampton vs Liverpool

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Millions of viewers and spectators enjoy football all over Europe, and this has a massive economic impact on countries with employment, public transport, and gambling industries all benefitting significantly.

Other European Leagues

Football is by far the most popular sport for consumers to gamble on, with a variety of markets including match, league, domestic, European, and international all proving to be popular.

Most betting football betting markets run from the late Summer through to the Spring, with international tournaments like the Euros and World Cup taking place over the summer.

Betting in Norway is different with the league running from March to November to avoid harsh winters. Online betting expert Edgar C Blakeslee explains that gambling in the country is strictly regulated, but consumers can access offshore betting sites for football betting and online casinos.

Norway’s Scandinavian neighbours Sweden and Denmark also have competitive leagues, with teams regularly competing in European competition. Other popular leagues outside the top five include the Netherlands, Turkey, and Scotland where the Old Firm dominates.

The Big Five

England

The English Premier League is the most watched of the big five leagues, helping to generate massive amounts of revenue. TV deals and sponsorship helped clubs generate revenue of more than £6 billion over the 2022/23 season. Other factors that impact this figure include player sales, ticket sales, and merchandising.

Teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal all have a massive global following, helping the Premier League sell TV rights around the world.

Spain

La Liga is home to two giants of the game, Real Madrid and Barcelona. The league also boasts the likes of Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, and Villareal.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have the honour of being the two most widely followed football teams on social media, no doubt helped by the Ronaldo vs Messi debate a few years ago.

Germany

German football had been dominated by Bayern Munich until Bayer Leverkusen broke their 11-year monopoly on the Bundesliga. Borussia Dortmund came close with Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham in their squad, while Schalke 04, WfL Wolfsburg, VfB Stuttgart, and Werder Bremen have all had formidable squads in recent years.

Italy

For years Italian football was widely regarded as the best, with Serie A enjoying unprecedented success in the 1990s. Teams like Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Fiorentina, Roma, Lazio, Parma, and many more have been among the top European clubs for decades, and the Italian league is still watched by millions of adoring and passionate fans.

France

The French Ligue 1 has seen years of transition, with clubs going through spells of dominance through the decades including Bordeaux in the 80s, Marseille in the 90s, Lyon in the 00s, and Paris Saint-Germain since the 2010s.

These eras saw clubs competing in European competition, but only PSG’s Cup Winners’ Cup victory in 1996 and Marseille’s inaugural Champion’s League victory came from the 12 finals they have reached since 1990.

Of course, Marseille’s European victory was shrouded in controversy after it transpired they had been paying off refs.

Conclusion

The success and reputation of clubs playing in the big five leagues have helped them to exert dominance over other leagues. The revenue now generated in football has led to creating an even bigger divide, with teams from smaller nations unable to compete with the spending power of bigger countries.

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Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe have jointly won the Ballon d’Or Gerd Muller Trophy for being the top scorers in Europe, though Real Madrid forward Mbappe was absent from the ceremony held in Paris.

England captain Kane, who transferred from Tottenham to Bayern Munich last summer, scored an impressive 44 goals in 45 competitive matches during his first season with the German club. Similarly, Mbappe tallied 44 goals in 48 appearances during his final season at Paris Saint-Germain. It’s well worth using lines.com to have a bet on him scoring every week.

Mbappe’s absence was noted at the ceremony at Paris’ Théâtre du Châtelet, as the Real Madrid delegation also skipped the event. Reports from AFP and various Spanish media outlets indicated that Real Madrid cancelled their plans to attend after learning that Vinicius Junior would not be receiving the men’s award. The European champions expressed their displeasure, stating they would not attend “where it is not respected.”

Kane expressed gratitude to his club, Bayern Munich, his staff, and teammates for their support in achieving his goal-scoring success. “It’s an honor to accept this award from a club legend [Karl-Heinz Rummenigge],” Kane said. “Moving to Germany was a new chapter for me. I took my family with me, and it was an experience I didn’t know what to expect. Getting off to the start I did was thanks to my teammates; I just went along for the ride, and we had a great season.”

When co-host Didier Drogba asked Kane about areas he wished to improve, the England captain humorously responded, “My speed. Although age might be catching up with me.”

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Manchester United is in discussions to appoint Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim as the successor to Erik ten Hag. The Dutch manager was dismissed on Monday following a disappointing start to the season.

