But the switch has not worked out, with Muani’s future with the club increasingly unclear.
Prior to joining PSG, the World Cup runner-up declared it would be a “dream” to play in the Premier League.
He said: “Honestly, who doesn’t dream of playing in the Premier League?
“It’s one of the best leagues that exists. You dream about it.
“These are childhood dreams. But I’m not searching for the perfect club or the best club in the world.
“I’m really looking for the club that will give me the chance to be able to express myself, to earn game time and most importantly allow me to grow.”
Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man Utd
WHEN 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.
Muani’s final decision could come down to Utd’s next managerial appointment.
1 week agoNewsComments Off on Bargain hunters rave about £5 Dunelm buy that’ll keep you super cosy and warm without central heating this winter
SHOPPERS are raving about a cheap buy from Dunelm that is sure to keep you super cosy and warm this winter.
So if you’re reluctant to turn your heating on as a result of rising costs, then fear not, you’ve come to the right place.
Bargain hunters are praising a £5 buy from Dunelm that will keep you warm without needing to turn the central heating on this winter[/caption]
So if you’re on a budget and are looking for cheap ways to stay cosy, you’ll need to check this out[/caption]
According to shoppers, this mini hot water bottle will keep you “nice and toasty”[/caption]
It’s the perfect on-the-go size and comes with a two year guarantee[/caption]
Bargain hunters are raving about a £5 product from Dunelm that’s perfect for cosy evenings on the sofa and warm nights in bed.
The Sherpa Mini Hot Water Bottle, which has an average rating of 4.7 out of five with many five star reviews, is a great buy for those looking to keep warm without breaking the bank.
Thanks to this brilliant buy, you’ll be able to snuggle up and feel warm and cosy in no time at all.
Not only will it keep you warm, but it would also make the perfect Christmas gift this year too.
It has a stylish sherpa covering and is machine washable, so you won’t have to worry about messy hot chocolate or mince pie stains.
There’s three different colourways to choose from – teal, fuschia and charcoal.
Not only this, but thanks to its small size, it’s perfect for popping in your bag to take to work or abroad, and is a super cost-effective way to keep warm this winter.
If that wasn’t enough, it also comes with a two year guarantee too.
Dunelm shoppers flocked to the website to share their thoughts on the affordable buy, with many praising the material, its size and ability to keep you warm.
RAVE REVIEWS
One person said: “Great size for tucking anywhere to warm up. Cover feels fluffy and warm.”
Another added: “I brought these to take away with us. I wanted something small to pack, but still give us the warmth and comfort of a hot water bottle.
Cheap gadgets to help you stay warm
MARTIN Lewis' MoneySavingExpert shared six gadgets that can help you keep the heating off but stay warm.
Heating “the human not the home” means you warm yourself instead of turning on the heating and heating the whole house.
This can save money on your heating bill and means you don’t have to sit in the cold.
USB gloves – initial cost £10, cost to run less than 1p an hour
Heated insoles – initial cost £10, cost to run less than 1p an hour
USB hand warmers – initial cost £15, cost to run less than 1p an hour
Electric gilet – initial cost £50 (including battery pack), cost to run less than 1p an hour
Microwaveable wheat bag – initial cost £4, cost to run less than 1p per hours
Reusable hand warmers – initial cost £5 for a pair, cost to run less than 1p per hour
“It was perfect to take away the chills.”
A third commented: “A great small size hot water bottle. This is ideal for camping, motorhomes, camper vans and for working from home.
The perfect addition as a reading buddy to keep you nice and toasty
Dunelm shopper
“It is also useful for ailments where heat can provide comfort and pain relief.”
Whilst someone else penned: “Cute and lovely fluffy cover. Like the size. Good to keep you warm camping or just at home.”
Not only this, but another Dunelm shopper beamed: “Wonderful to keep warm in winter.
“The perfect addition as a reading buddy to keep you nice and toasty.”
5 ways to keep your house warm in winter
Property expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are a common place for the outside cold to get into your home, this is because of small gaps that can let in air so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth as it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
“Your floor is another area of your home where heat can be lost and can make your home feel chilly,” he continued. “You might notice on cold days, that your floor is not nice to walk on due to it freezing your feet.
“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have a carpet, this provides a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, loft space, crawlspaces and underneath floorboards.
“Loose-fill insulation is very good for this, and is a more affordable type of insulation, with a big bag being able to be picked up for around £30,” Joshua explained.
