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Five affordable short-haul holiday destinations to visit in 2025 from budget cities to cheap winter sun

TRYING to decide on a holiday that won’t cost you a fortune next year?

The Sun’s travel team have used their expert knowledge and thousands of miles travelling the world to find the best, affordable destinations to visit in 2025.

Aerial view of Trouville, France, showing luxury houses and a beach.
Alamy
From France to Slovenia – we’ve revealed the bets places we’ve been that you can do on a budget[/caption]

Marrakech

Marrakech – Morocco’s intoxicating hotspot serves up a bargain mix of great value hotels and affordable foodie options.

From the stalls in the busy Djemaa el-Fna square serving up tagines, meat skewers and grilled fresh fish for around £6 to the rooftop restaurants in the Medina serving up mains from around £12, there’s plenty of cheap eats.

And accommodation won’t cost a fortune either – a double room in a traditional Moroccan riad with will set you back between £25 and £50 per night.

And with a host of low-cost airlines and tour operators offering package deals, it’s a great option for a city break stay year-round.

Of course, you can haggle your heart out in the souks  to pick up authentic, handmade products including leather goods, ceramics and carpets.

Take your time and browse the different stores to compare prices and never pay the first price you’re quoted.

Another tip is to visit the government-run Centre Artisanal just outside the Medina and a ten-minute walk from the Jemaa El Fna square where prices are fixed and there’s no need to haggle – it also gives you a good idea of what you should be paying in the souks themselves.

– Head of Travel, Lisa Minot

Group of friends enjoying a hot air balloon ride above the clouds.
A trip to Marrakech is one of the cheapest on our lists

Trouville Sur Mer

As a Francophile, I regularly visit our Gallic neighbour with trips to Paris, the French Riviera and the Alps, but I’ve long overlooked one of its easiest holiday destinations – the Brittany and Normandy coasts. 

More fool me, because as I discovered this summer on a trip to the quaint beach town of Trouville-Sur, the Northern French seaside is the perfect way to spend a long weekend. 

We travelled via ferry (also glorious, as we swapped several hours of driving for relaxing on a boat in the sunshine) from Portsmouth to Caen, and from there it was a 50-minute drive to our Airbnb

Trouville-Sur-Mer has been popular with holidaymakers since the 19th century, thanks to its huge sandy beach and fantastic seafood restaurants

We gorged on crepes, mussels and eye-wateringly cheap, yet delicious wine while spending our days building sandcastles and rummaging through the local antiques markets

Then, we filled our car to the brim with all the snacks, wine, cheese and chocolate the French supermarkets do so well, ahead of our return trip to England.

Head of Travel, Caroline McGuire

Woman and child on a pebble beach by the sea.
Trouville-Sur-Mer has been popular with holidaymakers since the 19th century

Amsterdam

Amsterdam in The Netherlands isn’t known for being a budget destination. It is, after all, a capital city.

But when my best pal moved out there around five years ago, I was jetting over there every chance I got and learned how to keep costs to a minimum.

You can bag flights from the UK for £18 each way with easyJet and as soon you escape the very centre of the city, where you’ll find the bulk of tourists taking in the likes of the Red Light District, food, drink and fun become much more affordable.

Amsterdam is known for its brown bars, a traditional Dutch pub where you can pick up a pint of local beer for less than four euros and a portion of bitterballen – delicious fried balls of stewed meat – for less than 10 euros.

Don’t book an expensive guided boat tour of the canals. It’s significantly cheaper to hire one yourself if there’s a small group of you.

They’re really easy to drive and you can navigate the canals whichever way you wish, stopping off at canalside pubs for a brief pint before hopping back on board.

Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Four women sitting at a cafe table.
There is a way to do Amsterdam on a budget – promise

Valencia

Cheaper that its sisters Madrid and Barcelona, its hard to resist the lure of Valencia when you can get £14.99 Ryanair flights from Birmingham and London Stansted.

And there are amazing free attractions and cheap eats too.

My favourite place to explore is the £760million City Of Arts And Sciences, which looks like something out of a science fiction film.

Ranging from live shows to exhibitions, some of them cost to go in but its worth exploring the amazing architecture from the outside.