Amorim, 39, is a highly respected coach who has led Sporting to two Portuguese league titles, including their first in 19 years, since taking over in 2020. While the specifics of the talks are unclear, Amorim is emerging as the frontrunner for the position, maybe fans could use funrize promo code to back him to be the next coach.

During a press conference on Monday, Amorim anticipated questions about the Manchester United job but was not ready to address them. In the interim, United has appointed Ten Hag’s assistant, Ruud van Nistelrooy, as the temporary manager. However, the club has not confirmed how long he will remain in charge or if he will lead the team in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup match against Leicester at Old Trafford.

United has also announced that Van Nistelrooy will not hold a pre-match media conference on Tuesday. Ten Hag had already discussed the EFL Cup game following Sunday’s loss to West Ham.

Although Manchester United has expressed concerns about the financial implications of compensating both Ten Hag and a potential new coach, sources familiar with the club’s finances believe this will not be a significant hurdle. Sporting Lisbon paid Amorim’s former club, Braga, €10 million (£8.3 million) for his services in 2020.

Amorim, whose contract runs until June 2026, had talks with West Ham in April, but an agreement was not reached, leading him to apologize to Sporting for discussing a potential move without their consent.

Following a 2-1 defeat at West Ham, Manchester United currently sits 14th in the Premier League, with just three wins from their first nine matches. They are also struggling in the Europa League, standing 21st out of 36 teams after drawing all three of their opening fixtures.

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LIFE AND CAREER

Childhood

Roy Keane was born in Cork, Ireland, and spent his childhood in an environment where soccer played a central role. Coming from a family of five children, Keane quickly developed a passion for soccer. Influenced by the soccer atmosphere in his neighborhood and town.

His talent for soccer was evident from a young age. He regularly played soccer in the streets of his neighborhood, which was common for Irish children at the time. This experience of playing on the streets helped develop his tenacity and determination on the pitch. Traits that would become his trademark as a professional player.

Keane also played for local youth teams, where his talent and commitment quickly caught the eye. Despite the challenges, including his relatively small stature as a teenager, which caused him doubts from some coaches, his determination and work ethic helped him overcome these obstacles.

Keane’s childhood was characterized by a strong family environment and the strong support of his parents. This environment gave him the resilience he needed to continue his passion for soccer. Despite the challenges and uncertainties associated with a professional career in the sport.

Professional beginnings

Roy Keane’s transition from amateur to professional soccer is a story of determination and recognized talent.

Keane began his career in amateur soccer in Ireland. Playing for various local clubs, most notably Rockmount AFC, where his exceptional performances as a young player attracted attention.

His first big opportunity came when he was invited to a trial with the semi-professional Cobh Ramblers in Ireland. His performance at this trial was impressive enough to secure him a place in the team.

Keane quickly proved himself at Cobh Ramblers, demonstrating his talent, tenacity and leadership on the pitch. His performances for the Cobh Ramblers have attracted the interest of several professional soccer clubs.

The legendary coach of Nottingham Forest, Brian Clough, discovered Keane and was impressed by his skills and potential. In 1990, Keane made the leap to England when he signed for Nottingham Forest and began his professional career.

Keane quickly established himself as a key player for Nottingham Forest, impressing with his presence in midfield and his ability to influence the game. His first season in England was a success and confirmed his status as a promising professional footballer.

After a successful spell at Nottingham Forest, Keane attracted the attention of Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world. In 1993, he moved to Manchester United, where he would become one of the most respected and successful midfielders of his generation.

End of his career

Keane’s final years at Manchester United were marked by successes, but also by tensions. He continued to play a crucial role as captain, despite injuries and internal conflicts.

After disagreements with manager Sir Alex Ferguson and other members of the club, particularly over open criticism of his teammates, Keane left Manchester United in 2005. This departure marked the end of a significant era for him and the club.

Following his departure from Manchester United, Keane moved to Celtic in Scotland. Although he helped the team win the national championship and the Scottish League Cup. His time at Celtic was short-lived, mainly due to ongoing injury problems.

In 2006, at the age of 34, Roy Keane announced his retirement from professional soccer, bringing his remarkable career to an end. His decision was largely influenced by physical problems, in particular a sore hip that had plagued him in his final years of playing.

