The future of Manchester United was laid bare this week, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co outlining ambitious plans to build a brand new stadium in the next few years, as part of a total regeneration project in the Old Trafford area.

As revealed on Tuesday, the ownership regime are intent on entering a new permanent home ahead of the 2030/31 campaign, with club CEO Omar Berrada expressing his desire to still have Ruben Amorim in charge for that milestone moment.

In the days of identikit stadia, INEOS – and renowned architect Norman Foster – have taken a bold approach with their futuristic design, with The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell notably quipping that it certainly “looks nothing like Old Trafford”.

Mock-up images of the 100k seater arena have brought a mixed sense of excitement and sadness, it must be said, with there now potentially just a matter of years left in a stadium that has been central to so much success and history since it opened back in 1910.

As legendary manager, Sir Alex Ferguson has stated, however, even though “Old Trafford holds so many special memories”, the Red Devils “must be brave + seize this opportunity to build a new home”.

It is a case of out with the old and in with the new, it would seem, with interest already turning to how the playing squad could look in five years’ time.

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ByStephan Georgiou Mar 11, 2025

If recent evidence is anything to go by, teenage superstar, Chido Obi, could be a central part of the side by that stage…

Man Utd's star of the future, Chido Obi

As noted above, the demolition of Old Trafford will not sit well with everyone. This is a place that has birthed so many heroes, witnessed the likes of Denis Law, Bobby Charlton and George Best. Does new always mean better?

That said, what the new stadium will afford is the chance for another crop of stars to make their mark for the Manchester side, with the hope being that young Obi will be a key figure for the club in the coming years.

Plucked from Arsenal last summer, the Danish youth international arrived with a big reputation having remarkably hit 32 goals in the U18 Premier League last term, with data analyst Ben Mattinson rightly lauding him as a “goal machine” amid his prolific form.

That goalscoring prowess has continued in United’s youth ranks, with the 17-year-old already netting 12 times in just nine U18 appearances, a record that includes seven goals from just three FA Youth Cup outings.

Unsurprisingly, the 6 foot 2 marksman has swiftly been parachuted into Amorim’s first team squad amid the woes of his compatriot, Rasmus Hojlund, with the 22-year-old currently on a run of 20 games without a goal in all competitions.

Following the briefest of cameos away to Tottenham Hotspur, Obi has since enjoyed two far more fruitful outings off the bench against both Everton and Fulham, having come particularly close to netting against the Cottagers, only to be denied by Bernd Leno.

While the former Gunners starlet has not been included in the Europa League squad for the current campaign, the remainder of the Premier League season should provide further opportunities to impress, ahead of becoming a more permanent first-team fixture next term.

Player

Club

Goals

Chido Obi

Man Utd

7

Mason Cotcher

Aston Villa

5

Tom Wingate

Fulham

5

Amin Nabizada

Watford

5

Shumaira Mhueka

Chelsea

4

Finlay Gorman

Man City

4

Emmerson Sutton

QPR

4

Cruz Allen

Derby

4

Matty Warhurst

Man City

4

Should his rampant goalscoring record be replicated at senior level, Obi – who will be 22 in 2030 – could represent a real bargain for the Red Devils. Hopefully, the same will also be true of another teenage sensation, Jack Fletcher.

The Man Utd teen who could shine in the new stadium

It is never easy to predict the rise of an academy talent, with promotion into the first-team never quite running smooth, even if both Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have somewhat bucked that trend after moving from Youth Cup stars to FA Cup heroes in recent years.

As such, it is not certain that the current crop in the youth ranks will be able to force their way into Amorim’s plans, although, in the case of Fletcher, there certainly are high hopes for the 17-year-old.

Son of ex-United star, Darren, the promising midfielder was among the raft of youngsters named on the bench for the defeat of Tottenham Hotspur last month, having caught the eye ever since signing from Manchester City, alongside twin brother Tyler, back in 2023.

Much like Obi, Fletcher has dazzled in the Youth Cup, in particular, with the natural left-footer curling home in stunning fashion on his weaker side against Arsenal at the Emirates a few weeks ago, kickstarting that eventual 3-2 victory.

That eye for a goal was also memorably on show in the EFL Trophy earlier in the campaign, with the England youth international bagging a brace against Barnsley, including an outrageous long-range volley to seal the 3-2 win on the night.

Described as a “marvellous” talent by the Daily Mail’s Nathan Salt, Fletcher would certainly be a worthy inclusion in the senior side moving forward, having showcased a versatility to feature in central midfield, or in an advanced number ten berth.

