'Mixed emotions'
Ahead of Manchester United's Carabao Cup tie against Leicester this evening, interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has penned some programme notes.
The ex-United striker was brought back to Old Trafford in the summer by Erik ten Hag to work with is fellow Dutchman as an assistant.
However, Ten Hag is gone, and Ruben Amorim is in line to be his permanent replacement.
But for now, Van Nistelrooy takes the team, and he's paid tribute to Ten Hag.
Writing in the programme, he said: "As I am sure everyone can imagine, I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotions.
"Erik ten Hag brought me to Manchester United in the summer, and while I have only been part of the coaching staff for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity, and I am saddened to see him leave."
Stand off
talkSPORT understands that Manchester United's pursuit of Ruben Amorim risks being drawn out.
This is because Sporting want their boss to stay in Portugal until the November international break before then allowing him to head to Old Trafford.
Amorim himself wants Friday's game CF Estrela da Amadora to be his last.
However, he wants to be respectful to his current club and could wait.
Sporting are due to play Manchester City in the Champions League next week, and it seems Amorim will be in charge for that one, meaning he'll face Pep Guardiola this season as Sporting boss and Man United gaffer.
The Red Devils are continuing to negotiate with Amorim's club in order to find a solution to a strange situation.
Carabao Cup focus
It's a huge night in the Carabao Cup this evening as the round of 16 comes to an end.
There are some great fixtures, and we will lose three of Tottenham, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Liverpool and Brighton.
Elsewhere, Ruud van Nistelrooy takes temporary charge of Manchester United against Leicester City at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman has stayed on to fill the role as interim manager after his fellow countryman was sacked on Monday.
The Red Devils have agreed a deal for Ruben Amorim to join, but the Sporting are insisting that he remain with the Portuguese giants until the November international break.
So, Van Nistelrooy could be in charge for quite some time.
Arsenal and Aston Villa are also in action as well.
Remember me?
Now here's a player you may have forgotten about...
Ayoze Perez is absolutely loving life back in Spain.
The former Newcastle and Leicester forward is starring for Villarreal and he achieved an incredible feat in the Copa del Rey last night.
With three goals and two assists against Poblense, Perez became the first Villarreal player to be involved in five goals in a single game since the 2014/15 season.
It wasn't just that game where he's stood out though, as his impressive performance continued his run of scoring.
Perez has now found the net in his last six club games.
The 31-year-old has scored 10 goals in nine appearances for Villarreal since joining from Real Betis in the summer.
He never managed to hit this sort of form in England, making 179 Newcastle appearances and scoring 42 goals in total.
At Leicester, he only netted 12 in 80 games, meaning he's already almost caught up to that tally in his first nine at Villarreal!
Make or Break
Ally McCoist believes the time is now for Marcus Rashford to prove he is good enough for Manchester United.
Rashford has struggled over the last couple of seasons under Erik ten Hag and started this campaign poorly too.
He has one goal and one assist in nine Premier League games so far and fell victim to being dropped multiple times by Ten Hag.
Now the Dutchman has gone, the England international will need to rebuild his reputation under a new manager.
And McCoist think it's a crucial stage for him, saying on talkSPORT Breakfast: "It's make or break time for Marcus, it really is.
"You can talk about managers coming in and whether it's Mourinho, or Van Gaal or Ole or Ten Hag...
"Never mind the manager, just go and play! Go and put a level of performance in yourself.
"If he asks you to go and do a job, go and do it!"
First words
Ruud van Nistelrooy will be in charge of Manchester United as they take on Leicester in the Carabao Cup tonight, live on talkSPORT 2.
He is stepping in as interim boss after Erik ten Hag was sacked on Monday, but this could be his only game as manager.
With Ruben Amorim potentially signing before Sunday, it might be one-and-done for the Man United legend.
However, Van Nistelrooy is looking forward to the opportunity to lead the team out at Old Trafford this evening.