For the best cheap eats, head to La Finestra where locals flock for more cheap beers as well as and mini pizzas costing just over £2.

Don’t expect a seat, as the most people perch on the kerbs outside due to its popularity.

Time it right and travel off season and you can find budget hotels for between £30 and £40 a night.

– Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

Woman standing in front of a modern building and reflecting pool.
€2 pizzas and huge free attractions is why Valencia is a cheaper Spanish alternative

Ljubljana

European capital cities are rarely budget-friendly, although Ljubljana certainly bucked this trend.

Holidaymakers to Slovenia often visit Lake Bled on a day-trip from neighbouring countries, with far too many glossing over the country’s capital.

After draining your holiday budget in Lake Bled, Ljubljana is a welcome reprieve from spending loads of money.

Like other European capitals, one of the city’s best free attractions is its old town. Walk along the River Ljubljanica Kanal and be sure to walk across Dragon Bridge before winding through the cobbled streets.

Visitors can also enter the ground of Ljubljana Castle free of charge; however, it is worth paying to go inside just for the panoramic views from the tower.

Food and drink is cheap too, with a glass of orange wine costing as little as £2 from wine bars in the city. Bowls of olives and nuts are also dished out for free.

Street food is just as pocket-friendly, with a take-away borek costing as little as £2.50 – although you might want two after a day of solid walking.

– Travel Reporter, Hope Brotherton

Woman sitting at an outdoor cafe with a glass of wine.
HOPE BROTHERTON
Glasses of decent wine cost just a couple of quid in the Slovenia capital[/caption]

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The healthiest and unhealthiest supermarket cheeses from Tesco to Asda and M&S – and how to pick the best one

AFTER gorging on turkey and pigs in blankets, now is the time to bring out the cheeseboard.

However, even a small cube can add hundreds of calories to your festive total.

Assortment of French cheeses and red wine.
Getty
Some cheeses contain significantly more calories, fat and salt than others[/caption]

Dietitian Emma Shafqat, of Dietitian With a Difference, says: “Cheese is a great source of protein, calcium and vitamin B12, supporting muscle function and bone health.

“However, its high fat and calorie content mean that even small portions can add up quickly.

“Overeating over the festive period – especially with the addition of crackers, chutneys, and wine – can push calorie counts and salt levels even higher.”

Here, Emma shares her verdict on some popular cheeses so you know what to avoid on your cheeseboard, and writer Lynsey Hope gives them a taste.

Tesco Roquefort Cheese

  • £2.50 for 100g, tesco.com
  • Calories: 363
  • Fat: 31.5g
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Protein: 19.8g
  • Salt: 3.7g
Tesco Roquefort cheese, made in France, strength 5.
TESCO
Tesco Roquefort Cheese[/caption]

Emma says: “Roquefort is a strong, tangy blue cheese that is high in protein, but it is also extremely high in salt with 3.7g per 100g.

“And it’s high in fat and calories so it should be enjoyed in small quantities only on special occasions.”

Lynsey says: “I thought this was excellent quality for the price.

“It’s a good moist blue cheese that was lovely on a biscuit and had a nice strong, tangy flavour.

“It’s actually better for you than a lot of the other cheeses and it has a good helping of protein.

“It’s just a shame it’s so salty.

“I plan to stick it on my Boxing Day cheeseboard instead of cheddar.”

Exceptional by Asda Le Gruyere 

  • £3.80 for 170g, groceries.asda.com
  • Calories: 434
  • Fat: 34g
  • Sugar: Less than 0.5g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Salt: 1.6g
ASDA Le Gruyère AOP cheese package.
ASDA
Exceptional by Asda Le Gruyere[/caption]

Emma says: “Gruyere has a nutty flavour which makes it a useful option for cooking or cheeseboards.

“It is a Swiss cheese that is high in protein but it has a relatively low salt content compared to other cheeses.

“However, at 34g per 100g it’s fat content is among the highest so portion control here is important.”

Lynsey says: “I loved the nutty flavour of this cheese, which seemed good quality and came in lovely fancy packaging.

“It’s quite expensive though, and by the time I’d cut off the rind, there wasn’t tons of it.

“As a result, I won’t be buying it very often.”

