Category: Sports

  • Gary Neville says INEOS ‘need time’ to fix Manchester United mess


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    Gary Neville believes INEOS face a huge challenge in turning things around at Manchester United.

    The former United captain has criticised the Glazer family’s handling of the club since Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill left in 2013.

    United have not won the Premier League since, with poor decision-making leading to their current struggles.

    Neville, speaking to The Mail, described the last decade as “horrific” from a management perspective.

    “The succession planning [is to blame for United’s plight],” he said.

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    “When I think about it from a business perspective, what happened post-Sir Alex and David Gill was horrific.

    “One hundred per cent it falls upon the owners in the Glazer family.”

    He also questioned how the club allowed things to spiral out of control behind the scenes.

    “The last 10 years – to run a football club without a football department is just absolutely bizarre.

    “How that could not be seen either by the Glazer family or by the executive that was in place is madness.

    “When I left, 500-600 people were working at United. That went to 1,200.

    “How has that happened?”

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    A year ago, Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a minority stake in United and took full control of sporting operations.

    Ratcliffe made it clear he would raise standards and called out things he believed were not at the “required level.”

    However, many of his decisions have left fans frustrated.

    His arrival has seen significant cost-cutting, including making staff redundant.

    While high-earning players like Casemiro on £250k+ per week, rarely feature.

    He also removed Sir Alex Ferguson from his club ambassador role, a move which did not sit well with supporters.

    Neville says INEOS must be given time

    Despite concerns over early decisions, Gary Neville believes INEOS need time to make their mark.

    “When they came in, my preference would have been for a complete takeover and for the Glazer family to leave,” he said.

    “And it still would be because ultimately they’ve run their course.

    “But at least there’s been disruption.”

    “You’ve got to give INEOS three or four years to try and work out what the hell’s going on.

    “Six months in, they’ve found it bloody hard. It’s an oil tanker.

    “Until you’re in there, you can’t understand the scale of United and the enormity of everything.”

    Neville pointed to decisions like keeping Erik ten Hag and the departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth as signs of growing pains.

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    “They’re obviously finding it bloody tough,” he admitted.

    “There’s no doubt that there’s been turbulence and wrong decisions made.

    “The club needs a shake.

    “There’s a lot of things that need changing.”

    Still, he acknowledged the level of transformation in just six months.

    “To be fair, there’s a new CEO, new sporting director, new technical director, new CFO.

    “You’ve got complete and utter transformation in six months.”

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Saudi Arabia confirms alcohol ban for 2034 World Cup

    Saudi Arabia ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, has confirmed that alcohol will not be available at any venue during the 2034 FIFA World Cup, including hotels.

    Speaking in an interview with LBC, Prince Khalid emphasized that the decision aligns with the country’s cultural values.

    “At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol. Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol—it’s not 100% necessary. If you want to drink after you leave, you’re welcome to, but at the moment, we don’t have alcohol.”

    When asked whether fans could drink in hotel bars, as was the case during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he was firm in his response:

    “No, there is no alcohol at all. Rather like our weather, it’s a dry country.”

    Saudi Arabia, a strictly Islamic nation, has laws that prohibit the sale and consumption of alcohol. While Qatar allowed alcohol in designated fan zones and hotel bars during the last World Cup, Saudi Arabia has opted for a stricter policy.

    READ MORE:Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle brings in Nigerian Legends to revive World Cup hopes

    Prince Khalid stated that the country is open to welcoming visitors but will not compromise on its cultural identity.

    “Everyone has their own culture. We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture, but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.”

    Another significant concern surrounding Saudi Arabia’s World Cup hosting is its human rights record, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex relationships are illegal, and transgender identities are not recognized in the country.

    Despite this, Prince Khalid assured that everyone would be welcome at the tournament.

    “It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event, and to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”

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    However, human rights organizations remain skeptical. Amnesty International has warned that hosting the tournament in Saudi Arabia could lead to severe and widespread human rights violations, citing concerns over sportswashing—a strategy where nations invest heavily in sports to improve their international image despite ongoing human rights issues.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Sir Alex Ferguson set to return to dugout


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    Sir Alex Ferguson is set for a return to the touchline next month after being invited to a farewell match.

    The legendary Manchester United manager retired in 2013 after 26 years in charge.

    During his tenure, he won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, and several other major trophies.

    Since retiring, Ferguson has made occasional dugout appearances for special matches.