4. Keep your internal doors closed
“Household members often gather in one room in the evening, and this is usually either the kitchen or living room,” Joshua said.
“This means you only have to heat a small area of your home, and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out.”
5. Block drafts
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes, as they can let in cold air if they aren’t secure.
1 week agoNewsComments Off on Shoppers race to Primark as Christmas Grinch collection has launched in stores with matching items for the whole family
THE Grinch may have stolen Christmas but Primark say they are “here to return it” this year with their new inspired range.
From themed matching pjs for the whole family, to comfy slippers and even Grinch stockings, you can turn your home into a Who-ville haven this year.
Shoppers are already going into a frenzy to pick up items from the collection based on the Christmas-hating Dr Seuss character.
Primark is selling Grinch-themed Christmas pjs for the whole family[/caption]
There are even furry onesies for your little Grinches[/caption]
There are also furry stockings in the range which could add a splash of colour to your lounge[/caption]
The furry green icon – played by Jim Carrey in the 2000 hit movie – has become a staple beloved character over the years, for both kids and adults alike.
Primark are known for bringing out collections on popular franchises such as Harry Potter and Disney movies, so this could be the perfect launch for the festive season.
The budget retailer shared clips of the products in their stores, and people seemed desperate to stock up.
First up were their matching Grinch pjs, which could be perfect for wearing on Christmas Day.
They have a number of comfy options, from fleecy onesies to mix and match loungewear – and they were even adorable baby grows too.
Primark said: “Available to Click & Collect in selected UK stores or check stock in your local store.”
On TikTok they showed items from the full range, including cushions, slippers and a travel pillow.
Perfect for parties, Primark is also selling fun headbands with Grinch bobbles on the top, along with scrunchie sets.
No wardrobe is complete without a Christmas jumper or a bold shirt, and there are also Grinch versions of these to snap up with the slogan “Merry Whatever.”
Meanwhile, for daywear, you can pick up adorable kids’ hoodies and sweaters, emblazoned with the popular character.
When the weather gets chillier, there are themed green hats and also mugs for hot chocolate.
For Christmas Day itself, there are furry Grinch stockings, plush toys,
And it wouldn’t be a proper range of Grinch goodies without some cute buys for all the loyal Max’s out there.
Pick up Christmas jumpers themed on the Scrooge-like character[/caption]
These slippers could be the perfect stocking fillers[/caption]
Treat the Max in your life to these pet balls[/caption]
There are also themed toys for your pooch[/caption]
If you’re looking to spoil your dog this Christmas, you can pick up some Grinch-themed tennis balls, chew toys and poo bag dispensers.
Primark bosses say: “We wouldn’t normally advocate feeling Grinchy but this is one occasion we’ll allow it!”
Many shoppers seemed keen to snap it all up, with one saying: “Oh just take all of my money! My heart grew three sizes when I saw these prints!!”
Another added: “So gorgeous.”
There are numerous matching clothes sets in the Dr Seuss collaboration[/caption]
Keep warm with these Grinch hats in multiple sizes[/caption]
Get your wardrobe looking festive with the clothing items themed on the green Christmas-hating character[/caption]
These Christmas plushies could be presents on December 25[/caption]
Why is Primark the place to go to for bargains?
JUST how does Primark do it? Continue delivering on-trend items at such incredible prices? According to bosses, it's down to four points.
They “sell a lot of items” – Thanks to that, they are able to make savings by buying in bulk for their 191 UK stores
They “do very little advertising”
While their clothes offer the “latest trends”, they “don’t use expensive hangers, tags or labels”.
And lastly, they try to be “as efficient as possible when transporting products from factories to stores”. This includes things like asking “suppliers to pack our t-shirts so they are ready to go straight on shelf”.
For more information about how Primark keeps their costs so low, and are able to deliver such amazing bargains, visit the Primark website.
1 week agoNewsComments Off on Three arrested after US YouTuber Elliot Eastman is kidnapped on speedboat in Philippines as FBI hunt for missing vlogger
THREE have been arrested as cops continue to search for kidnapped American YouTuber Elliot Eastman.
Eastman, 26, was shot in the leg and snatched by a group of men with machine guns in a remote coastal town in the Philippines earlier this month.
Three have now been arrested for the kidnapping of American Elliot Eastman[/caption]
Eastman had just got married to a local woman[/caption]
Police are still looking for three for the kidnapping and Eastman himself[/caption]
Cops have now arrested three people – who have reportedly identified the other three accomplices who remain at large.
