Paradise News

Category: Sports

  • Manchester United identify key striker as summer signing


    IMage credits: getty Images

    It’s widely known that Manchester United are struggling in attack due to their lack of a prolific striker this season.

    Ruben Amorim only has Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee at his disposal who have a poor combined goal tally of 12 this season.

    Neither striker is consistent in front of goal, which is essential in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, relying on a solo striker.

    As such, United’s recruitment team have been souring Europe to find a clinical finisher to bring some much-needed firepower to Old Trafford.

    Now, Give Me Sport has reported that United are continuing their interest in winter target Victor Osimhen.

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    Manchester United plan on signing Victor Osimhen this summer

    Victor Osimhen
    Image Credits: Getty Images

    United were hoping to pull off a move for Victor Osimhen in the winter, with the Napoli striker currently on loan with Galatasaray.

    Osimhen has been on top form for the Turkish side, with 17 goals and five assists in 23 games this season.

    The Nigerian striker will be returning to the Serie A club at the end of the season, with Antonio Conte not seeing the attacker in his long-term plans.

    As such, United are looking to hold negotiations with Napoli, despite an awareness of his price tag.

    Osimhen has a release clause of £63 million in play this summer, with his current wages also set to be a strain on United’s salary budget, having yet to permanently offload high earners Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.

    With the sheer financial pressures at Old Trafford, it’s hard to see how The Red Devils could make this move possible without making sales, however something needs to happen to make Amorim’s side more consistent in attack.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Flying Eagles of Nigeria land in ‘Group of Death’ for U20 AFCON

    Flying Eagles of Nigeria have been drawn into a daunting group at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations(AFCON), as they will battle Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco in what has been labelled the “Group of Death.”

    The draw, conducted at the CAF headquarters in Egypt on Thursday, placed the seven-time champions in Group B of the tournament, which will be hosted in Côte d’Ivoire from April 26 to May 18.

    Flying Eagles, who finished third at the last edition in Egypt, will need a strong start to navigate a challenging group. They defeated host nation Egypt 1-0 in the group stage two years ago and will aim for another successful outing.

    Former Malian international Adama Coulibaly, who assisted in conducting the draw, admitted that Nigeria’s group will be the toughest.

    “There is no doubt that the toughest group is Group B, which has Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco,” Coulibaly said.

    In other U20 AFCON groupings, hosts Côte d’Ivoire will face DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and a yet-to-be-determined Central African representative in Group A. Defending champions Senegal will lead Group C alongside Zambia and first-time participants Kenya and Sierra Leone.

    READ MORE:Terem Moffi returns to OGC Nice training after 247 days

    The U20 AFCON format will see the top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed finishers, advance to the quarter-finals.

    Full U20 AFCON 2025 Group Stage Draw

    Group A:Côte d’Ivoire, UNNIFAC (Central Africa representative), DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania
    Group B:Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco
    Group C:Senegal, Zambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone

    Meanwhile, earlier in the week Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu had selected 30 players, a mix of home-based talents for a two-match friendly tour against Egypt’s U20 team later this month. Some of the notable names in the squad include Sporting Lagos goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt, Bayelsa United defender Daniel Bameyi, El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Alabi Sulaiman Jojo, and Enyimba forward Clinton Japhet.

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    The seven-time African champions will take on Egypt in back-to-back friendly matches scheduled for February 25 and 27 in Cairo. These matches will serve as key preparatory fixtures ahead of the continental tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, where Nigeria will aim to secure an eighth U20 AFCON title.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Sir Jim Ratcliffe stands by latest staff redundancy plan


    Image Credits: getty Images

    Sir Jim Ratcliffe has inherited a financial mess at Manchester United, as the INEOS owner is set to make yet another difficult decision.

    A year on from his purchase of 27.7% of United, Ratcliffe has come under massive scruitiny for several financial changes the club have made.

    Cuts to the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association, axing Sir Alex Ferguson as global ambassador and 250 redundancies are just a highlight reel of the decisions made so far.

    It’s recently been reported that the redundancies are set to continue with a further 200 jobs set for the cut, bring down the 1112 members of staff that Ratcliff inherited down by 40% in a year.

    To compare this high number of staff to another top English club however highlights the extent of United’s staffing, with Manchester City only having 560 employees when Ratcliffe came into post.

    Now, The Guardian has reported that Ratcliffe feels his decision for further cuts is essential to avoid the club going bust.

    It’s understood the INEOS owner feels he has little choice but to take hard measures, with the club experience a loss of £300 million over the last three years from poor financial management.