    He managed in United’s treble reunion game in 2019 and Michael Carrick’s testimonial.

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    Now, the 83-year-old will return once again for Giuseppe Rossi’s farewell match in Florence.

    Ferguson handed Rossi his professional debut after signing him from Parma as a teenager.

    Although Rossi only made a handful of United appearances, he remains close to Ferguson.

    The former striker revealed Ferguson accepted his invitation without hesitation.

    “He [Ferguson] will be there as a coach too,” Rossi told TuttoMercatoWeb, as per Football Italia.

    “He was my first coach, I signed [for United] when I was 17.”

    “I only spent three years with him and played little, but he immediately said yes, which shows the kind of person he is.”

    “I didn’t do much at United, but he treats me like a Ronaldo, who has scored 1,000 goals.”

    Rossi is best known for his time at Villarreal and Fiorentina, also earning 30 caps for Italy.

    His farewell match will feature former Fiorentina stars like Luca Toni and Gabriel Batistuta.

    “It will be a wonderful evening, a celebration for Florence and Fiorentina fans as well,” Rossi added.

    “Florence is like a second home for me—every time I come back, I feel great.”

    “We had amazing moments, both at the stadium and beyond.”

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    “Even though it was ‘only’ three years, they were very intense, with memories that will go down in history.”

    Rossi retired in 2023 after brief stints in Serie B with SPAL.

    Reflecting on his career, he spoke about his battles with injuries.

    “My journey is unique. A lot of ups but also some downs.”

    “Those down moments (mostly injuries) never defined me.”

    “My purpose was stronger than any obstacle that was in front of me.”

    “I never stopped dreaming when things I couldn’t control got in my way.”

    “I love the game so much that I could’ve never given up.”

    “That is why I’m writing this with a heavy heart but a big smile on my face—I’m proud of what I accomplished!”

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Barcelona set to beat Manchester United to 29-year-old defender


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    Manchester United will need to strengthen at centre-back under Ruben Amorim.

    Especially if Lisandro Martinez’s injury troubles persist.

    The 3-4-3 system further emphasises need for reliable centre-backs.

    Therefore, the need for depth in that position is key.

    Moreso, if United are to really improve over the short and long-term.

    Harry Maguire’s future is also uncertain, leaving long-term options looking bleak.

    As things currently stand, only Leny Yoro and potentially Matthijs de Ligt look set to be mainstays.

    United have been linked with a move for Jonathan Tah.

    The 29-year-old often features as centre-back for Bayer Leverkusen.

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    Mundo Deportivo reports that the defender is now set to move on a free.

    Jonathan Tah proved to be instrumental in Leverkusen’s unbeaten title-winning campaign.

    He took them to the Europa League final, showcasing his defensive quality.

    United and Chelsea had shown interest according to CaughtOffside.

    Tah has however, chose to join Barca.

    Barcelona’s financial issues are well known, making a free transfer a smart move for them.

    The 29-year-old brings experience and defensive stability, making him a valuable addition.

    Chelsea were also keeping an eye on Tah, having seen Thiago Silva depart last summer.

    The Blues have been struggling defensively, with some centre-backs failing to convince.

    United, meanwhile, look to rebuild smartly under Ruben Amorim.

    The club lacks reliable defensive depth.

    Maguire and De Ligt have not fully been convincing.

    Missing out on Tah is quite simply a setback.

    He would’ve provided much needed stability and composure at the back.

    Moreso, considering injuries to current centre-backs.

    Jonny Evans has often been coming into the fold.

    United must ensure they look to strike the right balance.

    Young players coming into the side need the right guidance around them.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • NPFL adjusts matchday 24 fixtures as title race heats up

    The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) board has rescheduled Matchday 24 fixtures for the 2024/2025 season, this was confirmed in an official letter sent to clubs, signed by the league’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi.

    The fixture between Nasarawa United and Ikorodu City FC has been moved to Saturday, 15th February 2025, at the Lafia City Stadium, with kickoff set for 4:00 PM. Also, Kano Pillars will face Abia Warriors on the same day at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, kicking off at 3:00 PM.

    Other matches scheduled for Saturday, 15th February 2025, include Kwara United vs Bayelsa United, Plateau United vs El-Kanemi Warriors, Lobi Stars vs Katsina United, Enyimba FC vs Rivers United, and Sunshine Stars vs Akwa United.