Filipino police were looking for the abductors on complaints of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.
Eastman remains missing, with a local mayor launching a 150,000PHP ($2,570) reward for information that could help find him.
No ransom demand or proof of life has since been received from Eastman’s abductors.
Philippine National Police spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo said they had activated all available resources to find Eastman.
He said: “Based on their statements, the three in custody were directly involved in the abduction of the American national.”
Eastman’s kidnapping in the village of Sibuco, in the southwest of the country, came just months after he got married to a local.
He was last seen on October 17 before the Vermont native was ambushed, shoved into a white speedboat, and taken away.
FBI agents have now arrived in the country and are working with local police searching for the missing American.
The American officers spoke to Eastman’s wife with whom he lives in a run-down concrete shack belonging to his father-in-law.
He was staying at the father-in-law’s home when he was reportedly attacked by four armed men.
The attackers falsely claimed they were police and reportedly shot him in the leg when he tried to resist, officials said.
He was then bundled away in the speedboat off the coast of Zamboanga del Norte – one of the most dangerous parts of the country.
When police arrived at the home to investigate they found a blood smear across the vinyl floor and an empty bullet cartridge from an M16 rifle.
Cops previously said: “We confirm that there was a report of the alleged abduction of an American national.
“We want to assure the public, particularly the community of Sibuco, that we are doing everything in our power to secure the safe recovery of the victim.”
Filipino news site Rappler cites reports saying the abduction may be tied to personal conflicts involving his wife.
Her former partner is now a person of interest in the case with residents claiming he may have wanted to rekindle the relationship.
Eeastman’s YouTube bio reads: “I came to the Philippines about a year and half ago where I met the love of my life deep in the mountains of the red zone of the Philippines.”
The southern Philippines has seen decades of stark poverty and insurgency.
Eastman is from Vermont[/caption]
Armed Filipino cops are searching for the American[/caption]
1 week agoNewsComments Off on China’s new crew has arrived at space station in sign of growing influence in space field
Besides putting a space station into orbit, the Chinese space agency has landed an explorer on Mars. It aims to put a person on the moon before 2030, which would make China the second nation after the United States to do so.
1 week agoNewsComments Off on Horrifying video shows skydiver plummet to her death in Brazil after main and reserve parachute fail
A Chilean woman plunged to her death in Brazil on Saturday after a skydiving attempt went wrong and both her main and reserve parachutes did not deploy correctly.
RACHEL Reeves will be grilled in a special Budget edition of The Sun’s Never Mind The Ballots show today.
Our Political Editor Harry Cole will put the Chancellor on the spot shortly after she’s finished delivering her crucial address in the House of Commons.
It will be available to watch on thesun.co.uk, YouTube and Sun social channels.
Topics will include her decision on whether to spare motorists a fuel duty rise, and the expected eye-watering tax rises she will impose.
Since its launch earlier this year, NMTB has cemented its place at the heart of British politics.
1 week agoNewsComments Off on Jack Branning’s blackmail hell takes sinister turn in EastEnders – and he has no idea who’s really behind it
JACK Branning’s blackmail nightmare takes a darker turn as he remains oblivious to who’s pulling the strings.
While he’s desperate to stop the blackmail, Jack remains in the dark about the true identity of the person orchestrating his turmoil, leaving him vulnerable as the situation spirals out of control.
Penny and Harry continue to blackmail Jack[/caption]
After Jack chose to save Chelsea from prison over her[/caption]
Next week on EastEnders, Harry turns the screw on Jack by telling him that he’s got a job for him.
Although Jack angrily declines, Harry reminds him that if he doesn’t collect a stolen motor as instructed, he’ll destroy Jack’s career and put him behind bars, using the incriminating video.
The next day, Jack is in a dire situation as he realises that Harry’s job clashes with Amy’s physio appointment.
He prioritises Amy but makes it back just in time to do the car job.
Lurking nearby, Harry takes photos of Jack picking up the dodgy motor.
Back in the Square, Jack is distracted by a text from Harry and drives into the back of Reiss’ car, causing damage to the stolen motor.
Meanwhile, Penny is thrilled to see her dad in anguish as she watches on.
BBC viewers know that Penny vowed to get revenge on her dad after he chose to save Chelsea from a prison sentence over her.
Chelsea caused the crowd crush after changing the number of ticket sales available at Peggy’s.
