Football
Man Utd ‘ready to offer Aston Villa shock swap’ to offload Rashford permanently
Manchester United are reportedly exploring a surprise swap deal with Aston Villa that could mark the end of Marcus Rashford’s time at Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old forward, who made a loan switch to Villa Park during the January transfer window, has enjoyed a resurgence in form, showcasing glimpses of his past brilliance.
Since joining the West Midlands side, Rashford has contributed three goals and six assists in just 15 appearances.
His impact has helped Villa reach the Champions League quarter-finals, where they were eventually knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain, and they remain in contention for silverware with an upcoming FA Cup semi-final clash against Crystal Palace on April 26.
Despite Rashford’s improved performances, Manchester United appear ready to part ways with the England international.
According to reports from the Daily Star, the Red Devils are considering a player-plus-cash offer that would see Rashford move to Aston Villa on a permanent basis, with Ollie Watkins heading in the opposite direction.
The deal could also include a substantial financial boost for Villa, with United reportedly prepared to include a significant cash payment alongside Rashford to land Watkins.
The 29-year-old striker has long been admired by Premier League clubs, with Arsenal having shown interest in the former Brentford star both last summer and during the January window. However, Villa opted to keep hold of Watkins, offloading Jhon Durán to the Saudi Pro League instead.
Watkins has been in sensational form this season, scoring 15 goals in the Premier League and adding another in the Champions League.
He signed a new long-term contract in 2023 that ties him to Villa until 2028, underlining the club’s commitment to keeping him as a key part of Unai Emery’s project.
Meanwhile, there are still voices within Manchester United who believe Rashford has unfinished business at the club.
Club legend Wayne Rooney recently expressed his hope that Rashford returns to Old Trafford and rediscovers his top form. Speaking during a broadcast on Amazon Prime, Rooney highlighted the forward’s deep connection to the club and desire to succeed in the red shirt.
“I hope Rashford goes back to Manchester United and performs like he did tonight,” Rooney said.
“That’s what we all want to see as Manchester United fans. Rashford wants to play for Manchester United, 100 per cent. He’s a Manchester lad, a Manchester United fan. He needed game time, and it was clear he wasn’t going to get that for the rest of the season. Sometimes, you have to put the manager in a position where he can’t leave you out.”
Rooney added that, in an ideal world, Rashford would stay and build a legacy at Manchester United—but whether that’s still possible remains uncertain.
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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