Castello Danish Blue Cheese

  • £2.80 for 150g, sainsburys.co.uk
  • Calories: 341
  • Fat: 29g
  • Sugar: Less than 0.5g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Salt: 3.3g
Package of Castello Danish Blue cheese.
Alamy
Castello Danish Blue Cheese[/caption]

Emma says: “Like most blue cheeses, Danish Blue is high in protein, with 20g per 100g, and protein is important for muscle and bone health.

“It has an intense flavour, meaning you only need a small amount.

“It is very high in salt though, and it contains 29g fat, so it’s best enjoyed sparingly.”

Lynsey says: “This has a fine, nutty, blue mould aroma with hints of marzipan.

“It’s a little bitter but perfect for cooking and snacking.

“It’s sharp, bold and even though it’s crumbly, it’s deliciously smooth in your mouth.”

The worst cheeses for your health

SOME cheeses are far worse for our health than others.

After crunching the numbers, we can reveal:

  • THE SALTIEST CHEESE: Tesco Roquefort Cheese
  • THE FATTIEST CHEESE: Boursin French Garlic and Herb Soft Cheese
  • THE MOST CALORIFIC CHEESE: Cathedral City Mature Cheddar

When you’re deciding which cheeses to buy, dietitian Emma Shafqat says: “Choose stronger-flavoured cheeses like Stilton or Roquefort: you’ll need less to get the full cheese taste and flavour.

“Also try to add fresh fruits like grapes and pears, which add fibre and a natural sweetness to a cheeseboard.

“And keep an eye on portion sizes – a matchbox-sized piece of cheese (30g) contains 100 to 120 calories on average.”

Real Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese

  • £2.50 for 200g, morrisons.com
  • Calories: 381
  • Fat: 31.8g
  • Sugar: 0.1g
  • Protein: 21g
  • Salt: 1.3g
Package of Original Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese.
supplied
Real Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese[/caption]

Emma says: “Wensleydale has a creamy texture and a slightly lower fat content compared to some richer cheeses.

“It’s still calorie dense, with 381 per 100g, and contains moderate amounts of salt.

“Its mild flavour means it goes well with fruit, which could help you achieve one of your five a day.”

Lynsey says: “I was surprised by how dry this was but actually I really enjoyed it.

“It’s mild, creamy and crumbly with a slight sour taste.

“I like the idea of having it with fruit.”

Le Rustique Jean Verrier Fromager Camembert

  • £2.30 for 250g, groceries.asda.com
  • Calories: 268
  • Fat: 20g
  • Sugar: Less than 0.5g
  • Protein: 21g
  • Salt: 1.6g
Le Rustique pasteurized Camembert cheese in wooden box.
supplied
Le Rustique Jean Verrier Fromager Camembert[/caption]

Emma says: “Camembert offers 21g of protein per 100g and is relatively low in calories and fat compared to many cheeses.

“However, the gooey texture makes it easy to overeat, which is where many people fall down.

“Enjoy it in moderation and resist putting it in the deep fat fryer.”

Brie is one of the most popular soft cheeses and it’s lower in calories and fat than many others

Emma ShafqatDietitian

Lynsey says: “Because of its creamy texture, I thought this would be the bad boy of the cheeseboard, but it contains less fat and calories than many other types.

“I loved the rich, creamy texture and garlicky taste.

“It was gorgeous baked with a strong flavour.”

M&S Mature Blue Stilton

  • £3.40 for 236g, ocado.com
  • Calories: 410
  • Fat: 35g
  • Sugar: 0.1g
  • Protein: 23.7g
  • Salt: 1.98g
Mature Blue Stilton cheese wedge, 205 kcal per pack.
Marks & Spencer
M&S Mature Blue Stilton[/caption]

Emma says: “As Stilton is packed with protein and strong flavour, it’s a brilliant and popular choice for festive dishes.

“However it is also one of the fattiest cheeses and it’s calorie-rich, so keep an eye on your portion size and only use a small amount.”

Lynsey says: “This has quite a fudgy texture and is not too salty or sweet.

“I’d imagined it would be quite overpowering flavour wise but it was fairly delicately flavoured.