Options in attack are, it must be said, desperately limited following the loss of Amad to injury, and with Marcus Rashford and Antony shipped out on loan.

Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, is needed in a deeper role, while Christian Eriksen – who is also more of a deep-lying playmaker – is hardly the natural fit for one of those two number ten berths.

As such, it would be no surprise to see Fletcher – who was included in the Europa League ‘A’ list ahead of Obi – handed a senior bow before the season is out.

In The Pipeline

As for the long term, meanwhile, the academy ace – who was dubbed “Cole Palmer in disguise” by teammate Gabriele Biancheri – will hopefully continue his rise at first-team level, with it set to be no surprise if he is one of the stars of the side when life in the new stadium begins in 2030.

Amorim is brewing a bigger talent than Heaven in Man Utd's 17-year-old star

Man Utd have a wealth of Carrington academy talents who Ruben Amorim can call upon…

ByRobbie Walls Mar 11, 2025

A club are believed to have entered negotiations with Rangers over a permanent deal to sign an Ibrox player who has recently been transformed.

Rangers manager and takeover latest

The Gers have had an eventful start to 2025, to say the least. A shock Scottish Cup exit to Queen’s Park was the beginning of the end for Philippe Clement, who was sacked in February after 16 months in charge.

The club decided to bring in former Ibrox captain Barry Ferguson on an interim basis until the end of the season, and the Scot guided Rangers to an impressive 3-1 win in Turkey over Fenerbahce last week.

A place in the Europa League quarter-finals is firmly in Rangers’ grasp as a result, and there is also the ongoing process of a takeover involving a group of US investors.

The 49ers Enterprises have agreed a deal in principle to take charge in Glasgow, with Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe and health insurance tycoon Andrew Cavenagh leading the bid.

They are hoping a deal will be completed ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, and one of their first tasks will be to bring in a new permanent manager.

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Steven Gerrard has been linked with a return to Ibrox, whereas Rafa Benitez is thought to be the preferred target for the 49ers. Russell Martin has also responded to rumours linking him with the Rangers job on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, and whoever comes in ay not be able to work with one specific player going off a recent exit update.

Rangers in talks to sell Cifuentes for less than £3m

Rangers midfielder Jose Cifuentes is currently on loan at Aris Thessaloniki, who have the option to buy the Ecuadorian in the summer for around £3m.

The 26-year-old has made 25 appearances in all competitions over in Greece in 2024/25, but there were rumours he could have returned in January after some early poor performances and turning up late for training towards the end of 2024.

However, as per reports relayed by Herald Scotland, Cifuentes has been transformed under manager Apostolos Mantzios and Aris Thessaloniki want to make his loan move permanent over the coming months.

There is a catch, though, with the club entering negotiations with Rangers to lower the £3m figure. The Scottish giants signed Cifuentes from Los Angeles FC for around £1.2m, so it’ll be interesting to see if the Gers do lower the £3m fee.

Jose Cifuentes’ Rangers stats

Appearances

20

Goals

0

Assists

2

Yellow cards

0

Red cards

1

Minutes played

1,247

A move looks set to be one to watch following this update, but with Cifuentes turning things around in Greece, a permanent exit could make sense for all involved.

With Mohamed Salah’s contract continuing to tick down, Liverpool are reportedly lining up a summer swoop to sign a potential replacement who knows exactly how to win a league title.

Liverpool transfer news

The Egyptian King was once again at the centre of the positives at Anfield against Southampton as Liverpool survived a first-half scare to eventually win 3-1, courtesy of Salah’s two penalties. Now the Reds’ third all-time top goalscorer, it becomes more and more surprising by the day that their history-maker is on course to leave as a free agent this summer.

If his goals weren’t impressive enough, Salah has had something for everyone this season and is closing in on Thierry Henry’s Premier League assists record with 17 to his name – four more are required to beat the Arsenal legend’s long-standing total.

With nine games to do it, the Liverpool star looks destined to create history once again.

However, as Anfield witnesses greatness, that new contract is yet to come, and those on Merseyside have seemingly been forced to think about potential summer replacements, as if truly replacing Salah is even possible.

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According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now lining up a summer swoop to sign Kingsley Coman from Bayern Munich, who value their winger at around €40m (£34m) which is ironically not too dissimilar from the price the Reds paid for Salah in 2017.

Unlike Salah, however, Coman would not be arriving at the peak of his powers. At 28 years old, the Frenchman has struggled for game time ahead of the likes of Michael Olise at Bayern Munich, and if Liverpool want to replace arguably the best player in the world, they need a consistent star.

