Paradise News

Category: Sports

  • Paul Scholes reveals his role in signing Manchester United legend


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    Paul Scholes truly is a legend at Old Trafford, having ben a part of the Manchester United squad to win 11 Premier League titles as The Red Devils dominated English and European football under Sir Alex Ferguson.

    Alongside the league titles, Scholes also won two Champions Leagues, five Community Shields, four FA Cups, two English League cups, a FIFA Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup.

    During his 21 years at Old Trafford after graduating from the United academy, Scholes made 716 appearances with 155 goals and 83 assists for the club.

    At international level, Scholes kept up his quality on the pitch, grabbing 14 goals and 14 assists in 66 games for England.

    However, his role at United didn’t only extend to the pitch, with the former midfielder now revealing his key involvement in signing a true United legend.

    Speaking on The Overlap, Scholes finally confessed how he played a huge part in Sir Alex Ferguson signing teenage sensation Wayne Rooney.

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    Paul Scholes helped Manchester United sign Wayne Rooney

    The legendary striker moved to Old Trafford from Everton back in 2004 for £27 million, going on to become United’s record goal scorer with 253 goals and 138 assists in 559 games.

    His contributions managed to secure five Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and the FIFA Club World Cup alongside Scholes.

    Now, Scholes has admitted he was asked to call Rooney and discuss a move to United as the pair had already played together for the England national team.

    Discussing the situation, Scholes commented: “I tapped Wayne Rooney up.”

    He continued: “I did get asked to make a phone call to him, so I rang him.”

    When asked how that conversation went, Scholes didn’t give much away, saying: “Well he signed for us so… But I didn’t get any reward for it.”

    Looking back, it’s clear to see that £27 million for United’s record goalscorer is an absolute bargain, one which no doubt Ruben Amorim would like to replicate today.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • 22-year-old speaks out on Manchester United transfer links


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    Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation has been a major talking point this season.

    Andre Onana is struggling to convince since his arrival at Old Trafford.

    The Cameroonian has been guilty of several high-profile errors.

    Head coach Ruben Amorim is keen to bring in competition for the No.1 spot.

    Reports in January suggested United are actively searching for a new goalkeeper.

    Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens has emerged as a potential target.

    Initial interest in the 22-year-old was reported on CentreDevils back in December.

    Senne Lammens has his say on Manchester United rumours

    The 22-year-old has caught the attention of United’s scouting team, and the Belgian admits it would be hard to turn down a move.

    “Wow, [it’s] hard to say,” Lammens told GVA when asked about the speculation.

    “I’ve only played one full season at Antwerp.

    “If something comes along that I can hardly say no to and that will benefit the club, I’ll have to think about it seriously.

    “But if I’m the first ‘keeper here for another year, that’s no problem.”

    Lammens, who has nine caps for Belgium’s Under-21 side, has been made aware of United’s reported interest and has been keeping tabs on the club.

    “The first time I heard it, I thought, ‘Wow, a world team that follows you.

    “That is special,’” he said.

    “I was also spoken to about it a lot and when I made a save in training, it was United this, United that.

    “Funny, I would do it the other way around too.

    “But you can’t dwell on it for too long.

    “Those top clubs have so many scouts and follow so many players.

    “So it doesn’t have to mean anything yet.

    “It will only become clear in the summer whether anything comes of it.”

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    Despite his excitement, Lammens remains focused on his development, though he believes his playing style suits English football.

    “It’s only positive. Especially because it’s the best competition in the world.

    “My profile – my stature and way of playing is similar to English football.

    “You have to physically hold your own there, and that suits me.”

    While nothing is advanced at this stage, Lammens’ comments suggest he would seriously consider a move to Old Trafford if United decide to make an approach.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • What Manchester United dressing room thinks about Ruben Amorim revealed

    Ruben Amorim stood helpless on the touchline as Manchester United suffered yet another defeat.

    A patched-up side fell to a 1-0 loss at Tottenham on Sunday, making it eight defeats in their last 12 league games.

    Behind him, a bench filled with teenagers highlighted just how thin his squad has become.

    Despite the struggles, Amorim remains defiant.

    “I have a lot of problems. My job is so, so hard here — but I stick with my beliefs,” he said after the latest setback.

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    His refusal to compromise on his tactical approach has become a key talking point.

    United now have their worst record after 25 games of a league season since their relegation in 1974.

    While Ruben Amorim still has the backing of the club, some players are starting to question his methods.