“It did have a distinct scent when I opened the packet.”

The 'unhealthiest' Christmas drinks

THE nation's coffee shops are serving up their creative, dreamy and delicious festive offerings.

But how do this year’s coffees and hot chocolates stack up health-wise?

We’ve looked into their calories, fat and sugar content so you don’t have to, offering up slightly healthier options.

Caffè Nero

  • Worst: Millionaire’s Hot Chocolate (430kcal, 19.9g fat, 46.5g sugar)
  • Best: Tiramisu Latte (277 kcal, 9.4g fat, 32.2g sugar)

Costa Coffee

  • Worst: Terry’s Hot Chocolate (407kcal, 19.1g fat, 40.3g sugar)
  • Best: Festive Spice Latte (208kcal, 9.9g fat, 19.5g sugar)

Pret a Manger

  • Worst: Festive Orange Hot Chocolate (419kcal, 17.1g fat, 50.4g sugar)
  • Best: Maple Pecan Latte (298kcal, 16.6g fat, 27.2g sugar)

Starbucks

  • Worst: White Hot Chocolate (357kcal, 13.2g fat, 47.1g sugar)
  • Best: Toffee Nut Latte (236kcal, 9.5g fat, 27g sugar)

Greggs

  • Worst: Mint Mocha (293kcal, 9.5g fat, 31g sugar)
  • Best: Gingerbread Latte (204kcal, 7.4g fat, 25g sugar)

President French Brie

  • £2.55 for 200g, groceries.asda.com
  • Calories: 347
  • Fat: 31g
  • Sugar: Less than 0.5g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Salt: 1.2g
President Le Brie cheese wedge.
Alamy
President French Brie[/caption]

Emma says: “Brie is one of the most popular soft cheeses, known for its creamy texture and edible white rind. It is great paired with fruits.

“It contains vitamin A, which supports vision, immune function and skin health.

“Brie is lower in fat and calories than some other cheeses and its salt content is moderate, making it a good option for people aiming to reduce their salt intake.”

Lynsey says: “This one is quite light and mild compared to other bries I’ve tried.

“It’s also super soft and creamy. I’d have preferred it a little more oozy and with a bit more tang.”

Saint Agur Blue Cheese

  • £3.20 for 150g, tesco.com
  • Calories: 361
  • Fat: 33g
  • Sugar: Less than 0.5g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Salt: 2.2g
Saint Agur cheese package.
Alamy
Saint Agur Blue Cheese[/caption]

Emma says: “This creamy blue cheese is high in fat-soluble vitamins like A and K, which are good for immune system and bone health.

“It adds richness to any dish. However, it is calorie dense and high in salt with 2.2g per 100g.

“This means 100g of Saint Agur delivers nearly 40 per cent of the recommended daily salt intake for adults.

“The mould in the cheese offers some potential health benefits.

“Certain mould strains produce bioactive compounds that may have a positive impact on gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria or providing antimicrobial properties against harmful bacteria.

“Therefore, it can help contribute to gut diversity.”

I was shocked by the amount of fat in the Boursin as I’d always imagined it to be lighter than others

Lynsey HopeSun writer

Lynsey says: “There was a lovely balance between the blue cheese and creamy flavour.

“It’s buttery, melts in the mouth and spreads smoothly.

“It’s much creamier than Stilton, mild, with a very subtle aroma.”

Cathedral City Mature Cheddar

  • £2.99 for 350g, aldi.co.uk
  • Calories: 416
  • Fat: 34.9g
  • Sugar: 0.1g
  • Protein: 25.4g
  • Salt: 739mg
Package of Cathedral City Mature Cheddar cheese.
Alamy
Cathedral City Mature Cheddar[/caption]

Emma says: “Cheddar is an amazing source of protein and also calcium, which is essential for bone health.

“However, it’s one of the highest in fat, beating the likes of Camembert and Gruyere.

“It’s also high in calories with a whopping 416 per 100g. Moderation is key.”

Lynsey says: “I’d always thought cheddar was lighter than other cheeses so the high calories and high fat was a shock.

“As a basic cheddar though, it hits the spot taste wise.

“It’s perfect in terms of strength, creaminess and taste.