"Incredible" Coman could receive impossible task

There was once a time when Coman was asked to step out of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben’s shadow to become Bayern’s star player, before doing exactly that.

Now, the Frenchman looks to have been returned to the shadows amid the arrival of Olise, who has stolen the spotlight in style since joining from Crystal Palace.

Having won eight Bundesliga titles and a Champions League during his time in Germany, it could easily be said that Coman has completed life at the Bavarians, making this summer an ideal time to move on.

If that is to be the case, he could receive an even tougher task than the one he was handed all those years ago in Germany. Instead of Robben and Ribery, it could be Salah who he is asked to replace as Liverpool desperately look to ease any potential blow caused by the Egyptian’s expiring contract.

Previously dubbed “incredible” by former manager Hansi Flick, it remains to be seen whether a summer departure would see the Frenchman get back to his best form or whether he’s simply past the peak of his powers.

تحدث سمير كمونة، نجم الأهلي السابق، عن مشاركة الفريق المنتظرة أمام إنتر ميامي الأمريكي، في افتتاح بطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2025، الأسبوع المقبل.

ويستعد الأهلي لمواجهة إنتر ميامي الأمريكي في افتتاح بطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2025، والمقرر لها في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

وتفام مباراة الأهلي وإنتر ميامي الأمريكي في افتتاح بطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2025، في التاسعة مساء يوم 14 يونيو بتوقيت أمريكا – الثالثة صباح يوم 15 يونيو بتوقيت القاهرة.

طالع| أحمد ناجي: الأهلي سيظهر في كأس العالم للأندية مثلما فعل أمام ريال مدريد

ويتواجد الأهلي في مجموعة تضم كلًا من: إنتر ميامي الأمريكي، بورتو البرتغالي وبالميراس البرازيلي.

وقال سمير كمونة، لبرنامج “لعبة والتانية” مع كريم رمزي: “متفائل بتقديم لاعبي الأهلي أداء يليق بالكرة المصرية في كأس العالم للأندية”.

وعن مدرب الأهلي، تابع كمونة: “ريبيرو مدرب ذكي وفاهم والتكشيرة مطلوبة، وواضح إنه مركز زيادة عن اللزوم، لكن يجب عليه أن (يفك شوية)”.

وأضاف: “كنت أتمنى أن يقود ريبيرو الأهلي في آخر مباراتين بالدوري للتعرف أكثر على اللاعبين قبل كأس العالم للأندية”.

وتابع: “طريقة اللعب ستكون مختلفة في مباريات المونديال، ومن الصعب الحكم على ريبيرو من لقاء باتشوكا، والأهلي اصبح يمتلك تخمة في كل المراكز، وأتمنى البدء بجراديشار حال عدم جاهزية وسام أبو علي”.

وعن صفقة الأهلي، أحمد رمضان بيكهام، كشف: “دربت أحمد رمضان بيكهام من قبل في الناشئين، واللاعب استفاد من خروجه معارًا، وهو لاعب موهوب وقادر على تقديم مستويات قوية ويجيد اللعب من الخط الخلفي”.

Australia began the third day on 61 for 1; they were all out for 113 before lunch

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Feb-2023

.12.6 edged, caught behind! Ashwin strikes early. Lovely delivery. Grips from around off stump, brings Head forward, shaves the outside edge into the keeper’s gloves | 65 for 218.6 huge appeal and given lbw! This looks good for Ashwin. Smith misses his sweep and calls the review. Only impact can save him. Well, it has turned a lot. Maybe going down leg? Certainly struck in line. Umpire’s call on leg stump! | 85 for 321.4 got him! Huge moment. This skids through low at the stumps, as in the first Test Labuschagne is caught playing back and has little chance of keeping that out. Takes the toe end | 95 for 422.6 another sweep and another lbw! Another talk between the batters and Renshaw reviews. Looked good live. Hits low down on the front pad. Not bat involved. Did get a good stride in…but it’s smashing middle half way up | 95 for 523.1 and another one goes! This is folding fast. Lovely bowling. Full at middle, takes the edge and is snaffled at slip. Very nice ball | 95 for 623.2 Jadeja strikes immediately after the drinks break. Full and sliding in from left-arm around, as opposed to turning away. Low bounce once again. Cummins still goes for a big sweep but misses the ball altogether. The crashes low into the stumps. Australia are seven down and sinking in Delhi | 95 for 727.1 Carey continues to trust his sweeps and reverse. These are his go-to shots, but this reverse doesn’t come off. Jadeja gets it to bounce over the bat and ping leg stump. Pushed through quicker, no real turn, Carey does not touch the ball. The leg stump is knocked out. Jadeja and India celebrate. Five-wicket haul for Jadeja | 110 for 829.5 Sixth wicket for Jadeja. Lyon slumps to his knees. Wide on the crease, on a length and angling into off, Lyon swings so very hard that he loses his shape and drags it back onto his own stumps | 113 for 931.1 Jadeja finishes Australia off with a seven-wicket haul. He holds the ball aloft and leads India off the field. No.11 Kuhnemann aims for the reverse-sweep, dares to take it from the stumps, but does not get enough bat on ball. He can only guide it back onto his own stumps | 113 for 10