    According to Chris Wheeler on Daily Mail, some within the squad believe United’s victories are more down to luck or individual brilliance than a tactical masterclass.

    “The feeling is, ‘We got away with one but we might not be so lucky next time,’” a dressing-room source revealed.

    Late goals have been a theme of Amorim’s tenure, with stoppage-time winners masking deeper issues.

    Harry Maguire’s controversial goal against Leicester earlier this month was just another example.

    Even Amorim himself struggled to celebrate that win, fully aware of the deeper problems within his squad.

    Some players feel his rigid commitment to a back-three system simply doesn’t suit the team.

    Micah Richards raised the issue on Match of the Day 2, questioning whether Amorim should be more adaptable.

    “It’s very hard to go from playing in a back four to a back three,” said the former England defender.

    “But as a manager, you have to adapt too.”

    Gary Neville was even more damning, calling Amorim’s midfield setup “absolute madness” after the Spurs defeat.

    He was disgusted by the disconnect between Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, leaving the Brazilian with too much defensive work.

    “The structure of the team is awful. You wouldn’t see this in Under-9s football,” Neville fumed on Sky Sports.

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    Despite these concerns, there is no indication that United’s hierarchy is losing faith in Ruben Amorim.

    The real test will come in the summer when the club must decide whether to fully back him in the transfer market.

    United spent £200 million under Erik ten Hag last summer before sacking him months later, leaving their budget stretched.

    Cost-cutting has been a theme ever since, with Marcus Rashford and Antony sent on loan to ease the wage bill.

    Amorim’s only January signing was left-back Patrick Dorgu, highlighting United’s financial limitations.

    Casemiro, who earns £375,000 a week, has been linked with an exit, but he insists he is happy to stay.

    “I have a year-and-a-half left on my contract, and I’d like to fulfil it here in Manchester,” he told Spanish media.

    Assuming United stick with Amorim, they must decide whether to invest in players that fit his specific system.

    That comes with a major risk, as another managerial change could leave them with a squad ill-suited to the next man’s vision.

    “They are miles off it,” Jamie Redknapp warned.

    “They need seven or eight players to change.”

    For now, United continue down a path of survival and suffering, hoping for better days ahead.

    Amorim refuses to change course. Whether the players will continue to follow remains to be seen.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • C.S.C.S. Itam and Iyoba College Welcome Cricket Heroines

    Three members of the record making Nigerian U-19 female cricket team were recently hosted by the staff and students of their secondary schools in Uyo and Benin City. Deborah Bassey and Inyene Umoh were received by a rousing crowd of fellow students of Community Secondary Commercial School (C.S.C.S.) Ibiaku Itam in Uyo. Both students were received in a guard of honour that was mounted by players of the school cricket and netball teams. As Inyene is also a member of the school netball team and she started playing cricket two years ago. Both students could not hide their delight for the V.I.P. welcome they received from their fellow students and management of the school.

    The school Principal, Mrs Mary Okon and Mr Ifiok Imin praised the two students for being good ambassadors of the school that has in the past few years dominated different secondary school competitions in Akwa Ibom State. The assistant coach of the Nigerian U-19 female cricket team, Blessing Etim also graced the occasion, which she thinks will encourage more students of the school to either try to learn how to play cricket or try other sports like netball, rugby, football, athletics and American flag football that are played in the school.

    To add icing to the celebration cake, C.S.C.S. won the Mrs Alice Imaria Ehimiaghe award for using sports to engage and empower their more than 2000 students. The prize of 150 thousand naira was given to the school management. The two cricketers were given a token of 20 thousand naira by the event organisers, CSED Initiative.

    At Iyoba College in Benin City, the cricketer Adeshola Adekunle was also warmly received at the assembly ground of Iyoba College. Adeshola was commended by the school management for doing their school proud in Malaysia. Iyoba College was awarded the Mrs Alice Imaria Ehimiaghe award for using sports to build the character and learning experiences of their students. Students of the college take part in netball, football, badminton, athletics and cricket, where they recently won the Elizabeth Osato Edebiri memorial cricket tournament for girls in Benin City.

    The school also received the sum of 150 thousand Naira which they pledge would be used in buying basic sports kits that will be used by their students in preparation for their forthcoming inter-house sports event and future secondary schools’ competitions. Both schools have a dedicated cricket ground with practice nets. Iyoba College has a small cricket stand, while current construction work at the cricket spectator stand of C.S.C.S. is to be completed soon.