His first words as stand-in manager will be in the matchday programme and he said: “As I am sure everyone can imagine, I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotions.
"Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer and, while I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity, and I am saddened to see him leave.
“Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so.
"I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes."
Van Nistelrooy added: “Now is the time for everyone at the club to work together, give everything and turn this season around while we have time.
"From my experiences as both a player and a coach here, I can say for sure that when players, staff and supporters pull together, Manchester United can be unstoppable.
"When I returned in the summer as Erik’s assistant, it was because I believe that Manchester United can climb back to the levels that I knew here as a player.
"I still have that belief, but it will take time and a lot of hard work."
'I have to be honest'
Jurgen Klopp has spoken for the first time about the controversy surrounding his new job at Red Bull.
Klopp was heavily criticised by fans in Germany for joining the Red Bull system which is still frowned upon in the country.
Supporters of his former clubs Borussia Dortmund and Mainz felt betrayed and the latter's fanbase even displayed a banner at a game questioning him.
The ex-Liverpool manager understands the frustration but he admitted the opportunity was 'outstanding'.
“I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes, absolutely not and I love all of my former clubs,” he explained on Toni Kroos' podcast - Einfach mal Luppen.
“But I don’t really know what I could have done to make everyone happy.
“It was always clear, well, clear to me, that I wouldn’t do nothing. And then the Red Bull story came up.
"It was an outstanding [option], and I have to be honest about that.”
Klopp also explained what he will be doing in his role at Red Bull, saying: “Basically, I’m an advisor.
"Hopefully, I can bring calm in different ways and, in other situations, assess things correctly and help the coaches.
“But I just want to support, not interfere, because I know how disruptive that is.
"Instead, I want to pass on my experience and work in the world that I know best.”
Not leaving yet
Ruben Amorim's release clause at Sporting Lisbon has a 30-day notice period, talkSPORT understands.
However, Sporting and Manchester United are negotiating over the manager leaving the club sooner.
Separate talks are ongoing to have three backroom staff members, including long-term assistant Carlos Fernandes, join Amorim at United.
The 39-year-old will still be in charge of Sporting on Friday when they take on Estrela in the Primeira Liga.
But a full agreement could still be reached with Man United ahead of that clash.
Amorim dampened hopes of an appointment before United take on Chelsea on Sunday after playing down the reports of his switch to Old Trafford last night.
The deal is still set to happen though, with the clubs in talks, specifically over his start date and compensation.
Man United are relaxed about the finer points in negotiations with no Chelsea-specific deadline in mind.
De Bruyne update
Pep Guardiola has admitted that he doesn't know when Kevin De Bruyne is going to return from injury.
De Bruyne hasn't played a minute since he picked up an issue against Inter Milan in the Champions League on September 18.
The Belgian missed four months of last season with a hamstring problem and there are concerns of his second long layoff continuing.
"I would like to tell you [when he can return], I especially would like to know, but I don't know," Guardiola admitted.
"He feels better to train but to go to the level we need for competition he still has pain. Kevin has to feel good to express the huge talent that he has."
Asked if the injury was more complicated than it initially appeared, the Man City boss added: "Yeah, that's why I'm not a doctor. He's feeling better but not the best.
"If he doesn't come back as quick as possible we will struggle because we cannot sustain it with 14 or 15 players but it is what it is.
"We need players to come back but it is what it is. Hopefully, that can happen after the international break."
Pep talk
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has made an offer to Erik ten Hag after he was sacked on Monday.
Guardiola addressed Ten Hag's dismissal and kept the door open at the Etihad for him to potentially help the Dutchman out.
He said: “Ten Hag can come to see us any time, seriously.
“We are always open but I think he knows exactly what we do and it’s not going to happen but I know his agent a little bit, there is a relationship and it’s no problem for us.
“Managers don’t need advice because they know exactly what they have to do. The reality in every team is exactly what they have to do.