“It’s stronger than other cheddars I’ve tried but is spot on for firmness.”

Boursin French Garlic and Herb Soft Cheese

  • £2.85 for 150g, waitrose.co.uk
  • Calories: 396
  • Fat: 39g
  • Sugar: 2.5g
  • Protein: 8.5g
  • Salt: 1.2g
Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Gournay Cheese box.
Alamy
Boursin French Garlic and Herb Soft Cheese[/caption]

Emma says: “Boursin has a spreadable texture.

“At 39g of fat and 396 calories per 100g, it’s one of the heaviest cheeses on the list, while offering relatively low protein content compared to the other cheeses.”

Lynsey says: “I was shocked by the amount of fat in the Boursin as I’d always imagined it to be lighter than others.

“But I loved the delicate flavours of the parsley, chives and garlic.

“It’s not overpowering at all and the cheese has a lovely crumbly texture and is creamy to eat.

“Considering the fat levels, this is a danger zone cheese for me. I could easily go overboard.”

Read More »

Wolves vs Man Utd live stream FREE: How to watch huge Premier League clash on Boxing Day

MANCHESTER UNTIED travel to Wolves for a huge Premier League clash on Boxing Day!

The Red Devils will be looking to bounce back after they fell to a 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth last time out.

Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United looking dejected after a 3-0 loss.
Alamy
Manchester United will be looking to bounce back on Boxing Day[/caption]

Dean Huijsen, Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo fired the Cherries to victory at Old Trafford – meaning Man Utd spent Christmas Day in the bottom half of the Premier League table for the first time ever.

Ruben Amorim‘s men now face a tricky trip to a Wolves side who have enjoyed a recent resurgence under new gaffer Vitor Pereira.

Gary O’Neil’s successor got his reign off to a flyer, with Wanderers smashing Leicester 3-0 at the King Power last weekend.

This evening’s match promises to be a Christmas cracker – and you can catch all the action for FREE!

How to watch Wolves vs Man Utd for FREE

Man Utd’s visit to Wolves on Boxing Day will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video.

The streaming giants will be exclusively airing 10 Premier League fixtures across December 26-27.

Should you not currently hold an Amazon Prime subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial, which will give you access to all the benefits of being a Prime member, including streaming access to Wolves vs Man Utd.

Which other Boxing Day games are on Amazon Prime Video?

All EIGHT Premier League matches will be available to watch on Amazon Prime Video on Boxing Day.

Thursday, December 26

Man City v Everton: 12.30pm KO
AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace: 3pm KO
Chelsea v Fulham: 3pm KO
Newcastle United v Aston Villa: 3pm KO
Nottingham Forest v Tottenham: 3pm KO
Southampton v West Ham United: 3pm KO
Wolves v Man United: 5.30pm KO
Liverpool v Leicester City: 8pm KO

Read More »

Man City transfer blow as star Premier League midfielder says he ‘feels at home’ where he is and is ‘very happy’

BRUNO GUIMARAES has reiterated his commitment to Newcastle amid transfer links away from St James’ Park.

The Brazilian, 27, has become a star man on Tyneside since moving from Lyon in January 2022.

Bruno Guimarães of Newcastle United at St. James' Park.
PA
Bruno Guimaraes has reiterated his love of the Toon[/caption]

Guimaraes has been linked with Manchester City ahead of next month’s transfer window.

Pep Guardiola‘s side are keen to bolster their midfield ranks having struggled without injured Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.

The Newcastle star appears likely to stay at St James’ Park, however, given his recent comments.

He said: “They took us in like family. We are Geordies now. I feel very, very happy in the team.

“I think I have a new home outside of Brazil. If one day I come back to Newcastle, they will always take me as part of the family.

“I want both my sons to know exactly what I’m doing here. We have a special history for them so the connection we have is unbelievable.

“I feel like one of them so every time I play, I don’t just play for Bruno or my family – I play for Newcastle United.

“I’m not speaking this like, ‘Oh, he’s lying’. When I lose, I get upset because I lose and Newcastle lose. I feel like a fan.

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“Even when I retire, I will support the team because they made me feel at home since my first day here.”

City are unlikely to make a move for Guimaraes next month.