    Both schools have benefitted immensely from the “catch them young” grassroots development programmes of the current Board of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), which has also used cricket to provide psycho-social support to residents of some IDPs and refugee camps in Nigeria. Apart from investing in the development of the sporting talents of the cricketers, NCF through its President, Uyi Akpata has also supported the cricketers in accessing further education in various universities in Nigeria by providing them with scholarship and maintenance grants.

  • IDPs Uhogua Camp wins Mary Waya Award

    The children and youths of IDPs Uhogua (Benin City) Camp recently won the maiden edition of the Mary Waya award. This award which is named after Mary Waya, the current co-coach of the Malawi national netball team is to honour her for defying the outbreak of COVID-19 and taking the risk to come to Nigeria in 2020 to train and certify 24 Nigerians as qualified Netball Africa coaches. A statement by the Trustees of CSED Initiative stated that the target of the Mary Waya award is to recognise the efforts put in by organisations and group of persons who use the power of sport to overcome tough life circumstances that are beyond their control.

    Fast forward to 2025, Mary Waya’s act of selflessness has led to CSED Initiative the netball pacesetters in Nigeria, training and equipping more than 370 P.E. Teachers and community youths for free. This has been done through their “Project 2027” programme that aims at bringing netball to the attention of one million Nigerian school girls. The work of Mary Waya has also led to CSED Initiative piloting the “Sporting Coders” project, a programme that will enable some selected Nigerian secondary school girls to combine playing the sport they enjoy, with learning how to code or improving their computing skills.

    Though netball is specifically a sport that is designed for girls and women, the current goal of World Netball is to make the sport an inclusive game that should be enjoyed by everyone irrespective of their gender. CSED Initiative with the support of kits donated by Lord’s Taverners is currently trialling boys in selected school in Nigeria playing the game of netball. The success of the netball team of Tare Pet School in Bayelsa State has triggered the interest of their male counterpart who have been training just before the end of last school year. As school male netball team look forward to gaining an upper hand over secondary schools like Oyemekun Grammar School Akure, C.S.C.S. Itam (Akwa Ibom State), Christlike School Benin City and University Secondary School, Nsukka who have netball coaches, and are currently in the process of considering raising a male netball team.

    Mary Waya commended the management of IDPs Uhogua for using the game of netball to support the emotional recovery of some of the residents of the camp that is made up mostly of Nigerians of northern extraction who are victims of the Boko Haram insurgence in the North-East States of Nigeria. The residents of the Uhogua IDPs camp also have a football and cricket team that take part in completions with other secondary schools in Benin City. The Mary Waya award gives the winner a one off 150-thousand-naira cash payment that should be used to support sports and educational activities of the winning school/community.

    In terms of academic attainment, the residents of the camp are also punching above their weight, as over 200 of them are currently studying in different universities in Nigeria. Last year, Amo Ishaku, a former resident of the camp who obtained a first-class bachelor’s of Engineering degree from the Edo State University Iyamho, was awarded a PhD scholarship by University of Illinois, Chicago (USA). While Amos Ishaku continues to strive for excellence in the United States, the educational pursuits of other residents of the camp is continually threatened by lack of funds to feed the residents properly, pay their school fees and meet just the basic needs of the more than four thousand residents of the camp.

    Some of the questions most Nigerians would want to ask are what role does the Federal, State and Local governments play in supporting vulnerable Nigerian citizens, especially the IDPs? Has the various cash transfer interventions of the Federal Government of Nigeria benefited the IDPs? Should a special intervention fund be set up to specifically support the IDPs? Should the Federal and State Governments not consider granting documented IDPs access to free education and vocational training? These are some of the pertinent questions that policy makers and the National assembly members should seriously consider.

    The Children’s Rights Act 2003 which is in operation in Nigeria does not specifically spell out the responsibilities of the three ties of government in supporting vulnerable Nigerians who are at risk of destitution, Especially IDPs as those who drafted the Act probably did not envisage a situation where mass displacement of persons is now a regular feature of living in Nigeria. As a result, social administrators and policy makers have to brainstorm on how to come up with fit for purpose policies that will make our law makers to consider amending the relevant sections of the CRA 2003, with a view of addressing the delicate issue of what role and what level of support should the three tiers of government play in meeting the basic needs of vulnerable Nigerians. Especially the IDPs.

  • Antony sends fresh Manchester United reminder following stellar display


    Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES

    Antony cannot stop scoring at Real Betis as Manchester United continue to struggle in front of goal.

    Before leaving on loan last month, Antony had scored just once in 14 appearances this season.

    His only goal came from the penalty spot against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup in September.

