Football
Rio Ferdinand claims Arsenal star ‘would have joined Man Utd for the same wages’
Rio Ferdinand believes Declan Rice would have chosen Manchester United over Arsenal if the Red Devils had matched the salary offer. The former United defender shared his thoughts following Rice’s standout performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League, where the midfielder was instrumental in helping Arsenal secure a historic knockout-stage victory.
Rice, now 26, has grown into a pivotal figure for Mikel Arteta’s side since making his high-profile move from West Ham in 2023 for a reported £105 million. While Arsenal ultimately won the race for his signature, Rice had also drawn serious interest from both Chelsea and Manchester United at the time.

Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel, praised Arsenal’s effort over the two legs against Madrid, saying that while the first leg largely decided the outcome, Arsenal were impressive across both matches. He highlighted Rice’s dominance in midfield as a key factor and went on to say that performances like this solidify Rice’s place among the world’s elite midfielders.
Reflecting on the missed opportunity for United, Ferdinand expressed disappointment that the club failed to move for Rice.
He strongly believes that if Manchester United had come forward with a financial package equal to Arsenal’s, the England international would have opted for Old Trafford instead. According to Ferdinand, Rice’s ties to some of United’s players and the allure of the club’s history might have swayed him had the financials been on par.
Following Arsenal’s victory in Madrid, Rice was named Player of the Match. His ability to dictate play, break up attacks, and transition the team forward drew praise from both fans and pundits alike. It’s the kind of performance that backs up Arteta’s long-standing confidence in the midfielder.
Ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League fixture against Ipswich Town, Arteta spoke about Rice’s impact and evolution. The Gunners’ boss emphasized that the performances Rice delivered against Real Madrid elevate him to another level and show exactly why Arsenal made such a significant investment in him. Arteta added that Rice is growing in confidence and consistency and that the club expects him to take on even more responsibility as the season progresses.
Since arriving at the Emirates, Rice has become an integral part of Arsenal’s midfield, combining defensive solidity with tactical intelligence and an increasing ability to influence games in the final third. His journey from West Ham captain to Champions League standout has not gone unnoticed, and comments like Ferdinand’s only add weight to the growing belief that Rice belongs among Europe’s best.
While speculation will always surround what could have been for Manchester United, Rice’s current trajectory with Arsenal is firmly upward. With his current form and influence, he looks poised to continue leading the charge for both club and country.
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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