Football
Matheus Cunha takes Manchester United star’s shirt number ahead of £62.5m transfer
Matheus Cunha is reportedly on the verge of joining Manchester United, having agreed to a five-year contract and already selecting his preferred shirt number ahead of his highly anticipated move to Old Trafford.
The Brazilian forward, currently with Wolves, has long been admired by new United boss Ruben Amorim, who is eager to rebuild the squad and return the team to its former glory after a dismal season.
Manchester United ended their Premier League campaign in 15th place and suffered a painful Europa League final loss to Tottenham, prompting urgent changes within the club.
Amorim identified Cunha as a key target, and the Red Devils moved swiftly to secure the Brazil international’s signature ahead of competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, who had both shown interest in January.
Sources close to the negotiations confirm that United are prepared to activate Cunha’s £62.5 million release clause. The 25-year-old forward has spent the past three seasons with Wolves, where he stood out as one of the few consistent performers in a team that often found itself fighting near the bottom of the league table.
In the final match of the season, a 1-1 draw against Brentford, Cunha appeared to wave goodbye to Wolves fans, further fueling speculation about his imminent departure.
According to talkSPORT, Cunha has already agreed personal terms with United and will take the number 10 shirt, currently worn by Marcus Rashford. Rashford was loaned to Aston Villa in January and now seems likely to leave permanently this summer.
Amorim has reportedly sanctioned his departure, with Barcelona expressing interest in the England international. However, a return to Manchester United under Amorim’s leadership appears unlikely, especially after Villa missed out on Champions League qualification.
Following Cunha’s expected arrival, United are believed to be setting their sights on Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. Delap is attracting attention from several Premier League clubs and has a £30 million release clause triggered by Ipswich’s recent relegation to the Championship.
Manchester United wrapped up their disappointing 2024–25 season with a surprise 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, after which the club confirmed the departure of three first-team players. Amid this transitional period, club legend Gary Neville voiced his support for Cunha’s arrival, noting that United are desperate for a player in his mold.
Neville highlighted the team’s lack of wide attacking options following the exits of Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Rashford, stating that Cunha brings the kind of direct play and goal-scoring instinct the team desperately needs.
Former midfielder Paul Scholes echoed Neville’s sentiments, saying Cunha has the pace, strength, and technical quality Amorim values. With 15 league goals to his name this season, Cunha has proven he can contribute at the top level.
Still, Scholes expressed concern over the broader issues at the club, questioning how even talented players like Cunha might fit into a side that’s currently struggling to find its identity.
While fans are hopeful that Cunha’s signing marks the beginning of a new era, uncertainty remains about how quickly United can recover.
Even the most promising additions may find it difficult to shine in a squad that has yet to rediscover its rhythm and cohesion.
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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