Turning their attention towards the summer, Manchester City have now reportedly joined the race to sign a bargain World Cup winner who could replace Kevin de Bruyne.

Man City transfer news

The Blues weren’t afraid to splash the cash during the January transfer window, welcoming as many as five fresh faces in Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov, Juma Bah and Nico Gonzalez. And they’ll likely approach without fear once again in the summer transfer window as they look to rebuild a side which has been a shadow of its historic best.

Even with victory in their grasp against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League tie, it was Ederson’s turn to endure an out-of-character moment by sending his pass straight back towards the La Liga giants, who instantly profited to level things up before Jude Bellingham netted a late winner. Within the space of 12 minutes, City had gone from leading to taking a 3-2 defeat to the Bernabeu.

With plenty of work to do, Pep Guardiola and those above him at The Etihad look destined to endure a busy summer transfer window which could yet end in the arrival of a World Cup winner.

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City are now entering the race to sign Paulo Dybala, who has a release clause as cheap as €12m (£10m) this summer. The Argentine attacking midfielder, at that price, would be an undeniable bargain and could yet see the Cityzens replace De Bruyne in intelligent fashion.

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As things stand, the Belgian is set to bow out as a free agent at The Etihad at the end of the season, bringing to an end an iconic tenure at the Manchester club. Leaving a gaping hole in the middle of the park, Dybala could quickly emerge to ease any of Manchester City’s concerns.

"Phenomenon" Dybala would be surprising option

If De Bruyne really is to bow out of Manchester City at 33 years old, then Dybala would be a surprising option for the Citizens to turn to. At 31 years old, the Argentine wouldn’t solve Guardiola’s problem for long and instead add another ageing midfielder to a side full of stars at the back end of their peaks.

Even if Dybala is yet to show signs of following in the footsteps of the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, who has struggled this season, City wouldn’t have the chance to enjoy the peak of his powers for long enough to make any deal worthwhile this summer. Instead, they should set their sights on rising stars such as Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.

The AS Roma man could still have a decision to make this summer, however, and could yet bow out as a hero at his own club in the coming months. Once described as a “phenomenon” by Roma legend Francesco Totti, Dybala certainly has plenty of fans in Italy.

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim downplayed the importance of winning the Europa League despite having a dismal Premier League campaign.

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Amorim staring at a season-defining finale in BilbaoBut he's not downplayed its significanceVictory would lead to UCL spotFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Amorim has attempted to temper expectations ahead of the Europa League final in Bilbao, insisting that lifting the trophy would not erase the disappointment of a lacklustre domestic campaign. With United languishing in the lower half of the Premier League table and enduring 18 league defeats this season, the Portuguese coach has consistently argued that success in Europe alone cannot salvage their year.

AdvertisementAFPWHAT AMORIM SAID

Speaking to Amorim said: "You can see the environment is completely different. Even in our context. The week of the preparation for the final, even the matches before the final with Athletic Bilbao, with Lyon, the environment of the club is completely different. When I say that it is not the most important thing for our club, I really mean it. If you win the Europa League at Manchester United, I'm really sorry, it's not a big thing. You need to go for the Premier League and the Champions League, and we are so far away. That is my feeling of course. It is winning a European title, but it is not enough – and I have that feeling all of the time."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Amorim’s sentiments are echoed by his players, with club captain Harry Maguire also acknowledging that winning a European title will not paper over the cracks of a dismal domestic season.

"It wouldn't save the season because I think it's been disappointing," he said. "There's been too many games that we've lost, far too inconsistent. It's been a difficult season. It's been a disappointing season but of course football is about memories, it's about creating memories, it's about winning trophies and we have a great opportunity to win a trophy."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Despite the downplaying of its importance, a Europa League win does hold tangible benefits for United. Most notably, it would guarantee a place in next season’s Champions League, which could be vital for luring new signings as they aim for a massive squad rebuild. The lure of Europe’s premier competition could also offer the squad a psychological lift, showing that even in a difficult year, they were capable of delivering on a major stage.

