Football
Rio Ferdinand urges Man Utd not to sell £50m star after stunning Lyon win
Rio Ferdinand has issued a strong message to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, urging him not to offload Alejandro Garnacho following Manchester United’s dramatic Europa League triumph over Lyon. The Red Devils pulled off a stunning comeback at Old Trafford, overturning a two-goal deficit in extra-time to secure a 5-4 victory on the night and a 7-6 win on aggregate.
United had seemingly thrown the game away after surrendering a 2-0 lead to trail 4-2 against ten-man Lyon. However, in an extraordinary final seven minutes, goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire saw the hosts complete a miraculous turnaround and avoid the lottery of penalties. The result breathes new life into United’s turbulent season and keeps their hopes of lifting silverware alive.

Before being substituted in extra-time, Garnacho had been one of United’s brightest sparks. Despite rumors linking the winger with a potential exit in the upcoming summer transfer window, Ferdinand was adamant that Manchester United should not even consider selling him.
Speaking to TNT Sports, the former defender highlighted Garnacho’s ability to punish teams with his pace and direct play, especially when there’s space to exploit.
He acknowledged that the youngster still has room for improvement, particularly in his final product, but stressed that such development is expected and should be nurtured.
Ferdinand was also surprised by head coach Ruben Amorim’s decision to take Garnacho off during extra-time, a move that preceded Lyon’s quick-fire double that silenced the home crowd. Amorim’s gamble looked costly at first, as Lyon surged into a 4-2 lead, but United responded in spectacular fashion. The goals came in quick succession, with Maguire netting a dramatic late winner that sent the stadium into raptures.
Reflecting on the wild nature of the game, Ferdinand admitted he had never witnessed anything quite like it. He described the night as “outrageous” and noted that even he, a seasoned professional, was left speechless by the sheer unpredictability of the contest. Many fans had begun leaving the stadium when Lyon scored their fourth, thinking the tie was over—only for United to produce a sensational final act.

Rene Meulensteen, former assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson, echoed the astonishment during his appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live. He applauded Amorim’s tactical gamble to push Maguire forward, which ultimately paid off.
Meulensteen also credited Mainoo and Maguire for the composure they showed in front of goal, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster the match provided for players, staff, and fans alike.
Manchester United’s reward for this historic victory is a semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao, while fellow Premier League side Tottenham will face Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt in the other semifinal. As speculation around Garnacho’s future continues, the spotlight remains on United’s young stars to deliver more magical moments in the hunt for European glory.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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