    Insiders close to the club have revealed that without Ratcliffe’s injection of £240 million, the club would have gone bust last year, with the projections predicting the club being profitable on the back of Ratcliffe’s interventions.

    This prediction suggests that despite the controversy and discomfort now, the club can be highly competitive once more in as soon as two years time.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Manchester United hero rips into struggling Rasmus Hojlund


    Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES

    Manchester United have struggled badly in attack this season, with poor chance creation and a lack of goals.

    The Red Devils sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table, and fans have voiced frustration at underperforming players.

    One of the main targets of criticism has been Rasmus Hojlund.

    The £72 million striker has failed to deliver in his second season at Old Trafford.

    Now, former United defender Paul Parker has ripped into the Danish striker and questioned his development.

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    Speaking to Instant Casino, Parker said: “Rasmus Hojlund’s contribution to the team recently hasn’t been very good.

    “I think it’s the worst it’s ever been.

    “He just looks afraid to make mistakes and isn’t playing with any belief in his own ability.

    “He looks scared to touch the ball now because he’s worried about which way it’s going to go.

    “He’s not thinking about which way his passes are going before he gets it.

    “He’s clearly not in a very good place at this moment in time.

    “I’m not sure how Ruben Amorim best works with it between now and the end of the season.

    “The striker position at the club has been an issue for a while now.

    “I don’t see it getting better anytime soon.”

    Rasmus Hojlund has scored just two Premier League goals this season and has recently lost his starting spot.

    Joshua Zirkzee has been preferred in several games.

    Amorim even deployed Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine against Crystal Palace.

    Parker also criticised United’s lack of signings in the January transfer window.

    Particularly their failure to add attacking reinforcements.

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    “I was very disappointed with United’s business in January,” he added.

    “Personally, I was expecting at least two players through the door.

    “I thought it was going to be the club’s saving grace this season, to be honest!

    “The squad needed some players with energy and pace.

    “So that Ruben Amorim could at least match most teams in the Premier League.

    “But he only got Patrick Dorgu in the end.

    “Even Tottenham have gone and brought in another attacking player in Mathys Tel.

    “He looked like one of their best players against Aston Villa on Sunday.

    “He had some good movement, brought some energy and scored a good goal.

    “He’s exactly what United need in their attacking positions at the moment.”

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Boost for Super Eagles as Ademola Lookman edges closer to return

    The Super Eagles have received a major boost ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifiers, with Ademola Lookman nearing a return from injury.

    Lookman sustained an injury during Atalanta’s Serie A clash against Napoli in January and aggravated it during training before their Champions League tie against Barcelona.

    This forced him to miss several key fixtures, including matches against Barcelona, Torino, Bologna, and Verona. Despite returning to light training, Atalanta has yet to confirm his exact comeback date.

    With Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying hopes on the line, Chelle is eager to have Lookman available for the crucial fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.

    READ MORE:Chisom Egbuchulam shines again as Al-Jandal cruise to victory in Saudi League

    According to Guardian Nigeria, the coach is closely monitoring the forward’s recovery and is optimistic about his return.

    Lookman has been a key player for the Super Eagles, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 27 appearances. His performance at AFCON 2023, where he scored three goals and registered an assist, was instrumental in Nigeria’s run to the final.

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    Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini recently addressed Lookman’s availability for their Champions League playoff against Club Brugge, admitting uncertainty about his return.

    “Lookman had a rather annoying bruise that he’s been carrying since the Napoli game. We’ll see in the next few days if he’ll be available for Wednesday,” Gasperini told Tutto Atalanta.

    After a shaky start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, the Super Eagles are in dire need of Lookman’s attacking presence. With camp opening in March, his return would be a massive boost for the team.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Manchester United transfer target set to be on the move


    Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES

    Manchester United are expected to sign a centre-back in the summer due to Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

    The formation demands three reliable centre-backs, but United’s current options are uncertain.

    Harry Maguire could still be on the move, while Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are set to leave.

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    Leny Yoro appears to be the only stable long-term option if he avoids Lisandro Martinez’s injury struggles.

    Now, RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba has emerged as a potential solution.

    Sport Bild (as relayed by GGFN) reports that Lukeba could be Leipzig’s next big sale if they miss out on the Champions League.

    The Frenchman is planning a summer transfer and will activate his €90m release clause.

    Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United have all been linked with a move.

    However, his next club remains uncertain at this stage.

