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Man Utd star agrees January transfer after Ruben Amorim sacking

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Man Utd star agrees January transfer after Ruben Amorim sacking

Two Manchester United players appear to be edging closer to exits from Old Trafford, but Kobbie Mainoo looks set to remain at the club following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.

United are currently reshuffling both their short- and long-term plans after sacking Amorim on Monday, bringing an abrupt end to the Portuguese coach’s troubled spell in charge.

Former midfielder Darren Fletcher has been handed interim responsibility and will take charge of the team from the touchline for Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Burnley.

The club are expected to operate with a caretaker solution until the end of the season, with Fletcher still a possibility, before moving to appoint a permanent successor in the summer. United finished a disappointing 15th in the league last season and have continued to struggle for consistency this term, failing to show meaningful progress under Amorim.

Tensions behind the scenes had also been building prior to the manager’s departure, particularly following a breakdown in relations with director of football Jason Wilcox.

One of the major points of contention was United’s limited activity in the January transfer window. While the club had invested more than £200 million in new signings last summer, Amorim was reportedly informed that significant spending midway through the season was unlikely.

The former Sporting boss felt reinforcements were necessary due to mounting injury problems and the absence of several players at the Africa Cup of Nations, but his concerns were not acted upon. That backdrop only added to the uncertainty surrounding several squad members.

One player whose situation now appears to have shifted is academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo. The midfielder had been strongly linked with a move away after struggling for minutes under Amorim, despite previously being regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League. Mainoo had reportedly pushed for an exit last summer and again ahead of the January window after finding himself on the fringes.

While it was unclear whether Amorim would have sanctioned a departure, the change in management has effectively ended any immediate prospect of Mainoo leaving. Despite interest from more than a dozen clubs, he is now expected to stay put and attempt to reignite his United career under a new coach.

The timing of Amorim’s dismissal has been viewed as a positive turning point for the 20-year-old, with club legend Rio Ferdinand suggesting Mainoo stands to benefit more than anyone from the shake-up. Ferdinand believes the midfielder will now sense a renewed opportunity, even while acknowledging that managerial changes inevitably come at a cost for those who lose their jobs.

In contrast, Joshua Zirkzee looks increasingly likely to move on, with Serie A side Roma emerging as a possible destination, either on loan or in a permanent deal. Signed for close to £40 million under former manager Erik ten Hag, the Netherlands international has struggled to make an impact in the Premier League.

With an eye on securing a place in his national team’s World Cup squad next summer, Zirkzee is understood to be open to leaving in January to gain more regular minutes and put an end to a frustrating spell in Manchester. His opportunities were already limited before United spent heavily on attacking options last summer, bringing in Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

Although the 24-year-old has shown flashes of quality in recent weeks, including a goal against Wolves and an assist in the draw at Leeds, those moments have not been enough to convince the club he should remain. However, former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has questioned whether letting Zirkzee go would be the right move, pointing to the forward’s ability to influence games with his technical skill, movement and intelligence on the ball.

Hargreaves highlighted how Zirkzee’s presence helped stretch defences, create space and provide a different attacking dimension, particularly compared to players being used out of position. In his view, the striker offered qualities that were missing earlier in matches and played a key role in changing the dynamic when introduced.

Another name potentially heading towards the exit is Manuel Ugarte, with Galatasaray reportedly monitoring his situation as United continue to assess their options during a period of transition.

As the club navigates yet another reset, decisions made over the coming weeks could shape both the squad and the direction of Manchester United well beyond the current season.

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

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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.

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

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.

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

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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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