Football
Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes receives transfer message from Portugal team-mate
Ruben Neves has expressed his eagerness to welcome Bruno Fernandes to Al-Hilal if the Manchester United captain decides to make a high-profile switch to Saudi Arabia this summer.
Fernandes remains one of the few bright spots in what was otherwise a disappointing campaign for United, finishing the season with an impressive tally of 19 goals and 20 assists across 57 appearances. Despite United recording their lowest-ever Premier League points total, the Portuguese playmaker was voted Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year by a wide margin.
Rumors about Fernandes’ potential departure from Old Trafford have gathered momentum in recent weeks, as Al-Hilal look to secure his signature ahead of their Club World Cup commitments. The Saudi club is reportedly prepared to make a £100 million offer and is even willing to triple his current wages in an effort to lure him away from the Premier League.
Ruben Neves, who already plies his trade at Al-Hilal, spoke highly of Fernandes and the broader pool of Portuguese talent.
The former Wolves midfielder praised the country’s footballing pedigree and said he would gladly embrace any national teammate joining him in Riyadh. Referring to recent Champions League triumphs by players like Goncalo Ramos, Joao Neves, Nuno Mendes, and Vitinha, Neves emphasized the strength and depth of Portuguese football.
While no official statement has been made by Fernandes regarding his future, his representatives have reportedly opened initial talks with Al-Hilal. Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim, who remains close to Fernandes, remains optimistic the United captain will stay put.
Speaking during the club’s post-season tour of Asia, Amorim said he believes Fernandes still wants to be part of the Premier League, calling him a young and talented player who belongs in the world’s top league. However, he acknowledged that the final decision ultimately rests with the player.
Despite the financial temptation from Saudi Arabia, Fernandes remains under contract with Manchester United until June 2027. Whether he will stay and help rebuild the club or embark on a new challenge abroad is still 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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