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Exclusive: Newcastle eyeing €40m Manchester United star ahead of potential summer swoop

Manchester United are open to selling Manuel Ugarte this summer, with the midfielder pushing for a move away after struggling to establish himself under the current system.

The 24-year-old, who joined from PSG in 2024 on a deal running until 2029, has endured a frustrating campaign at Old Trafford.

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Ugarte has made just 21 Premier League appearances and has been unable to cement a regular starting role, with sources indicating he is not viewed as a natural fit for the 4-2-3-1 setup.

Sources have informed CaughtOffside that Ugarte’s desire to leave is well known internally.

The Uruguay international had explored the possibility of a loan exit during the January window, but that move was blocked by the club.

However, the situation has evolved, and a permanent departure is now increasingly likely.

Plenty of suitors for Manuel Ugarte as Manchester United set asking price

CaughtOffside sources understand that Juventus are currently leading the race to sign Ugarte, with their interest dating back to his time at Sporting CP.

Sporting director Marco Ottolini has personally tracked the midfielder in recent international fixtures, as the Italian giants step up their plans ahead of the summer window.

A move to Serie A is viewed as a strong possibility, although Juventus’ ability to complete a deal will depend on their Champions League qualification.

Manchester United are believed to value Ugarte at around €40 million, despite his current estimated market value sitting closer to €30 million. His salary, understood to be around €4 million net per year, is not expected to be a stumbling block for interested clubs.

Galatasaray, Newcastle and Aston Villa also monitoring Ugarte situation

Galatasaray have also re-entered the race for Ugarte and are prepared to offer him a prominent role as part of their ambitious Champions League project.

The Turkish giants are willing to guarantee regular playing time, something the midfielder has lacked in Manchester, and that could prove decisive in his final decision.

Elsewhere, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are both monitoring the situation, while Ajax and Sunderland have also been linked. However, those latter options are currently considered less likely.

With multiple clubs circling and Manchester United open to doing business, Ugarte is emerging as one of the key midfield names to watch ahead of what is shaping up to be a busy summer transfer window.

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“Never good news” – Mikel Arteta drops worrying Gabriel Magalhaes injury update after Arsenal shock FA Cup exit

Mikel Arteta has provided a concerning injury update on Gabriel Magalhaes, admitting that the central defender’s forced substitution during Arsenal’s shock FA Cup exit is “never good news.”

The Brazilian mainstay was withdrawn midway through the second half of the Gunners’ 2-1 defeat to Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday.

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Gabriel appeared to be in significant discomfort, clutching his right leg before signaling to the bench that he could no longer continue.

Arteta on Gabriel Magalhaes injury

Speaking in his post-match press conference, a visibly frustrated Arteta could not hide his worry regarding the 28-year-old’s condition.

Gabriel had only recently returned to the side after sitting out the international break with a knee issue, making this latest setback particularly alarming for the Premier League leaders.

Arteta said:

“I think he felt something. I don’t know exactly what it is. We’re going to have to assess him, but obviously, when a player is asking to be substituted, it’s never good news.”

The loss of Gabriel comes at a nightmare time for Arsenal. The defender was seen with ice strapped to his knee following the game, and with a Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP scheduled for Tuesday, the Gunners face the prospect of losing their defensive anchor for the most critical stretch of the season.

Arsenal crash out of second cup in two weeks

The injury served as the final blow on a disastrous afternoon for Arsenal, who have seen their hopes of a historic quadruple evaporate in the space of just fourteen days.

Following their defeat to Manchester City in the League Cup final at Wembley before the international break, the Gunners have now crashed out of another domestic trophy opportunity, leaving the Champions League and the Premier League the only two chances of willing a trophy this season.

Despite taking a second-half lead through Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal collapsed in the closing stages.

Shea Charles’ 85th-minute winner for the second-tier Saints sent the St Mary’s crowd into a frenzy and left the Premier League leaders reeling.

Having fully dominated the league for much of the season, Arteta’s side now faces a sudden “wobble” that threatens to derail their remaining ambitions in both the league and Europe.