After retiring as a player, Keane turned his attention to coaching and sports commentary. He took on coaching roles, including as manager of Sunderland and Ipswich Town. And also worked as assistant manager of the Ireland national team.

In addition to his coaching role, Keane also became a sought-after sports commentator, known for his frank words and sharp analysis. His direct personality and extensive experience of the game have earned him a place among soccer pundits.

Thus, the end of Roy Keane’s career reflects the passion and intensity. That characterized him throughout his professional life. Even after leaving the pitch, his influence on soccer remained strong through his roles as coach, assistant manager and sports commentator.

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No, the premier league also allows its supporters to get a piece of all the action by placing bets. If you have experience in the betting world, the chances are that you’ll be pretty familiar with how betting works in the premier league. If not, then this article will get you up to speed.

What is the English Premier League?

Nowadays, the English Premier League would probably fall within the top 10 sporting conversations people have without a doubt. But it wasn’t always so popular. In the 20th century, English soccer was actually on the decline until the 1990s.

In 1988, the Football League was founded in England, which was considered the best league England ever had. However, not every team thought so. Some felt that they weren’t awarded the agreements they needed. This led the to forming the English Premier Leagure in 1992. 22 of the top soccer teams from the original league broke away to compete in the EPL, giving the league all it needed to sign for its own license and become a fully established soccer league in England.

Understanding the English Premier League games 

Before you place a wager, you need to understand the fundamentals of the EPL. Currently, 20 teams compete in the league on a round-robin system that ensures every team has a game against one another. Generally, teams will get to play one or two games against each opponent away and at their own stadium, allowing both teams to have the benefit of a home-court advantage.

In the season, teams win by accumulating points throughout the season, with the champion being the team with the most points after the final. If a team wins, they’ll receive 3 points; if they draw, they’ll get one point, and they’ll get no points if they lose. The goal of each game is for each team to get the ball past their opponent’s goals on the opposite side to them. Each goal counts as one point, and the team that wins. If there’s a tie, the team would have to go to play-offs where they’d either have extra time or go into penalty shootouts.

Bet types in the Premier League

If you’re an eager punter and football fan, even if you’re relatively new, it only makes sense to start betting on football games in the EPL, right? Now that we know how the EPL works, we can move on to how you can get more involved in the betting side of things. One of the key factors you need to consider is what type of bet you’re placing.

Different types of bets in the EPL

Here are the different types of bets you can make in the EPL:

• 1X2 bet – a bet where you’ll predict that the home team or the away team will win or if the match will result in a draw
• Double chance – a bet with a greater chance of winning compared to the 1X2 bet because it covers a win or draw for the home team, the away team, or both. However, if there’s a draw in the third wager, you lose
• Draw no bet – for this type of bet, you can wager on whether the home team or the away team will win, and should the result be a draw, it is considered a “no bet”, and your stakes will be returned in full
• Handicap – this type of wager occurs when one team is clearly stronger than the other in order to make betting more exciting. Each team will be assigned a handicap, with the stronger team starting behind in goals. In order to win this bet, the stronger team needs to have a higher score than their handicap, and if betting on the weaker team, they need to win the match or lose by less than their handicap
• Over/Under – for this bet, the sportsbook sets an overvalue and an undervalue, and punters will wager on whether they think the score will be above the sportsbook setting or below it
• Both teams to score – this bet’s name speaks for itself because you will bet on both teams making it onto the scoreboard
• Parlay bet – this type of bet allows punters to place wagers on different outcomes of the match to increase their chances of winning. So, you’re able to place two or more selections on the same match

Who are the strongest teams in the EPL?

The EPL might have 20 teams, but they aren’t all equal in strength. Generally, there are a few teams that

Not all teams are created equal in the EPL, and some squads regularly dominate the scoreboard. In the last decade, what is more commonly known as “The Big Six” has emerged. These are the six teams that most regularly produce the best results and are considered the most successful in the league overall. These are the teams you should keep an eye on when you’re reading soccer betting odds.

• Arsenal
• Chelsea
• Liverpool
• Manchester City
• Manchester United
• Tottenham Hotspur

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve finished the EPL betting crash course, are you ready to make your first bet? These are just the very basics, but we highly recommend staying up to date on the latest tips on the Premier League to increase your chances of winning!