    On Sunday, he opened the scoring in Betis’ 3-0 win over Real Sociedad.

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    The ball fell to him on the edge of the box, and he struck a volley through a crowd of players past Alex Remiro.

    That goal took his tally in Spain to three in four matches.

    He has also won player of the match three times, sending a message to United in the process.

    Taking to Instagram, Antony shared pictures from the game, writing in Spanish: “A lot of Betis,” with a pray and green heart emoji.

    Betis posted a video of his goal, while La Liga shared a picture of the Brazilian with the caption: “Antony. What a player,” followed by a fire emoji.

    Speaking after the game, Antony was asked about his form compared to his time at United.

    “I think the most important thing is to be happy and here, I’m really happy,” he said.

    “As I’ve said before, I’m really happy to score to help the team and we’ll keep going like this.

    “I’m not setting a number for goals, I work hard every day. I’m really focused, really happy here.”

    Meanwhile, United fell to a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham on Sunday.

    They failed to respond to James Maddison’s first-half strike, leaving them 15th in the table.

    Ruben Amorim’s side have struggled in attack, scoring just 28 goals while conceding 35.

    Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have scored just five league goals between them.

    Top scorer Amad Diallo is at risk of missing the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

    United must find a way to be more prolific in front of goal if they want to climb the table.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Rio Ferdinand gives three-word response on Ruben Amorim sack verdict


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    Manchester United’s miserable Premier League season continues under Ruben Amorim.

    United fans saw their side suffer a 1-0 loss to Spurs, piling further pressure on the club.

    The result leaves them sitting in 15th place in the Premier League, with relegation fears becoming increasingly real.

    Despite sacking Erik ten Hag earlier in the season, Amorim has not been able to turn the team’s fortunes around.

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    United’s squad remains unbalanced, with a clear need for higher-quality reinforcements in key areas.

    While some have called for yet another managerial change, Rio Ferdinand believes the club must stick with Ruben Amorim.

    Asked on Twitter/X if he would sack the Portuguese coach, Ferdinand responded: “No – coach stays!”

    His backing comes after Amorim himself addressed his future following the loss to Spurs.

    “I have a lot of problems, my job is so, so hard here,” Amorim admitted post-match.

    “But I stick with my beliefs.

    “We just need to face it and not run away, that is my feeling.

    “I am not worried. I understand our fans, what the media think about it.

    “Losing… I hate to lose, that feeling is the worst.

    “Now, it is hard to face the fans in this moment.

    “But we are doing everything, I’m doing everything.

    “The rest I am not thinking about.

    “I am here to help my players. I understand my situation, my job, I am confident in my work and I just want to win games.

    “The place in the table is my worry, I am not worried about me.”

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    Amorim signed a contract until the summer of 2027 with the option of an additional year, but results must improve quickly.

    INEOS are expected to back their manager in the transfer market, with a major squad rebuild on the cards this summer.

    However, United’s financial situation may restrict their ability to sign immediate game-changers without selling key homegrown players.

    Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are among those who could attract significant bids.

    But selling either would be an unpopular move among supporters.

    United need solutions fast, but sacking another manager may not be the answer.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Casemiro decides on his future amid links away from Manchester United


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    Manchester United are looking to offload a series of their players, including Casemiro, this summer transfer window.

    The club needs to make sales to generate transfer funds to remodel the squad for Ruben Amorim.

    The current class of Red Devils were assembled for Erik ten Hag’s 4-2-3-1 system, with £600 million spent on players during his tenure.

    Now, several of United’s signings like Casemiro have found themselves without a place in Amorim’s side, unable to bring the intensity the Portuguese manager is looking for.

    In Casemiro’s case, the veteran midfielder is one of United’s highest-paid players, at £300,000 per week, currently featuring as an unused substitute for recent games.

    As such, the club are hoping to sell the star, thus freeing up his wage in their salary budget before his contract ends in 2026.

    There were recent reports that a loan deal with Brazilian side Flamengo, however nothing has materialised.

    However, United have now hit a roadblock in their aims of offloading their high-earning veteran midfielder.

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    Casemiro looks to stay put

    The Mirror has now reported that Casemiro is wanting to see out his remaining year and a half with the club, remain at Old Trafford next season.

    Discussing the situation, the Brazilian commented: “I have a year and a half left on my contract and I’d like to fulfil it here in Manchester.”

    He continued: “I’m comfortable here and so is my family. They’ve adapted, we speak English. I’m very grateful to the Old Trafford fans and to the club.