 

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Watch: New fan footage shows Dominik Szoboszlai involved in heated altercation with some Liverpool fans

New fan footage has captured a distressing scene at the Etihad Stadium, appearing to show Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai involved in a heated altercation with a section of the traveling supporters following the club’s 4-0 FA Cup exit.

The Hungarian international, who has been one of the few players to receive pass marks during a tumultuous season, seemed to reach a breaking point as the Reds’ domestic cup ambitions were ruthlessly extinguished by Manchester City.

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What happened between Liverpool fans and Dominik Szoboszlai at full-time

The footage, which surfaced on social media shortly after the final whistle, shows Szoboszlai approaching the away end as the players went to acknowledge the fans who had stayed until the end.

While most players offered a despondent applause, the 25-year-old appeared to take exception to comments directed at him from the front rows.

The video shows an animated Szoboszlai gesturing toward a group of supporters before being ushered away by teammate Federico Chiesa.

While the exact dialogue remains unclear, it appeared that Szoboszlai was not happy that the fans were not applauding the players’ efforts.

pic.twitter.com/hWbhBWwztV

— • (@GeronimoMCI) April 4, 2026

Things are falling apart at Liverpool

The confrontation is the latest sign of a club in freefall. Liverpool have now suffered 15 defeats across all competitions this season, a staggering regression for the defending Premier League champions.

The atmosphere surrounding the club has turned toxic, with the “Arne Out” sentiment growing louder after every setback.

With Mohamed Salah confirmed to be leaving this summer and the team currently sitting in fifth place, the bond between the players and the fanbase is being tested like never before.

Szoboszlai has previously admitted that the team is affected by fans leaving Anfield early, but this direct confrontation at the Etihad suggests the pressure of a crumbling season is finally weighing on the dressing room leaders.

As the Reds prepare for a “do-or-die” Champions League clash with PSG on Wednesday, Arne Slot faces the impossible task of mending a fractured team and a furious fanbase simultaneously.

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Robbie Fowler singles out one Liverpool ‘leader’ responsible after devastating defeat vs Man City

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has called out Arne Slot for a perceived lack of leadership following the club’s humiliating 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Manchester City.

The defeat at the Etihad, which featured a hat-trick from Erling Haaland and a missed penalty by the departing Mohamed Salah, has pushed the Reds’ season to the brink of collapse.

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Speaking during the post-match coverage, Fowler expressed his deep concern over the mental state of the squad and the manager’s inability to spark a reaction.

Robbie Fowler blames Arne Slot for Liverpool mess

Fowler was blunt in his assessment of the current management, arguing that the responsibility for the team’s current problems lies firmly at the door of the head coach, who he believes has failed to provide the necessary spark during difficult moments.

Fowler told TNT Sports (via BBC Sport):

“Arne Slot has to get the players to be better versions of what they are. You need leaders to drag people through tough times. That’s what you need, but we are not seeing that from the manager.”

The former striker noted that he had “never seen a Liverpool team so devoid of confidence,” especially after starting the game with a positive intent that quickly evaporated after City’s opening goal.

The loss marks Slot’s 15th defeat of the season, a statistic that Fowler suggests is indicative of a wider leadership vacuum within the dressing room and on the touchline.

Liverpool should bring in Steven Gerrard

With the Champions League now the only remaining chance for silverware, and a daunting clash with PSG looming, the calls for a radical change are intensifying.

Supporters have been calling for Slot to be sacked since a few weeks and the defeat vs Man City only intensified their frustrations as a section of fans walked out much before the final whistle.

There is a growing belief that Liverpool should bring in Steven Gerrard as an interim manager to see out the season.

The reasoning is simple: the team requires a massive morale boost and a figurehead who understands the club’s DNA implicitly.

Under this proposal, Gerrard would act as a someone who would try and boost the current morale at the club and hope to finish top four.

Gerrard could play a similar role to what Michael Carrick has played in steadying the ship at Man United.

 

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What Mohamed Salah was spotted doing at half-time as Joe Hart shares worrying observation

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has shared a poignant observation regarding Mohamed Salah during the first half of Liverpool’s devastating 4-0 FA Cup exit at the hands of the Premier League champions.

The Egyptian forward, who recently confirmed he will leave Anfield at the end of the 2025/26 season, endured a difficult afternoon at the Etihad.