"But the reality is every club is different, players are different. To copy and paste this one for this one doesn’t work.”
Guardiola added: “Always, I feel sorry for managers [when they are sacked], you know? He's lost his position, so I'm so sorry for him.
“I have an incredible relationship [with him]. I think he represented Manchester United at the highest level in terms of behaviour, of course.
“Our job as managers is one of the few jobs – in all the jobs in the world – where people are expecting to be sacked. People are expecting you don't have a job.
“I don't see architects or doctors or teachers or anything... the people deciding [their futures don't say], ‘get out.’ It's only us. It's our job, we have to accept it.”
Nothing Amor to say
Ruben Amorim has poured cold water on an imminent announcement of a move to Manchester United.
The Portuguese coach has insisted 'nothing is decided yet' following Sporting Lisbon's 3-1 win over Nacional earlier this evening.
Amorim was given a warm ovation from the home crowd expecting the Portuguese League Cup quarter-final to be his final game.
However, talkSPORT understands Amorim will be in charge of Sporting's match against Estrela da Amadora on Friday.
The 39-year-old all-but confirmed his course of action while speaking to media on the speculation after tonight's victory, saying: “Nothing is decided yet… I don't know if it's the farewell game or not.”
Amorim's body language backed up what he said, having not shown the home supporters the same emotion adorned onto him.
Following the full-time whistle, he gave a hug to Nacional boss Tiago Margarido before heading straight down the tunnel.
talkSPORT understands Amorim has verbally agreed personal terms with Man United to succeed the sacked Erik ten Hag.
United have informed Sporting they will pay the €10million (£8.3m) release clause in Amorim’s contract to bring him to Old Trafford.
But the man himself kept his cards close to his chest in his post-match press conference, adding: "I have nothing to say for now.
"Anything I say will only create more noise. There is nothing to say. There is the club's statement.
"As for the rest, we will see. It will be my decision."
Top Marcs
FT: Brentford 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday (Brentford win 5-4 on penalties)
The Bees are through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals following some penalty-saving heroics from Mark Flekken.
The Dutch goalkeeper had been caught out by Djeidi Gassama from 25 yards out after the break to cancel out Kevin Schade's early goal.
However, Flekken proved the hero in the shootout after diving low to his right to keep out Liam Palmer following nine perfect spot-kicks.
Elsewhere, Southampton needed an 88-minute winner from James Bree to secure a first home victory of the season.
The Saints threw away the two-goal lead they'd had at half-time over Championship rivals Stoke City but ultimately battled back to win.
Preston North End are now the only non-Premier League side left in the competition ahead of a clash with Arsenal tomorrow.
The fixture is one of six remaining fourth round matches...
Tottenham v Manchester City - second-half commentary live on talkSPORT
Newcastle v Chelsea
Manchester United v Leicester - live on talkSPORT 2
Brighton v Liverpool - live on talkSPORT
Preston v Arsenal
Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
Flying with the Eagles
Crystal Palace majority owner John Textor is looking to complete the sale of his interest in the club within weeks.
The American, who wanted to buy Everton, owns 45 per cent of their Premier League rivals through his Eagle Football Holdings.
Textor has engaged the Raine Group, who handled the sale of Chelsea, to seek a buyer for Eagle Football's stake.
A statement published on the company's website read: "The Raine Group is leading the sale process for Eagle Football’s interest in Crystal Palace Football Club, through which we expect to identify a finalist and buyer in early November 2024."
Billionaire Textor was granted a period of exclusivity to explore a possible purchase of Everton in August.
The deal was contingent on him selling his Palace shares as Premier League rules forbid him from owning two clubs in the same division.
However, current Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri then accepted a lower offer from Roma's Dan Friedkin than Textor was willing to pay to ensure a smoother and quicker sale of the club after growing tired of waiting for the latter.