    “I have to keep doing what I’m doing, with a lot of respect and good manners. Of course I’d like to play more, of course. I don’t know any player who doesn’t want to play and help.

    “I’d like to help the club at this time. I approach things with respect for my team-mates and the technical committee. And above all, I respect United, a club to which I’m very grateful.”

    However, Casemiro made his first appearance since December this weekend in United’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham, with the current injury crisis at Old Trafford being the only reason for his appearance.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Manchester United plot move for the next Erling Haaland


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    Since last summer Manchester United have been firmly linked with Norwegian youngster Sverre Halseth Nypan.

    The 18-year-old midfielder has been labelled as “the next Martin Odegaard”, drawing significant attention from Europe’s elite.

    The youngster flew to Manchester in January, unfortunately for United fans, meeting with local rivals Manchester City.

    The Citizens posed a plan for him to sign with City and go on loan for the rest of the season, however Nypan wasn’t on board for the move.

    As a result, he’s opted to remain with his hometown club Rosenborg, having grabbed eight goals and ten assists in 33 games, securing fourth place in the league.

    However, it’s another Norwegian youngster who is now the centre of United’s interest.

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    Manchester United look to sign Sindre Walle Egeli

    Ontheminute.com has now reported that United are looking to Nordsjaelland’s teenage attacker, Sindre Walle Egeli.

    The 18-year-old is primarily a right winger, however has been utilised on both flanks grabbing five goals and three assists in 19 games this season.

    Egeli also has the ability to play as a striker, being likened to his fellow countryman, Erling Haaland.

    This versatility makes the youngster a prime target for Amorim and his system, as well as INEOS’s priority of signing youngsters with high potential.

    However, United are looking at having to bid upwards of £12.5 million with Dutch side Feyenoord having a bid for this value rejected in the winter window.

    United aren’t the only suitors hoping to nab him though, with Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle also interested.

    Amorim will be hoping United can generate the funds to sign the youngster, with the hope of his potential being realised to add to the list of emerging talent which will make up the next class of Red Devils.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Rio Ferdinand voices concerns over relegation for Manchester United


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    The words “Manchester United” and “relegation” aren’t words that any United fan would dream of imagining in a sentence together.

    Unfortunately, this season hasn’t gone to plan for The Red Devils, with Ruben Amorim’s men sitting in 15th place in the Premier League after losing 1-0 to Tottenham.

    United are now only 12 points clear of the relegation zone which looks currently set for Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich to drop down to the Championship next season, with Wolves also on the fringe.

    Back in January, the Opta supercomputer ran a bunch of simulations, predicting the chances of relegation.

    At the time, thankfully for United fans, the chances of The Red Devils playing in the Championship was predicted at 0.06% chance of happening.

    Southampton were almost guaranteed relegation, with a 99.8% chance of going down, with Leicester predicted a 91.03% chance of relegation and Ipswich following with 71.26%.

    Now with only 13 games left of the season, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has voiced his concerns.

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    Rio Ferdinand voices concerns over Manchester United’s upcoming fixtures

    Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand looked at United’s fixtures for the rest of the season, concerned for the potential outcomes.

    Discussing the remainder of United’s Premier League campaign, the former defender commented: “Manchester United are absolutely struggling at the moment.”

    He continued:

    “Only Wolves and West Ham separate my club from the relegation places. Do you realise we’re that close?

    “Someone said we need 11 points just to stay up and I’m starting to think like that. I’ve got the fixture list here and I’m looking at the game and I’m being serious here. Go through it.

    “Everton away, Ipswich at home, Arsenal, Forest away, Man City, Newcastle away, Wolves, Brentford, Brighton, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Leicester.

    “The only place I potentially see us getting anything – and I’m not even saying a win – is Leicester. We’ve slapped up Leicester a couple of times already this season so we’ve got their number.

    “Normally you look at the fixture list and you can see where the points are coming from.

    “We just looked at the fixture list and I’m not seeing outright wins, I’m not looking at it thinking there’s three points here and there’s three points there. That’s the problem.”

    It’s long been believed that Premier League clubs need around 40 points to avoid relegation, and with United being 11 points off this only three wins are needed, or a draw in every remaining game.

    However, with sides like Arsenal, third-place Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Chelsea, a clean slate of draws might be hard to come by.

    That said, United are still to face Wolves, West Ham, Leicester and Ipswich, who all lie between them and Southampton at the bottom of the table.

    If United can pull of vital victories against these four, The Red Devils are sure to remain in the top flight next season.

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    Source: Centred Devils