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The appointment of Heimir Hallgrimsson as Ireland’s national football manager has quickly come under intense scrutiny after a dismal start to his tenure. With two home defeats, including a 3-0 loss to England and a 2-0 defeat to Greece, Hallgrimsson’s approach has raised serious concerns among fans and pundits alike.

No Press Conferences, No Accountability?

One of the most baffling aspects of Hallgrimsson’s early days as manager is his refusal to conduct some press conferences and let John O’Shea take them.

Who’s Really Picking the Team, John O’Shea?

Another major question mark is whether Hallgrimsson is even the one making key decisions. His limited presence at domestic matches in the UK and Ireland has raised eyebrows, with many asking how he can accurately assess player form if he isn’t attending matches in person. Instead, Hallgrimsson reportedly relies on the data-driven Wyscout website, a move that’s sparked criticism from football figures, including former Ireland manager Brian Kerr. The data-driven approach may work in theory, but the lack of personal involvement suggests a manager who’s detached from the very players he’s supposed to inspire.

Rumors of a divide between the coaching staff and players have begun to swirl, particularly after two consecutive home defeats, where the squad appeared disjointed and uninspired. Is Hallgrimsson truly in charge of team selection, or is his reliance on data and analytics a sign that he’s not the one pulling the strings?

A Shaky Start: Two Home Defeats

Starting his campaign with two home defeats, Hallgrimsson has done little to boost confidence. The 3-0 loss to England and the 2-0 defeat to Greece have extended Ireland’s dismal record in the Nations League to just two wins in 18 games. The squad’s recent performances indicate that morale is low, and tactical coherence is missing. To add insult to injury, Ireland’s last eight competitive matches (outside of easy wins over Gibraltar) have ended in defeat.

This dreadful run of form hasn’t gone unnoticed, and it’s already drawing the ire of Ireland supporters. The booing from the stands during these defeats speaks volumes about the public’s growing frustration.

Lack of Scouting: A Recipe for Failure?

Even more concerning is Hallgrimsson’s refusal to scout Irish players in person. This weekend, Ipswich Town will face Brighton, a match featuring key Irish players like Chiedozie Ogbene, Sammie Szmodics, Dara O’Shea, and Evan Ferguson. Yet, Hallgrimsson is expected to skip the game in favor of watching it remotely via Wyscout. For a national team manager, this hands-off approach sends the wrong message—especially when it comes to evaluating talent and building relationships with players.

Growing Discontent Among Fans

Hallgrimsson’s style—or lack thereof—has left fans disillusioned. A manager who avoids the spotlight, refuses to scout players, and has failed to deliver any results is hardly what Irish football needs right now. A section of the fanbase has already turned against him, with some calling for a change before it’s too late.

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley has called for patience, urging supporters to give Hallgrimsson time to prove himself. However, with such a poor start, many are questioning whether he deserves that time.

Time Is Running Out

Ultimately, football is a results-driven business, and Hallgrimsson’s record thus far isn’t good enough. Without victories or a clear vision, it won’t be long before calls for his resignation grow louder. His unwillingness to engage with the media and fans only compounds the problem, leaving many to wonder if Hallgrimsson is the right man for the job.

As the pressure mounts, the question remains: Can Hallgrimsson turn it around, or has his reign already begun to unravel? Ireland’s next fixtures will likely provide the answer, but time is not on his side.

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We promised you some startling stats, and Mohamed Salah’s incredible performance at Old Trafford certainly delivers. The Egyptian forward has now scored in each of Liverpool’s first three games this season, cementing his place in Premier League history with a series of remarkable records.

Salah’s Dominance Against Manchester United

• Unmatched Goal Involvements: Salah has been directly involved in 17 of Liverpool’s last 23 Premier League goals against Manchester United, with 11 goals and 6 assists. No other player in Premier League history has had more goal involvements against the Red Devils.
• Prolific at Old Trafford: Salah has scored 10 goals in just nine appearances at Old Trafford across all competitions. He is only the second player to score 10+ goals at a single away ground for Premier League clubs since 1992-93, following Alan Shearer’s 10 goals at Elland Road.
• Historic Streak: Salah is the first player to score in five consecutive away appearances against Manchester United in Premier League history.

Salah’s record-breaking performance not only highlights his individual brilliance but also underscores his crucial role in Liverpool’s dominance over Manchester United in recent encounters.

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