Football
Athletic Bilbao star Williams hits out at referee and sends clear warning to Man Utd

Inaki Williams has issued a rallying cry to Manchester United following their dominant 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final.
Despite the commanding lead held by United, Williams believes his side still has what it takes to mount a dramatic comeback in the second leg at Old Trafford.

United produced a stunning display at San Mames Barria, taking control early on with Casemiro heading home the opener after a well-crafted move from Harry Maguire.
The momentum quickly swung further in United’s favor when Dani Vivian received a red card for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund, setting up Bruno Fernandes to calmly convert the resulting penalty.
Just before halftime, Fernandes struck again with a composed finish, giving the visitors a three-goal cushion and leaving the home crowd stunned.
Athletic players and their coach, Ernesto Valverde, voiced frustration over the penalty incident, arguing that Alejandro Garnacho had handled the ball in the buildup. Valverde questioned the referee’s decision, insisting the handball should have nullified the play.
Williams echoed those sentiments, expressing disappointment in how the call was handled and suggesting that Garnacho’s actions went unnoticed. Still, Williams remained defiant, stating that the tie is far from over and that Bilbao are capable of turning the result around.
Although Williams admitted that his team fell short in their overall performance, he emphasized that nothing is settled yet. Citing Lyon’s earlier success in challenging United, he highlighted the belief and motivation still driving the Basque side as they prepare for the return fixture.
Williams reaffirmed his team’s commitment to fighting for their dream and acknowledged the unwavering support of the Bilbao fans.
Manchester United, meanwhile, received standout performances from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, the latter of whom earned praise from Rio Ferdinand for his commanding presence in midfield. However, Casemiro was quick to stress that the job is not finished.
Speaking after the match, he called for his teammates to show respect to Athletic Bilbao, warning that the Spanish club should not be underestimated.
Having played many high-stakes matches during his time at Real Madrid, the Brazilian veteran made it clear that a second-leg turnaround is still possible if complacency creeps in.

As the two sides prepare for the decisive leg of the semi-final, both camps are well aware that the battle is only halfway done.
United will look to protect their lead and push for a place in the final, while Bilbao aims to defy the odds and produce a performance worthy of their ambitions. With Champions League qualification on the line for United, the stakes remain sky-high heading into the clash at Old Trafford.
Football
Marcus Rashford ‘chooses next club’ as Aston Villa ponder £40m deal

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is reportedly determined to force a move to Barcelona this summer.
The England international joined Aston Villa on loan in January and has impressed with four goals and six assists in 17 outings under Unai Emery, although a recent hamstring issue has kept him sidelined.
Villa hold an option to sign Rashford permanently for £40 million this summer, but they have yet to decide whether to trigger it—and they do not possess first refusal, meaning Manchester United could sell him elsewhere.
Rashford was heavily linked with Barcelona in January, but financial constraints scuppered a deal and opened the door for Villa.
Rashford ’looking to force’ Barcelona switch
Despite enjoying his spell in the West Midlands, Barcelona remain Rashford’s preferred destination.
According to Sport, his representatives have approached the Catalan giants about a potential loan move, though United would need to subsidise part of his £325,000‑a‑week wages—or Barcelona would have to agree to a significant pay cut on his behalf.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia and across the Premier League are also monitoring the situation, but Rashford has made it clear that he only wants to join Hansi Flick’s side.
Would Man United accept another loan deal?
Selling Rashford this summer would count as pure profit for United under Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, thanks to his home‑grown status.
While United are keen to reinvest any funds raised, it’s hard to see them agreeing to another loan—especially one that leaves them covering part of his salary.
That said, they might contemplate a move with a mandatory purchase clause in 2026, giving them both short‑term flexibility and long‑term certainty.
Football
Ruben Amorim ‘could QUIT’ Man Utd as Sir Jim Ratcliffe fears revealed in shock report

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.
After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.
Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”
The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.
Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.
After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.
So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.
Football
Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen

Alexandre Lacazette’s home was targeted by burglars while he was on the pitch for Lyon last night, according to French outlet Le Progrès.
The 33‑year‑old, playing his 391st and final match for his boyhood club, was facing Angers at Groupama Stadium when two intruders are reported to have broken into his residence in Lyon’s fifth arrondissement around 9.30 pm local time.
Once inside, they accessed a safe and made off with jewellery, luxury leather goods and cash, with the stolen haul “claimed to be tens of thousands of pounds.”
Security cameras captured the suspects, and police launched an investigation after the burglary was officially reported at 1.30 am.
Lacazette rose through Lyon’s youth system before joining Arsenal in 2017, then returned to France in 2022.
Manager Paulo Fonseca recently confirmed that Lacazette will depart when his contract expires this summer, as Lyon look to balance the books amid financial concerns.
In recognition of his service, supporters unveiled a giant tifo before kick‑off, and Lacazette honored them by scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Angers—his 200th and 201st for the club—securing a sixth‑place finish.
He joins several teammates who have suffered similar crimes in recent seasons, including Georges Mikautadze, who was robbed at gunpoint last December, and Dejan Lovren, who faced an attempted break‑in in October 2023.
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