    On Sunday, 16th February 2025, Rangers International will host table-toppers Remo Stars in Enugu at 3:00 PM, marking the standout fixture of the matchday. Also on Sunday, Heartland FC will take on Shooting Stars, while Bendel Insurance will face Niger Tornadoes.

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    Meanwhile Shooting Stars’ impressive eight-game unbeaten streak in the NPFL, which lasted 78 calendar days, came to an end on Wednesday as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Kwara United at the Kwara Sports Complex in Ilorin.

    Kabiru Muhammed opened the scoring for the hosts in the 22nd minute, before Ojifinni Abdullahi doubled the lead just three minutes later. Despite the setback, Shooting Stars remain second on the NPFL table, though they now trail league leaders Remo Stars by eight points.

    READ MORE:Saudi Arabia confirms alcohol ban for 2034 World Cup

    At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Bendel Insurance secured a 1-0 victory over Enyimba, extending the visitors’ poor run of form. Enyimba have now won just two of their last 10 NPFL matches (W2 D4 L4), leaving their title ambitions in doubt.

    Their latest setback was compounded by a 21st-minute red card to Innocent Gabriel, who was sent off for a reckless challenge on Kayode Oke. The hosts made the numerical advantage count, with Oke scoring the winning goal 10 minutes into the second half.

    At the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano Pillars finally ended their four-game winless run with a dramatic 2-1 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Manchester United wonderkid requests name change


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    Manchester United have an absolute wealth of talent in their young ranks, with some having worked their way through the academy, and some joining this year.

    The Under-18s side particularly have had an incredible season, having gone 13 games undefeated, even grabbing results like 9-0 against Blackburn Rovers, 8-0 against Leeds United and 6-0 against Nottingham Forest.

    The squad already boasted talent like James Scanlon, Shea Lacey and Gabriele Biancheri, however youngsters like Bendito Mantato, Godwill Kukonki and Amir Ibragimov have joined their ranks from younger age brackets this season.

    On top of these additions, players like Chido Obi-Martin, Samuel Lusale and James Overy have brought in even more strength to the squad from other clubs.

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    Manchester United advance in cup thanks to Chido Obi and James Scanlon

    Chido-Obi Martin Chido Obi Manchester United
    Image Credits: Getty Images

    On Wednesday the Under-18s side booked their slot in the next round of the FA Youth Cup with a 5-1 win over Chelsea.

    The Red Devils had a James Scanlon brace and a Chido Obi-Martin hattrick to thank for their victory, however United have now released news about their hattrick hero.

    Steven Railston has confirmed that his name is in fact “Chido Obi” with “Martin” being his middle name which he has now asked to be dropped.

    Obi is a tremendously exciting young striker, giving hope to United fans who are hoping to see a prolific goalscorer grace Old Trafford once more amid consistency issues with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Key Tottenham star to miss Manchester United game


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    This weekend sees 13th-place Manchester United travel to London to take on 14th-place Tottenham Hotspur.

    The pair only have two points between them, with a Spurs victory seeing United drop to at least 14th.

    As such, it’s vital for Ruben Amorim to win. Depending on other results, the three points could catapult them to 11th.

    However, the Portuguese manager will be going into battle once more without key centre-back Lisandro Martinez.

    The defender tore his ACL at the start of the month against Crystal Palace, being stretchered off the pitch in the 82nd minute.

    However, one positive for Amorim is that his counterpart, Ange Postecoglou, is also without one of his key defenders, with Micky van de Ven also ruled out.

    The Daily Mail has reported that van de Ven is expected to miss the clash with ongoing worries surrounding issues with his hamstring.

    The 23-year-old has missed a total of 15 Premier League matches already this season through injury, having only played one league fixture since the start of November due to his hamstring.

    Van de Ven made his return to the pitch on 30th January 2025 in the Europa League as Tottenham beat Elfsborg 3-0.

    However, due to fitness and his recovery from injury, the defender has missed three games since then, including a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in the FA Cup, a 4-0 loss to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, and a 2-0 win over Brentford in the Premier League.

    Postecoglou will be hoping that van de Ven can return from injury and gain full fitness soon, with his job currently hanging in the balance.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • NWFL Matchday 5: Edo Queens, Remo Ladies shine as Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens draw in South-South derby

    The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Round 5 delivered thrilling action, with Edo Queens and Remo Stars Ladies maintaining their stronghold, while Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens battled to a dramatic stalemate in the South-South derby.

