Football
Edwin van der Sar praises Man Utd transfer target and criticises Arsenal star David Raya
Edwin van der Sar has revealed his admiration for Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, placing the Manchester United transfer target among his top picks in the Premier League.
Despite previously defending Andre Onana, who has struggled to find consistency since joining United for £47 million, the former Dutch international appears to be a strong supporter of Verbruggen’s development in English football.
Manchester United are actively exploring options for a new number one after Onana’s underwhelming performances.
The club has been linked with several potential replacements, including Aaron Ramsdale, who is likely to leave Arsenal following their demotion to the Championship, as well as Diogo Costa of Porto, Gregor Kobel from Borussia Dortmund, and Senne Lammens of Royal Antwerp.
However, it’s Verbruggen, the 22-year-old Dutchman, who has reportedly caught the most attention. Talks are said to be progressing between United and Brighton over a potential £34 million transfer.
Van der Sar’s endorsement of Verbruggen adds weight to the interest, with the former United and Fulham goalkeeper highlighting his countryman’s strong performances in his second Premier League season.
In a recent interview with Optus Sport, Van der Sar praised the current Premier League goalkeeping landscape. “I like Alisson and Ederson, both of them,” he said. “But I think they’re a little too much injured at the moment.
They’re not consistent. I like Bart Verbruggen. He’s a young Dutch goalkeeper who is doing really well.”

Van der Sar also shared thoughts on Arsenal’s David Raya, expressing some concern about his form.
While acknowledging Raya’s ability, he called for more decisiveness. “I expect a little bit more for Raya at Arsenal. He has all the attributes and the qualities, but you have to be more decisive,” he said.
Manchester United’s current struggles are evident in their Premier League standing, with the club positioned in 16th and heading toward a record-low points finish.
Despite that, a Europa League triumph remains a lifeline for Champions League qualification. Head coach Ruben Amorim still has a chance to salvage the campaign, and Van der Sar has called for patience from the board and supporters alike.
“It’s obvious that there’s a lack of success, mainly on the pitch,” Van der Sar explained. “Besides the pitch, that’s always been a strong point from the club, but the last eight or nine years there’s not been a lot of consistency in performances, retaining managers, the buying and selling of players.”
He emphasized the importance of giving the current project time to flourish. “Sometimes, a club needs time. There’s a project in place at the moment.
They need to give it the time to get it to full growth. But sometimes at a big club, especially with the media and the pressure and the fans, it’s difficult to get the results quickly.”
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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