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His struggles were compounded in the second half when he saw a penalty saved by James Trafford, but Hart noted that the signs of a “broken” performance were visible long before the final whistle.

Joe Hart says Mohamed Salah looked devastated

Speaking as a pundit on TNT Sports (via BBC Sport), Hart revealed that he was struck by Salah’s uncharacteristic body language as the teams headed for the tunnel at half-time, with Liverpool trailing 2-0.

“We’re so used to seeing Mo Salah being a confident player,” Hart said. “It was difficult watching him today, actually. That first opportunity he had where the block was made was a tell-tale sign. He struggled and he looked low on confidence. We saw him walking in at half-time and he was devastated.”

Mo Salah’s last season at Liverpool

While this season is turning into a nightmare for the Reds, marked by their 15th defeat today, Salah’s struggles this season will do little to tarnish his legendary status.

Since arriving in 2017, the Egyptian King has netted 255 goals and provided 100+ assists, leading the club to two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.

Though he appeared a shadow of his former self at the Etihad, missing three major chances and the penalty, his place as the third-highest leading goalscorer in the club’s history is secure.

As Arne Slot’s side shifts focus to a daunting Champions League clash with PSG on Wednesday, supporters will be hoping for one final spark of magic from their departing icon to salvage what remains of a crumbling campaign.

 

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Arne Slot explains real reason behind Joe Gomez substitution after Liverpool’s 4-0 collapse vs Man City

Arne Slot has explained his decision to substitute Joe Gomez during Liverpool’s humiliating 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City.

The defender was withdrawn in the second half at the Etihad Stadium as the Reds struggled to cope with Erling Haaland, who netted a devastating hat-trick.

The versatile defender was replaced as the Reds struggled to contain a rampant Erling Haaland, who secured a hat-trick at the Etihad Stadium.

With Liverpool’s season effectively hanging by a thread, Slot’s post-match comments shed light on the delicate balancing act he is performing with a squad ravaged by fitness issues.

Arne Slot reveals why he took Joe Gomez out

Speaking to TNT Sports (via BBC Sport) after the final whistle, Slot explained that the decision was entirely tactical and designed to preserve Gomez for the upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

“I took Joe Gomez out because he has shown since I am here that it is not always easy to play him for 90 minutes twice,” Slot admitted. “So if we want to use him on Wednesday, it is helpful that I took him out today.”

Slot’s admission highlights a growing concern: he simply cannot rely on his senior defenders to complete a full 180 minutes of high-intensity football within a four-day window.

While the substitution was a “precautionary” measure, it did little to stem the bleeding on a day when Liverpool’s defensive frailties were laid bare.

Liverpool defensive crisis exposed again

The 4-0 thrashing marks the 15th defeat of the season for Slot, a staggering statistic for a side that lifted the Premier League trophy just twelve months ago.

The Reds have now conceded 46 goals in the Premier League alone this term, with their total goals against across all competitions surpassing 60 following today’s exit.

Liverpool have now lost 15 matches across all competitions this season, their most defeats in a single season since 2014/15, when the Reds lost 18 matches under Brendan Rodgers.

Pressure mounts on Arne Slot

With the FA Cup exit confirmed and the Premier League title defence in tatters, the focus now shifts to Europe.

Liverpool face a decisive Champions League showdown against PSG, with Slot under intense scrutiny.

Fan frustration has reached boiling point, with sections of supporters leaving the stadium early and calls growing louder for the Dutchman to be sacked.

The club hierarchy must now decide whether to act immediately or wait until the end of the season before making a decision, but with results deteriorating, Slot’s future at Anfield hangs in the balance.

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Liverpool crisis deepens as fans demand Arne Slot sack after 4-0 thrashing

Liverpool’s season hit a shocking new low as Manchester City dismantled them 4-0 at the Etihad, sparking a furious fan backlash and fresh calls for Arne Slot to be sacked immediately.

The FA Cup quarter-final humiliation saw Erling Haaland run riot with a clinical hat-trick, sending Pep Guardiola’s side into the semi-finals for a record eighth consecutive season.