But Guardiola has spoken of his desire for January reinforcements.

He told Amazon Prime Video: “We have to add players, definitely. You know, we struggle — especially at the back and in the middle so I think we have to.

But saying that, I do not know what is going to happen. The transfer window in winter is not easy but everyone is aware of that.

“Even our players are aware of our situation and what we need to do.”

City are interested in Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani.

The Frenchman, who is out of favour at PSG, has also attracted attention from Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, at a Premier League match.
Getty
Pep Guardiola wants January reinforcements[/caption]

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Pep Guardiola reveals Man City players are BEGGING club to buy new recruits in January after miserable slump

PEP Guardiola has revealed his Man City players have begged the club to buy new players in January.

The Cityzens are enduring a miserable slump – winning just once in 12 Premier League games.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks dejected during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Manchester City FC at Villa Park on December 21, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola has revealed his players are urging him to sign players in January

That run has seen them drop into seventh spot, as they have fallen out of the title race.

To address the slump, the champions would like to add new recruits when the transfer window opens.

“We have to, if we can, we have to add players definitely,” Guardiola told Amazon Prime.

“We struggle, especially in the back, in the middle. Saying that, I don’t know it’s going to happen.

“In transfer window, in winter time, it’s not easy but everybody is aware. I think even the players ask that we add some players please.”

Guardiola’s latest comments soon after the Spanish tactician revealed has the backing of City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

Man City are currently suffering their worst run of form in 21 years.

“I feel incredibly supported,” Guardiola said.

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“We both know it, when there’s a moment something wrong happens, then we are going to take decisions.

“We say, ‘OK, the situation is what it is and what we have to do to improve the team and come on, let’s go to the next one’, and it’s always been positive.”

City’s form has coincided with a long injury list.

That includes long-term absentee Rodri, who is out for the season with an ACL injury.

Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker were also ruled out of the Boxing Day clash with Everton.

That has left boss Guardiola scratching his head and admitting he is struggling to sleep and eat as a result of City’s poor run.

Read More »

Man Utd legend admits he is ‘not sure’ Ruben Amorim is the right man to develop young talent at the club

FORMER Manchester United star Lee Sharpe is not convinced academy players will find it easy to break through under Ruben Amorim.

After taking over from Erik ten Hag in November, the Portuguese boss has inherited a bloated squad.

Ruben Amorim, Manchester United manager, at Old Trafford.
Rex
Ruben Amorim has endured a tough start to life at Old Trafford[/caption]
Ruben Amorim, Manchester United manager, looking dejected.
PA
One United legend isn’t convinced the Portuguese boss can bring youth players through at the club[/caption]

Amorim has brought his signature three-at-the-back setup to Old Trafford after enjoying continued success with Sporting Lisbon.

The system calls for persistent pressing off the ball but has yet to be fully mastered by United’s struggling stars.

Sharpe – who starred for the Red Devils in the 1990s and made his debut as a 17-year-old – is not convinced the current crop of youngsters will have similar success.

And he believes Amorim imprinting his system on the club will take time.

Sharpe told Express Sport: “I know they’ve got a couple of forwards who everyone’s raving about.

“And there are a couple of other players that are just on the fringes of the first team.

“It’s always important at United [to promote youth].

“It’s important to have a manager who encourages the youth set-up to come through and give young players a chance. But I’m not sure [they can under Amorim].”

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Sharpe’s sentiments are shared by ex-United striker Dimitar Berbatov, who doesn’t believe the Red Devils have enough strength in depth to play how Amorim wants.

The Bulgarian said: “In his first season with the in-depth squad he’s got, looking at the bench, there won’t be too many new faces coming through this season unless, of course, they fit into the system that he wants to play.

“I don’t know whether that’s going to be an easy thing for him because United have never really played three at the back and played wing-backs.

“So I’m sure there’s a couple of holding midfielders that he might want to look at and a couple of forwards.

“But as far as wing-backs and centre-halves that can play in a three, I think the whole group of players – from the Under-16s and Under-18s upwards – all may have to look at changing the way they approach games.”

Amorim has enjoyed a mixed start since taking the helm on November 1.