    Lukeba has struggled with injuries this season, missing 11 games due to a hamstring issue.

    He has only recently returned and is still building up his match fitness.

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    If he leaves, he would become Leipzig’s joint most expensive sale, matching Josko Gvardiol’s €90m move to Man City.

    Importantly, Castello Lukeba is left-footed, making him an ideal option for the left centre-back role at United.

    The Red Devils must make sure they look to strike the right balance between experience and top class experience.

    Clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal have shown over the years that a competing squad requires a mix of both.

    Too much reliance on young players can hinder the environment in which they develop in.

    Ruben Amorim will be well aware of how a title competing squad should look, but there is a lot of work to be done.

    The summer window may well be make or break, with section of fanbase already losing hope in Amorim.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Manchester United show signs of tactical recruitment


    Image Credits: Getty Images

    Manchester United are once more going through a squad overhaul in a bid to build a new squad for Ruben Amorim to turn the tides on the current landscape of the club.

    This is a feat the Portuguese manager achieved at Sporting Lisbon, helping the club win their first Liga Portugal title in 19 years, and now Sir Jim Ratcliffe is hoping he can do the same at Old Trafford.

    INEOS have now launched “Mission 21” led by Sir Dave Brailsford, aiming to win the club’s 21st Premier League title in the next three years before the club’s 150th anniversary.

    With United’s last Premier League title coming in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final year in charge in 2013, their 21st title is a long time coming.

    Brailsford is focusing heavily on the performance side of the club, however, there have already been some signs of a shift in the club’s recruitment strategy.

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    Manchester United recruitment shows statistical backing

    The Athletic has recently highlighted a tell-tale sign of improvement in the recent transfer windows which might have been overlooked by most.

    Whilst United have been accused of impulse buying over recent years, with £600 million being spent under Erik ten Hag’s regime, more of a tactical rationale is now being revealed.

    It comes from United’s own reveal statements for two of their two key signings.

    When United unveiled the signing of Manuel Ugarte from PSG in the summer, the announcement highlighted that over the previous two season he “averaged the second highest number of tackles per 90 minutes in Europe’s major leagues”.

    Then, with United’s recent signing of Patrick Dorgu, another stat accompanied the announcement highlighting in Serie A he “won the second-most ground duels” and “attempted the fourth most take-ons of any defender”.

    These insights are subtle and ease to overlook, however it demonstrated the type of data that is justifying the interest from the recruitment team.

    However, with the department having been publicly criticised by Ratcliffe, it’s no surprise they are looking to prove their worth.

    Speaking with United We Stand back in December, Ratcliffe commented: “We must have the best recruitment in the world. Data analysis comes alongside recruitment.”

    He continued: “It doesn’t really exist here. We’re still in the last century on data analysis.”

    However, the comments and claims of the department being “mediocre” could be argued as unfair given that the department was in a state of flux following the departure of director of data science Dominic Jordan, with him still yet to be replaced.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Manchester United loanee suffers nightmare start at new club


    Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES

    Manchester United chiefs are keeping a close eye on development of Dan Gore.

    The youngster secured a January loan move to Rotherham United in League One.

    The decision was made after careful consideration of the best club for his progress.

    At first, everything seemed to be going to plan.

    The 20-year-old assisted a goal on his debut in a 2-1 defeat to Birmingham.

    But since then, things have taken an unexpected turn.

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    Dan Gore was absent for Rotherham’s weekend clash against Shrewsbury Town.

    It was initially suggested that a slight foot injury was the reason.

    However, Rotherham boss Steve Evans is not convinced.

    Speaking about Gore’s absence, he expressed his confusion.

    “He worked for two days in the team and went home from training on Friday feeling good,” Evans said.

    “I got a call from the medical staff to say that he’d woken up with his foot really sore.

    “I’ll pick up more of it tonight and tomorrow.

    “It’s unbelievable. We didn’t do enough in training for him to have a sore nose let alone a sore foot.

    “Until I hear more from the medical staff as to how it’s happened and why it’s happened then it’s … maybe God will tell me when I go to sleep tonight.”

    According to Mail Online, United officials are now closely monitoring the situation.

    This is not the first time Gore’s loan spell has been frustrating.

    He joined Port Vale on loan last January but made just one appearance before suffering an injury.

    Former United manager Erik ten Hag was previously firm on Gore’s pathway.

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    After handing him his debut, he insisted the youngster needed to keep earning his place.

    He said: “It’s a good birthday for him [Gore], but I’m not a coach who gives opportunities to players [for no reason].