The crowd crush caused fatal injuries for both Amy and Lauren.
Everyone blamed Penny for the incident, until Denise revealed it was Chelsea doing.
Initially, Jack apologised to Penny and demanded Chelsea to hand herself in.
However, after realising her infant son Jordan needs her, Jack told Penny to take the blame for the crush, as it would be a lesser sentencing for her than Chelsea who had intent.
Penny had no choice to but to go along with it, although inside she was seething and vowed to get revenge.
Soap's biggest whodunnits
EastEnders – Who shot Phil Mitchell?
The “Who Shot Phil?” storyline was a whodunit mystery that captured the attention of viewers and the media. The episode revealing the culprit was watched by 23 million viewers. Lisa Shaw, Phil Mitchell’s former girlfriend and the mother of his child Louise, was revealed as the killer as Phil slept with Lisa’s best friend. Phil forgave Lisa, and they agreed to keep the truth a secret.
Coronation Street – Who killed Tina McIntyre ?
The popular actress Michelle Keegan played Tina McIntyre for several years on the Cobbles, but she ended up being killed by Rob Donovan in a tragic turn of events back in 2014 when he chased her onto the balcony of the Builder’s Yard. When she tried to leave, he pushed her and she fell off the roof, with Rob convinced he killed her. With Tina still alive, he attacked her with an iron bar but she survived that attack and was rushed to hospital as doctors tried to save her.
Emmerdale – Who pushed Emma Barton?
Emma was then pushed off a viaduct by Moira after she talked ill of her dead daughter Holly, who died of an overdose in October 2017. Although Moira was responsible for Emma’s death, her son, Adam Barton, took the fall for the murder since he was already a prime suspect and he didn’t want Isaac to grow up motherless.
Hollyoaks – Glove Hand Killer
The Gloved Hand Killer was a mystery serial killer, who claimed the lives of 7 characters between January and October 2015, all by injecting them with potassium chloride. The Gloved Hand Killer’s targets were all people who had done wrong in some shape or form. There were 6 suspects for who the Gloved Hand Killer was, and the killer’s identity was revealed in October 2015. It was revealed to be doctor Lindsey Butterfield who had been killing people at the hospital.
Now her and Harry are working together to see Jack fall from grace.
But we he figure out his daughter is really behind it?
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
1 week agoNewsComments Off on How to get the maximum state pension and avoid missing out on cash in retirement
IN August, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced that 6% of State Pension claims are underpaid.
This means that approximately 750,000 people might not be getting the full amount they are entitled to.
Depending on why your pension was underpaid, you might get the backdated payments automatically, or you might have to apply.
The primary reasons for these underpayments include errors in National Insurance (NI) records and the DWP’s failure to update pension amounts when circumstances change, such as after the death of a spouse.
National Insurance record mistakes
One common issue is that some parents did not receive the correct “credits” for taking time out of work to raise children.
This is a particular problem for people who had caring responsibilities between 1978 and 1979 and should benefited from Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP).
HRP was designed to protect the pension record of those unable to work and pay NI contributions because of bringing up children.
But the Government has admitted that large numbers of parents – mostly mothers – are missing the credits.
The DWP says that a computer error meant that 210,000 people didn’t get all the money they’re entitled to.
Around 150,000 of the affected people – most of whom are women – are still alive, while around 60,000 are deceased.
In its 2022/23 Annual Report, DWP said that just over £1 billion would have to be paid out in arrears.
The error came about because many Child Benefit claim forms submitted before 2000 did not include a National Insurance number and the HRP was not carried across to the National Insurance computer.
HMRC started writing out to potential victims last Autumn, but a report in July revealed that by the end of March 2024 DWP had assessed just 419 cases out of an expected 194,000.
Just £2.2m in arrears had been paid out compared with an estimated final bill of £1.15 billion.
A more recent Freedom of Information request carried out by LCP found that the letters being sent only explained how to claim online, despite 29% of pensioners not using the internet.
Steve Webb, a partner at LCP and the former pensions minister said: “Once the government realised that nearly 200,000 mothers may have been underpaid their State Pension, action should have been taken to fix the problem with much greater urgency, especially as many of those who have lost out are now elderly.
“Instead, the DWP has so far assessed fewer than 500 cases out of that total, and the exercise is proceeding at a snail’s pace.
When the Government talks about continuing the exercise into 2027/28, it is clear that this issue is not getting the priority that it deserves”.