Moshiri will walk away having made a significant loss on his £700m investment after agreeing to sell his 94.1 per cent stake in the Merseysiders to the Friedkin Group, fronted by Friedkin.
That's Amore
Ruben Amorim was given a warm applause by Sporting Lisbon fans ahead of his potential final game as manager tonight.
The Portuguese coach has verbally agreed personal terms with Manchester United to succeed the sacked Erik ten Hag.
United have informed Sporting they will pay the €10million (£8.3m) release clause in Amorim's contract to bring him to Old Trafford.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is in interim charge, but talkSPORT understands the club hopes to have their new man in to face Chelsea on Sunday.
To do that, Amorim will have had to have signed his paperwork with the Premier League by midday Friday - hours before Sporting's crunch clash with Estrela da Amadora.
This means that his final outing at the Estádio José Alvalade could be tonight if United get their way.
Sporting are currently being held to a goalless draw by Nacional in the Portuguese League Cup quarter-final.
Before kick-off, the home fans in attendance gave Amorim a polite, if albeit, underwhelming round of applause.
Real show of arrogance
Simon Jordan has slammed Real Madrid for their 'sense of entitlement' following their response to Vinicius Jr’s Ballon d’Or snub.
The Brazilian missed out on the award on Monday night, finishing second behind Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
Vinicius Jr had appeared the favourite to take home the trophy after playing a key role in Real Madrid’s Champions League success.
So much so that an after-party had been planned in Paris by the player and his staff, according to The Athletic.
Meanwhile, Nike had prepared special boots for Vinicius Jr to mark the expected victory along with an event in Madrid to be attended by the player, his loved ones and celebrities.
Instead, though, Los Blancos boycotted the event altogether after learning Vinicius Jr would come second behind Rodri and ahead of teammate Jude Bellingham on the podium.
Reacting to the fallout on the White & Jordan show, the talkSPORT pundit said: “It’s arrogance. It’s a sense of entitlement."
Geor dropping
Newcastle have announced that the club have completed a deal to sign highly-rated Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi.
The Magpies confirmed as part of the transfer for the Georgian forward that he will remain in his homeland until next summer.
The 17-year-old will then officially move to Tyneside on his 18th birthday in August 2025.
Salia had been linked to Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
He was likened to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard by Eastern European football expert Artur Petrosyan in The Guardian’s Next Generation list of top players born in 2007.
Paul Mitchell, Newcastle Sporting Director, said: "We're delighted to get ahead of a number of other top clubs to sign Vakhtang.
"Scouting and recruiting emerging talent is an essential part of building a sustainable future, particularly within the current PSR framework, so the market is fiercely competitive.
"We continue to scout extensively, both domestically and overseas, with a view to securing players who can come through our talent pathway and, ideally, become part of the first team in future.
"We look forward to working with Vakhtang and wish him every success during his remaining time with Dinamo Tbilisi."
Saudi reunion?
Former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has been speaking about reports linking Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk to Saudi Arabia.
The Brazilian now plays for Al Ittihad and talkSPORT's Saudi correspondent Ben Jacobs has asked him whether he has been in touch to try and get his ex-teammates to join him.
But Fabinho responded: "No, I haven't talked to them lately. To be honest, I didn't see any news about them coming to Saudi Arabia or leaving Liverpool.
"I know that they have some players like Mo, Virgil and Trent at the end of their contract. I think Liverpool are desperately to get them a new contract.
"But yes, this is not with me. It's not my problem anymore. So, yes, that's it."
He also spoke about Liverpool's strong start to life under Arne Slot this season, adding: "For me, it's normal because Liverpool have one of the best teams in the Premier League in Europe.
"So it's not a surprise for me how well they are doing at the moment.
"I think they have everything to fight with Man City. For me, unfortunately, City is still the best team in the league. It's the team to beat in the league, but Liverpool have everything to fight with them.
