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Why Liverpool pulled out of race to sign Matheus Cunha ahead of Manchester United

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Liverpool reportedly gave serious thought to pursuing Matheus Cunha this summer before allowing Manchester United to secure a clear path to the Wolves forward.

Cunha, now 26, has agreed in principle to join United and is expected to wear the No. 10 shirt, currently held by Marcus Rashford.

The Brazilian has settled on a five-year contract, with the Premier League club now working out the payment structure with Wolves after opting to meet his £62.5 million release clause.

Since arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2022, Cunha has become a vital figure for Wolves, finding the net 31 times over two seasons.

His performances drew attention from Arsenal and Chelsea during the winter transfer window, and he reportedly caught Liverpool’s eye after an eye-catching showing at Anfield in February.

Despite Liverpool winning that fixture 2-1, Cunha’s goal for the visitors impressed both the coaching staff under Arne Slot and the Merseyside club’s decision-makers.

Reports suggest that Liverpool were strongly considering a move for Cunha in the second half of the season, intrigued by his technical ability and direct attacking style.

However, the Reds ultimately opted not to pursue the Brazilian, as they faced uncertainty over how he would fit into Slot’s system. With the Dutch manager already boasting a deep pool of offensive talent, Liverpool decided to prioritize other targets.

Their focus eventually shifted toward Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, with the club preparing a potential record-breaking offer for the German playmaker.

Arne Slot had previously spoken highly of Cunha, stating ahead of Liverpool’s match against Wolves that the forward possessed the quality to play for a top-five Premier League side.

He emphasized that Cunha stood out even in a struggling team, highlighting the gap in talent between leagues and noting how rare it is to find such a player at a club sitting near the bottom of the table.

Despite the admiration, not all clubs were sold on Cunha’s personality. Some decision-makers were reportedly cautious due to lingering questions about his attitude.

Gary Lineker commented on this aspect during The Rest is Football podcast, noting that while Cunha is a gifted player, some managers have hinted at concerns over his work rate and commitment to team principles. Lineker acknowledged that this issue has surfaced under more than one manager at Wolves.

On the other hand, former Manchester United defender Phil Jones expressed excitement about Cunha’s imminent arrival, describing him as a strong and dynamic player capable of making a real impact.

Drawing comparisons to Mousa Dembele, Jones highlighted Cunha’s strength, dribbling, and playmaking abilities, adding that he could be a valuable asset for Ruben Amorim’s squad at Old Trafford.

As Cunha prepares to join a United team that struggled domestically, finishing just 15th in the league and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if the Brazilian can deliver on his potential and help reignite the Red Devils’ fortunes.

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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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