Liverpool fans call for Slot to be sacked

The FA Cup quarter-final, which many viewed as Slot’s last chance to save his debut campaign, turned into a humiliation as Erling Haaland scored a clinical hat-trick to send Pep Guardiola’s side into the semi-finals for a record eighth consecutive season.

The “Arne Out” sentiment, which had been simmering following a 2-1 loss to Brighton before the international break, reached a boiling point before the final whistle even blew in Manchester.

Social media was flooded with demands for the Dutchman’s dismissal, with many fans calling for Steven Gerrard to be given the interim role immediately.

One said: “Let Stevie G see the season out. Can it really be worse than what we are seeing now? And let Xabi take over at season end.

“Stevie G recently said he would be open to an assistant role if asked:

“I would do it for Liverpool Football Club if I was asked and they felt that I was the right man to do it, I’d be up for it, of course.”

Let Stevie G see the season out. Can it really be worse than what we are seeing now? And let Xabi take over at season end.

Stevie G recently said he would be open to an assistant role if asked:

“I would do it for Liverpool Football Club if I was asked and they felt that I was… pic.twitter.com/4m7MdzJDRC

— Moby (@Mobyhaque1) April 4, 2026

Another said: “Bring Gerrard in just for the team morale at this point. Forget tactics. This team need a lift in confidence & Gerrard will do that. Look fora new manager in the summer. These players don’t believe in slot”

https://x.com/Elliott76562164/status/2040425452355870858?s=20

And others didn’t care who comes in but wanted Slot sacked immediately.

One said: “John Henry needs a cataract surgery if he thinks Arne Slot should remain Liverpool manager.”

John Henry needs a cataract surgery if he thinks Arne Slot should remain Liverpool manager.

— ????? (@LFC_Lucas_) April 4, 2026

Another furiously stated: “Slot Out… Bald fraud to be blame we go forward..leaving big gaps.. defence is piss poor & no protection… Gravenberch & jones need to sit in front of defenders.. Bald fraud has zero tactics… Rio is left winger…only the bald fraud will play him on the right wing…”

Slot Out…
Bald fraud to be blame we go forward..leaving big gaps.. defence is piss poor & no protection…
Gravenberch & jones need to sit in front of defenders..
Bald fraud has zero tactics…
Rio is left winger…only the bald fraud will play him on the right wing… ??????

— myn sangha (@mynz) April 4, 2026

 

https://twitter.com/AdBasset31/status/2040426673657557238?s=20

Pressure mounts on Arne Slot amid Liverpool crisis

Reports suggest the Liverpool hierarchy had planned to assess Slot’s future at the end of the season, but that stance is now under serious pressure.

With Mohamed Salah already confirmed to be leaving this summer and the club sitting fifth in the Premier League, the margin for error has disappeared.

A huge PSG clash in the Champions League is now looming, and it could prove decisive for Slot’s future.

Meanwhile, links to a “romantic return” for Xabi Alonso continue to intensify as uncertainty grows at Anfield.

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“There is contact between me & Arsenal” – Agent of ‘€100m’ attacker confirms talks with the Gunners; Arteta really likes him

The agent of Bayer Leverkusen sensation Christian Kofane has confirmed that Arsenal’s interest in signing the young centre-forward is “genuine,” giving the Gunners a massive boost.

The news broke following an exclusive update from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, which revealed that Mikel Arteta’s side has been monitoring the Cameroon striker closely for several months.

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Kofane’s representative, Eric Depolo, has now validated these reports, providing a candid insight into the ongoing dialogue between the North London club and the player’s camp.

Christian Kofane agent confirms talks with Arsenal

Speaking via Daily Talking Arsenal as reported by Florian Plettenberg, Eric Depolo confirmed the contact with the Premier League leaders.

Depolo stated:

“Yes, Arsenal’s interest is genuine. Mikel Arteta likes him very much. There is contact between me and Arsenal. But their focus right now is on winning the league. After that, everything will start to move.”

Depolo went even further, making a bold claim regarding Kofane’s potential and price tag:

“He is a €100 million player. With Kofane, Arsenal will have a top striker for the next 10 years.”

?? Revealed exclusively today: Arsenal are interested in Christian #Kofane. They are monitoring him closely.