    The highly anticipated derby saw the Jewels of Rivers draw first blood in the 10th minute, as Peace Effiong struck early to send the home fans into celebration. However, Zainab Olapade responded 17 minutes later, ensuring Bayelsa Queens left Port Harcourt with a share of the spoils.

    Meanwhile, Remo Stars Ladies continued their blistering form with a commanding 2-0 win over Abia Angels. Bolaji Olamide stole the show, scoring a brilliant brace in the 33rd and 85th minutes, solidifying her team’s dominance.

    In Lagos, Robo Queens edged a tense battle against Ibom Angels, securing a 2-1 victory. The breakthrough came in the 68th minute when Mariam Yahaya fired her side ahead. The visitors’ woes deepened 10 minutes later when Godsgift Afigbediotor turned the ball into her own net.

    READ MORE:NPFL adjusts matchday 24 fixtures as title race heats up

    However, Ugobest Osuji pulled one back for Ibom Angels six minutes from time, but it was merely a consolation as Robo Queens held on for all three points.

    Elsewhere, Ekiti Queens, Edo Queens, and Adamawa Queens also bagged crucial victories, while Heartland Queens and Dannaz Ladies played out a goalless draw in Owerri.

    NWFL Matchday 5 Results:

    • FC Robo Queens 2-1 Ibom Angels
    • Ekiti Queens 2-0 Confluence Queens
    • Adamawa Queens 2-0 Benue Queens
    • Naija Ratels 1-1 Delta Queens
    • Remo Stars Ladies 2-0 Abia Angels
    • Heartland Queens 0-0 Dannaz Ladies
    • Rivers Angels 1-1 Bayelsa Queens
    • Edo Queens 2-0 Nasarawa Amazons

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    With matchday 5 wrapped up, Edo Queens and Remo Stars Ladies remain strong contenders, while Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens will look to bounce back in the next round.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Huge update on Lisandro Martinez injury provided


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    Lisandro Martinez is looking at a long road to recovery having been less than two weeks since being stretchered off the pitch at Old Trafford.

    Martinez sustained an injury to his knee against Crystal Palace, with the Argentine crying as he was carried off the pitch.

    Later tests confirmed that the 27-year-old had torn his ACL, with the decision being made for Martinez to undergo surgery to better his recovery.

    Now, The Daily Mail has confirmed that Martinez has already undergone the surgery which took place in London on Thursday 13th February 2025.

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    Lisandro Martinez undergoes surgery for torn ACL

    Martinez was accompanied by club officials as he travelled for the operation, with initial indications suggesting the surgery was a success.

    However, this is only the beginning of his road to recovery, with timescales for a full recovery being anywhere between six months to a year.

    Whilst this rules out Martinez for the rest of the season, if things go well we could see him return in the pre-season, ready for the 2025/26 campaigns.

    Ruben Amorim will need to be turning to his younger centre-backs now to fill the void left by Martinez’s injury, with the likes of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven being given the chance to make their mark in his absence.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Terem Moffi returns to OGC Nice training after 247 days

    Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi has taken a major step in his recovery from a serious ACL injury, returning to first-team training with OGC Nice after spending 247 days on the side-lines.

    The 25-year-old forward has been out of action since pre-season, missing the entire 2024/25 Ligue 1 campaign so far. However, on Wednesday, he re-joined his teammates at Nice’s training ground, participating in a session that was open to the public.

    Moffi’s return was confirmed by L’Équipe journalist Romain Lafont, who reported that the Nigerian international took part in warm-up drills and passing exercises before concluding with an individual workout under the supervision of club staff. Around 200 fans watched as he cautiously reintroduced himself to group activities.

    The former Lorient striker last played for Nice on May 19, 2024, in a 2-2 draw against Lille. His last appearance for Nigeria came in a World Cup qualifier on June 10, where he featured in the Super Eagles’ 2-1 loss to Benin Republic. Initially expected to return during pre-season, Moffi’s comeback was delayed by a devastating ACL rupture in late July, keeping him sidelined for over eight months.

    READ MORE:NWFL Matchday 5: Edo Queens, Remo Ladies shine as Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens draw in South-South derby

    Moffi was a key figure for Nice last season, scoring 11 goals and providing two assists in 30 Ligue 1 appearances. Since arriving from Lorient in 2023, he has been one of the club’s most reliable attacking threats, netting 51 goals in 133 Ligue 1 matches.

    Source: The Athletic NG