If you reached pension age on or after April 6, 2010, it is easy to check for your credits using your NI record.
The years of protection should have been converted into full qualifying years of credits. If these aren’t showing, then you are missing out.
If you reached pension age before that date, you will need to call the NI contributions helpline to verify whether you received your credits.
If you’ve got missing credits you need to fill in a form. It is called a CF411 form and it can be found on the government’s website.
Once this is done, your state pension should be recalculated and any missing money sent to you. However, getting what’s owed could take some time.
Universal Credit mistakes
Many people receiving Universal Credit may not have received the automatic NI credits they were entitled to.
If you received UC, and you’re not getting the full state pension amount, check your national insurance record to make sure you haven’t missed out.
If you’re not yet of state pension age, you can still check your record to make sure that all the years that should be recorded have been.
If any are missing, call the Universal credit helpline, or speaker to your work coach or case manager.
Married women and over-80s
There are significant issues affecting married women including:
Married women who should have seen an increase in their pension when their husbands retired after March 17, 2008.
Widowed women (and sometimes men) whose pensions were not reassessed following the death of their spouse.
Over-80s who were on low pensions but should automatically be assessed for the higher £93.60 a week rate
The exact rules depend on why your pension was underpaid and when you retired, but we break it down by group in our guide here.
The government is working to repay over £1.1 billion in owed funds.
It said it planned to review all approximately 650,000 cases by late 2024.
However, its annual report reveals that just under 100,000 people (99,558) had received payments by the end of March 2024, with a combined value of £594m.
This included around 44,000 married women, 23,000 widows/widowers and 33,000 over 80s.
You can either wait for the DWP to review your case or contact them directly if you have evidence of underpayment.
If you prefer not to wait, consider reaching out to your local MP to help speed up the process.
Anyone who gets less than £93.60 a week
Married women, widows and those aged over 80 should get their payments reassessed without having to take any action.
But other groups, such as married women whose husband turned 65 before 17th March 2008 and women who divorced after pension age, will still need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions if they want their pension to be reassessed.
Indeed, Steve Webb says that anyone whose state pension is less than £93.60 per week should ask to get it checked.
Mr Webb said: “Now that the DWP has finished checking for state pension errors among married women and the over 80s, anyone still on a low pension needs to take action. The ‘magic number’ is £93.60 per week.
“The vast majority of pensioners should be getting at least this amount.
Anyone on less than this amount needs to contact the Pension Service to see if an error has been made and/or if they need to put in a further claim to get the higher rate.”
Next of kin to affected people
Even if you’re not in an affected group, you might be the next of kin to someone who was owed money and has died before it can be reclaimed.
A response to a freedom of information (FOI) request by consultants LCP revealed that at the end of July 2024, 1,859 people who had received letters from the DWP telling them about potential underpayments of State Pension to their late parents or late spouse had not responded.
Unless the DWP receives a reply to these letters, the underpayment will remain unclaimed.
The DWP says that it only works out the amount owed once it has received a reply to the letter, but in the past underpayments have ranged from a few pounds to over £100,000.
These letters arrive seemingly out of the blue and people may not realise the importance of responding.
If the DWP cannot trace a next of kin, then any underpaid monies will be retained by the Government.
Webb said: “We know that well over 100,000 people were underpaid state pensions and DWP has spent more than three years trying to track them down.
“In thousands of cases, the person who was underpaid is sadly no longer with us, but their heirs should still benefit from any underpayment.”
He added: “The recipients of these letters could be sitting on a pensions goldmine.
“If you have received a letter from the DWP about a potential underpayment to a loved one, I would urge you to respond as soon as possible.”
How does the state pension work?
AT the moment the current state pension is paid to both men and women from age 66 - but it's due to rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046.
The state pension is a recurring payment from the government most Brits start getting when they reach State Pension age.
But not everyone gets the same amount, and you are awarded depending on your National Insurance record.
For most pensioners, it forms only part of their retirement income, as they could have other pots from a workplace pension, earning and savings.
The new state pension is based on people’s National Insurance records.
Workers must have 35 qualifying years of National Insurance to get the maximum amount of the new state pension.
You earn National Insurance qualifying years through work, or by getting credits, for instance when you are looking after children and claiming child benefit.
If you have gaps, you can top up your record by paying in voluntary National Insurance contributions.
To get the old, full basic state pension, you will need 30 years of contributions or credits.
You will need at least 10 years on your NI record to get any state pension.