Football
Man Utd draft 18-year-old wonderkid into first-team training
Manchester United youngster Gabriele Biancheri took part in first-team training today as preparations ramp up for Thursday night’s decisive Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon.
Manager Ruben Amorim is facing a striker crisis after Joshua Zirkzee was ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.
That leaves Rasmus Hojlund as the only available senior centre-forward for the high-stakes clash.
In response to the injury blow, Biancheri was drafted into first-team training at Carrington. The 18-year-old forward, who joined United from Cardiff in February 2023, has been in outstanding form at academy level this season.
Across competitions including Premier League 2, the Under-18 Premier League, UEFA Youth League, FA Youth Cup, and EFL Trophy, he has scored an impressive 20 goals in 30 appearances.

Although Biancheri is not included in United’s official 25-man Europa League squad, he remains eligible to feature under UEFA’s B List regulations.
Players on the B List must have been born on or after January 1, 2003, and have been with the club for at least two uninterrupted years. While Biancheri meets the age requirement, he falls just short on the service time. However, if registered before midnight, he could still be cleared to play.
His fellow academy forward Chido Obi, who has already made four senior appearances for United, is ineligible for B List inclusion as he only joined from Arsenal last September.

Biancheri has yet to be named in a senior matchday squad, but Thursday’s clash presents a potential first-time opportunity. His inclusion could provide valuable depth as Amorim looks to navigate a growing injury list.
Speaking ahead of the match, Amorim confirmed the severity of Zirkzee’s injury, stating: “Joshua is out for the season. He won’t play again this season. It’s tough, especially now when he’s been improving in all areas of his game. But this is football—he has to focus on recovery and be ready for the next campaign.”
The manager also confirmed that Andre Onana will return in goal after sitting out Sunday’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.
Onana, who was criticized for his performance in the first leg against Lyon, was given a brief rest while backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir stepped in.
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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