"Arne Slot is doing a very good job at the moment, so I really hope Liverpool will keep this form until the end of the season. Hopefully, we'll bring some important trophies this season."
Arteta on injuries
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given an update on Gabriel, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Odegaard.
The Gunners are going through an injury crisis and both Timber and Gabriel were substituted with knocks against Liverpool.
There were worries that they would join Odegaard and Calafiori on the sidelines but Arteta has now explained their situation.
When asked about Gabriel's fitness, he said: "We’re still assessing him. It doesn’t look that bad.
"He was much better the next day. Too soon to say when he’ll be out."
"Jurrien is fine, he was obviously very tired, he's been out for a while and he coudn't continue," the Arsenal boss added.
"But there is no new injury there at all. He could not continue and we decided to make a very safe call."
The news wasn't as good on Calafiori though, who will remain out for a while, with Odegaard still recovering too.
Arteta stated: "Calafiori will be out for a few weeks, I would say.
"He [Odegaard] has been on the grass for a few weeks but there is still a few boxes to tick.
"Hopefully he’ll be back before the international break."
Ups and downs
It's a story of two injuries for Tottenham this afternoon.
A major positive for Spurs is that captain Heung-min Son is expected to be back in action this weekend against Aston Villa.
However, summer signing Wilson Odobert has suffered another 'serious' setback and won't be available for a while.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday's cup clash with Manchester City, manager Ange Postecoglou said: "Son is almost fit but probably from our perspective we'll aim for the weekend.
"We're quite confident he'll be right for the weekend."
Postecoglou added: "The only other one missing out which is a bit of a disappointment is Wilson, who has had a setback during the week.
"It seems like it is a serious one so we're just waiting for more information."
Shaw setback
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw's spell on the sidelines is set to continue after another setback.
Left-back Shaw was eyeing a comeback after working hard to recover from a calf issue suffered in pre-season.
However, in his final press conference as Man United manager at the weekend, Erik ten Hag gave an update on his condition.
And it wasn't good news for the England international whose last appearance was for the Three Lions in the Euro 2024 final.
"The process is not going as we expected," Ten Hag said about Shaw, who also hasn't feature for United since February. "That's the truth.
"The setback, if you want to call it like this, we want also to do it very careful. When he is now dropping again, we want to be very careful.
"We know his past, we have to do this right, because we want him to be available, because he will have a big impact on our performances and also on our levels.
"We can't have him playing for some games and then drop out again. So, we will do it very carefully."
'I'm so sorry for Erik ten Hag'
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has given his thoughts on Erik ten Hag being sacked by Manchester United.
The Spaniard is hopeful that his now former rival will be able to bounce back from the disappointment.
Speaking at his Carabao Cup press conference this afternoon, Guardiola said: “I'm so sorry for Erik ten Hag.
“I have an incredible relationship and he represents Man United in the highest level in terms of behaviour.
“This game always depends on results, we can be at risk.
“He’s going to come back stronger”.
In a Jota bother
Arne Slot has confirmed that Diogo Jota is expected to miss Liverpool's next four games.
Jota has been out of action since picking up a rib injury following a tangle with Chelsea's Tosin Adarabioyo earlier this month.
And now it's been confirmed he's set for more time on the sidelines.
Asked whether Jota will be back before the upcoming international break which starts on November 11, Slot said: "No, it will be after that. [Harvey] Elliott the same."
That means the forward will miss Liverpool's cup and league games against Brighton, a Champions League meeting with Bayer Leverkusen and top-flight match against Aston Villa.
Should he recover in time, he will be back in action for the Reds' trip to Southampton and a huge clash against Real Madrid.
Federico Chiesa is out too and Slot gave an update on his summer signing's current condition.
"He [Chiesa] goes a bit up and down so sometimes he's there with us training for a few days and then he goes out for an injury again," he said.
"I don't want to put days or weeks on it because I think we just have to make sure he gets in the best possible shape and don't put any pressure on him."