Manchester United are reportedly hoping to raise £150 million in transfer funds by selling four big-name players this summer.

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• Man Utd lose Europa League final
• Desperately need to sell players
• Hoping to earn £150m from sales

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Telegraph reports that United hope to bring in around £90m ($121.5m) from selling Aston Villa loanee Marcus Rashford, Real Betis loanee Antony, and Chelsea loanee Jadon Sancho. The newspaper adds that the Red Devils are likely to accept an offer of around £60m ($81m) for academy product Alejandro Garnacho, too.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After United lost the Europa League final to Tottenham, meaning they will not qualify for next season's Champions League, Ruben Amorim's side now have to go to plan B. The tens of millions they would have got from the Champions League are no longer available to them, and now transfer exits are a must. Rashford is likely to be sold, Betis are keen on Antony, and Sancho may join Chelsea but the Blues can pay a £5m penalty to nullify the agreement. Garnacho's future is less certain but his apparent spat with Amorim may make an exit more feasible. There is no guarantee they will raise the funds they desire to fund their summer war chest.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The report adds that doubt has been cast about the future of another United academy graduate in Kobbie Mainoo, who has struggled to fit into Amorim's system to date.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Before United can crack on with player sales and signings, they round off a dreadful season on Sunday at home to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

MatériaMais Notícias

Nome que atuava pela equipe Sub-20 do Bahia até o ano passado, Gabriel Xavier foi promovido ao elenco principal nesta temporada e vive um notório momento de ascensão. Presente no segundo tempo de alguns jogos, o zagueiro ainda não havia sido titular até a partida contra o Athletico, pela Copa do Brasil. Com boa atuação defensiva, também esteve entre os onze iniciais no último sábado (18), contra o Guarani.

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>Clubes brasileiros que mais contrataram para a atual janela

Natural de Andradina, cidade no interior de São Paulo Gabriel Xavier teve a oportunidade de jogar com sua família acompanhando no estádio pela primeira vez como profissional pelo fato do embate ter ocorrido em Campinas, também no interior paulista.

Diante do contexto, ele afirma que viveu um momento inesquecível tanto pela presença familiar como pela importância do triunfo fora de casa para as pretensões da equipe:

– O triunfo contra o Guarani foi muito importante, porque vínhamos de dois empates e o resultado positivo fora de casa nos dá mais confiança para continuarmos firmes em busca do nosso objetivo final. Além disso, foi uma noite muito especial para mim, pois foi a minha segunda partida de titular na equipe principal e a primeira vez que a minha família conseguiu me assistir em campo como profissional, então foi um dia inesquecível pra mim.

Diante do resultado positivo diante do Guarani e o tropeço do Vasco na rodada, o Tricolor chegou a 33 pontos e está com apenas um a menos que a equipe carioca, que é a vice-líder da Série B.

O zagueiro exaltou a rapidez com que o elenco comprou as ideias de Enderson Moreira e destaca a importância de aproveitar o apoio da torcida para conquistar mais um triunfo na próxima rodada, desta vez contra o CRB.

– Além da confiança que ganhamos, o resultado tem uma importância na tabela também porque diminuímos a vantagem que o Vasco tinha. Assimilamos muito bem as ideias do professor Enderson, vamos ser um time muito competitivo até o fim do campeonato e queremos brigar pelo título. Agora, temos um confronto difícil contra o CRB, porém temos que aproveitar o apoio da nossa torcida pra conquistar mais um triunfo – finalizou.

After returning to bat, Vihari even hit two boundaries, including one off Avesh Khan

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Feb-2023 • Updated on 02-Feb-2023Hanuma Vihari rekindled memories of his SCG heroics on the second day of Andhra’s Ranji Trophy quarter-final match against Madhya Pradesh in Indore, batting left-handed after fracturing his left forearm* to keep his team’s first innings going.In Sydney, Vihari batted with a torn hamstring to save the Test for India in collaboration with R Ashwin. This time, he returned to bat after having gone off when he fractured his left forearm while trying to fend off an Avesh Khan bouncer. Not just that, when he came back, he batted left-handed, to protect his left arm, which would have faced the bowler had he continued to bat right-handed.Vihari was on 16 off 37 balls when he got hit and had to go for scans, where X-rays revealed a fracture. ESPNcricinfo has learnt that at the time, Vihari was told he would likely have to be out of action for four weeks. The team management decided he would bat only if required.

Do it for the team. Do it for the bunch.
Never give up!!
Thank you everyone for your wishes. Means a lot!! pic.twitter.com/sFPbHxKpnZ

— Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) February 1, 2023