    “They have to earn it. Once they earn it, they have their chance.

    “They have to earn it every day in training.

    “I don’t hand opportunities to young players.

    “They must consistently prove their worth in training because if they don’t, it can affect the team.

    “We are very critical. They have to deserve it every day in training.

    “And when the standards are too low, they will hurt from us and we don’t play them because they have to train every day to the maximum.”

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Manchester United competing with noisy neighbours for Real Madrid star


    Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES

    Manchester United have struggled massively in chance creation and conversion this season.

    Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have lacked consistency in front of goal, while departures of Antony and Marcus Rashford have left an obvious gap in the squad.

    Section of the fanbase are desperate for a proven attacker rather than another unpolished prospect.

    A balance must be struck between youth and top-level experience as United rebuild under Ruben Amorim.

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    According to Jorge C Picon, United are among the clubs interested in Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

    The 24-year-old has long been admired by Manchester City, who even submitted an official offer for him last year.

    However, Rodrygo rejected the move and stayed at the Santiago Bernabeu.

    Despite this, City have continued monitoring his progress, and United have now joined a long list of suitors.

    Saudi Arabia also remains interested and could return with a massive financial package in the summer.

    Pep Guardiola was the main driving force behind City’s approach last year.

    The Spanish coach is a huge admirer of the Brazilian and even made efforts to speak with him in mixed zones and near dressing rooms during last season’s Champions League quarterfinals.

    But neither Guardiola’s admiration nor a concrete offer convinced Rodrygo to leave Real Madrid.

    For United, the Brazilian would be an ideal signing.

    He has proven to be a clinical attacker, capable of playing anywhere across the frontline, and would bring experience at the highest level.

    However, any move for Rodrygo seems highly unlikely.

    The forward has always prioritised playing for Madrid, and he would only consider leaving for a club in the Champions League.

    With United likely set to miss out on Europe’s top competition for at least the next two seasons, the chances of securing his signature appear very slim.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Onigbinde warns Eric Chelle: Managing Nigeria’s Talent key to World Cup hopes

    Former Super Eagles coach Chief Adeboye Onigbinde has urged newly appointed Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle to properly manage the nation’s wealth of footballing talent if he hopes to succeed.

    Despite boasting some of Africa’s finest footballers, Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign has been disappointing.

    The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in Group C, behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho, with only the group winner earning automatic qualification.

    Nigeria’s squad features Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi (England), Victor Boniface and Gift Orban (Germany), Chuba Akpom and Moses Simon (France), Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman (Italy), along with several other top talents across Europe.

    However, results have not matched expectations, leaving Chelle with a tough challenge to turn things around.

    Chelle’s Task: Rebuilding the Super Eagles

    Following a period of instability under Finidi George and Augustine Eguavoen, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has placed its trust in Chelle to guide the Super Eagles to their first World Cup since 2018.

    READ MORE:Flying Eagles ranked among top teams for 2025 U-20 AFCON

    To achieve this, Chelle has already met with key players in Europe, including Iwobi, Ndidi, and Simon, in a bid to build a stronger, more cohesive team. He is also reportedly looking to introduce fresh talents from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

    Chelle will hope to kick off his Super Eagles reign with a win.

    Onigbinde’s Advice: Talent Alone Won’t Guarantee Success

    Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 1984 AFCON final and guided Shooting Stars to the 1994 CAF Champions League final, acknowledges that Nigeria possesses world-class players but warns that proper management will determine success.

    “It depends on how you look at it,” Onigbinde told Complete Sports.

    “If you consider Nigeria’s natural footballing talent, then there’s no reason we shouldn’t be beating Rwanda and every other team in our group.

    “Nigeria has the players to be one of the best teams in the world. But the real question is, how do we manage these talents?”

    Festus Onigbinde warns Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle to properly manage the nation’s wealth of footballing talent if he hopes to succeed.

    LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – MARCH 26: LAENDERSPIEL 2002, London; NIGERIA – PARAGUAY (NGA – PAR) 1:1; TRAINER Festus ONIGBINDE/NGA (Photo by Bongarts/Getty Images)

    Nigeria’s Road to the World Cup

    The Super Eagles’ qualification campaign resumes in March with crucial fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. They will then face Rwanda again in August, before a potentially decisive away clash against South Africa in September.

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    With South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin leading Group C on seven points, while Nigeria sits at just three points, Chelle must quickly find a winning formula to keep Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive.

    Source: The Athletic NG