Lee Sharpe of Manchester United playing soccer.
News Group Newspapers Ltd
Lee Sharpe made his debut for United aged just 17[/caption]

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.

He led United to a Manchester derby win earlier this month but has also seen his team crash to defeats against Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Tottenham, and Arsenal.

The Red Devils find themselves in the bottom half of the Premier League table at Christmas for the first time in their history.

And excluding penalties, United have conceded 17 goals from set-pieces in the English top flight this year.

That is their most in a single calendar year in the Premier League.

Man Utd ratings vs Bournemouth as Malacia is hooked after horror first half

RUBEN AMORIM suffered his worst defeat of his short reign as Man Utd boss with a shocking 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

And his flops were easily second best all over the park to Andoni Iraola’s Cherries.

SunSport’s Ian Whittell has provided his ratings of the Man United squad…

Andre Onana – 5
Shaky on ball and his nervousness in holding it too long was transmitted to United supporters.

Bad conditions for a keeper but there were also some uncertain moments when he needed two attempts to grasp on to long shots.

Noussair Mazraoui – 4
Complained bitterly about the penalty he gave away but it was hard to make a case in his defence.

Caught out, then panicked and tripped Justin Kluivert from behind to cap what was already an uninspiring display.

Harry Maguire – 4
All too often was second to the ball or simply failed to get hold of his man, with Evanilson too elusive for the United defender to shackle.

Ruben Amorim believes Maguire is perfect for his three-at-the-back formation but the jury is still out on that one.

Lisandro Martinez – 5
Stood watching as Semenyo swept in Bournemouth’s third goal, the latest in a long line of defensive embarrassments from United.

Seems to be struggling, like most of his defensive team mates, with the new system and incapable of doing even the basics.

Diogo Dalot – 6
Made a couple of good blocks and tried to become involved in attacking moments from wing-back, without having a huge impact.

On a day when United’s defence was again found wanting, however, he was not the worst culprit.

Manuel Ugarte
Booked for a cynical foul on Kluivert and too often struggled to cope with Bournemouth runners.

Too much of the game passed him by and did not last even the hour as United chased the game.

Kobbie Mainoo 6
Like most of his team, guilty of some unforced errors but there was no faulting his work rate or drive.

Created a great chance when he hounded Dean Huijsen off the ball and set up Bruno Fernandes but gave up the ball for Bournemouth’s third.

Tyrell Malacia 3
Terrible touch early on drew groans from the home fans, the first of a number of sloppy moments from the fit-again full-back.

Predictable that he should give away the free-kick from which the visitors opened the scoring and hooked at half-time.

Amad Diallo 7
The big winner from the Rashford controversy and could have lit up Old Trafford early on but placed a good chance straight at the keeper.

Not a performance on a par with his derby exploits but still looked United’s best hope of carving out a goal.

Bruno Fernandes 8
Playing higher, and wider, up the field these days and maybe there is a debate over whether that is the best use of his undoubted talents.

But in the last five minutes of the first half alone, he had three good chances which might have brought an equaliser.

Joshua Zirkzee 5
Given the nod ahead of Rasmus Hojlund, a reward for some decent recent performances under his new manager but this was not one of them.

Was the closest Red to Dean Huijsen as he headed Bournemouth in front though United’s defending was such a mess, it was not clear whether he was Zirkzee’s responsibility.

Substitutes
Leny Yoro (for Malacia, 46) 4
Came on as part of a much-needed half-time defensive reshuffle by Amorim but failed to add stability.

Alejandro Garnacho (for Ugarte, 54) 5
Had a chance when clean through just after Bournemouth’s third but hit it straight at Kepa.

Rasmus Hojlund (for Zirkzee, 54) 6
Looked like he might have a goal in him and at least forced Kepa into one good stop.

Substitutes (not used): Altay Bayindir, Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, Antony.

Following the 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth, Amorim said: “It’s hard. In this context, it’s hard to push for two or three wins. We’re trying. But this game was hard on us.

“Without any situation we suffered again at set-pieces. We were a little bit nervous, the stadium.

“We controlled the rest of the first half with some clear chances, and then in the second with the penalty and then another goal is really hard on everyone here.

“In this kind of moment, everything is hard on us.”

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