His agent Eric Depolo confirmed via @DTalkingArsenal: “Yes, Arsenal’s interest is genuine. Mikel Arteta
likes him very much (…) There is contact between me and… pic.twitter.com/BdbRNcB0XA

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 1, 2026

Kofane’s impressive stats at a young age

The hype surrounding Kofane is backed by a clinical debut season in Germany.

Despite only turning 19 last July, the Douala-born striker has registered 7 goals and 8 assists in 39 appearances across all competitions for Bayer Leverkusen.

His ability to lead the line with both physicality and technical grace was particularly evident during the Champions League Round of 16, where he reportedly left a lasting impression on Arteta’s coaching staff.

Having already earned six caps for the Cameroon national team, Kofane is garnering attention from top clubs including Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Interest from these elite clubs shows that Arsenal could really be signing a gem if they can secure his signature.

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’Out for a bit longer’ – Liverpool suffer massive blow as Arne Slot confirms key star injury update

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that the club will be without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker for Saturday’s high-stakes FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City.

The Brazilian shot-stopper, who withdrew from international duty last week, remains sidelined with a muscle injury.

Speaking to club media on Wednesday, Slot provided a somber update on his number one, while also addressing the fitness of several other key stars ahead of the trip to the Etihad Stadium.

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Arne Slot delivers update on Alisson Becker and Jeremie Frimpong

While Alisson’s absence is a major blow, there was a mix of relief and caution regarding right-back Jeremie Frimpong.

The Dutchman was forced off just 12 minutes into his appearance during the Netherlands’ 1-1 draw with Ecuador on Tuesday, sparking fears of another long-term layoff.

Arne Slot on Frimpong and Alisson out (via Fabrizio Romano): “Jeremie, the national team doctor of the Netherlands tells us that it was precautionary that they took him out”.

“Alisson will be out for a bit longer”.

? Arne Slot on Frimpong and Alisson out: “Jeremie, the national team doctor of the Netherlands tells us that it was precautionary that they took him out”.

“Alisson will be out for a bit longer”. pic.twitter.com/2UbDXmIoRt

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 1, 2026

The update follows a frustrating run for Frimpong, who has struggled with four separate muscle injuries during his debut season at Anfield.

Liverpool fans will be holding their breath for the scan results, as the defender has already missed 25 games for club and country this term.

Liverpool to be without several star players against Man City

Despite the setbacks for Alisson and Frimpong, Slot was able to provide some positive news. Mohamed Salah, who missed the defeat at Brighton before the break, and Federico Chiesa are both expected to be available for the City clash.

Liverpool have also officially confirmed that Alexander Isak has returned to full training after suffering a nasty injury against Tottenham earlier in the season.

With Alisson out, Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to start in goal, while Dominik Szoboszlai may once again be asked to fill in at right-back.

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How Chelsea avoided a points deduction despite historic £262.4m loss

Chelsea has officially avoided a Premier League points deduction despite announcing a staggering pre-tax loss of £262.4 million for the 2024/25 financial year, the largest annual loss in the history of English football.

While rivals like Everton and Nottingham Forest have faced sporting sanctions for smaller breaches in recent years, the Blues have navigated the league’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) through a combination of strategic accounting and unprecedented cooperation with regulators.

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Chelsea announce record financial loss

The club’s latest accounts, released on April 1, 2026, reveal a massive swing from the previous year’s profit of £128.4 million.

This record-breaking deficit eclipses the previous high of £197.5 million set by Manchester City in 2011.

Club officials attributed the downturn to a sharp rise in operating costs and a wage bill estimated to be the sixth highest in Europe at £390 million.

Despite generating the second-highest revenue in the club’s history (£490.9 million), the heavy investment in the squad, assembled at a cost of over £1.5 billion, has placed immense pressure on the balance sheet.

Chelsea escape points deduction due to smart move

Despite the eye-watering headline figure, Chelsea remain PSR compliant for the three-year monitoring period ending in 2025, as explained by the Guardian.

The club successfully avoided a points deduction because under Premier League rules, losses attributed to infrastructure, the academy, the women’s team, and community projects are deductible.

By maximising these “add-backs,” Chelsea pulled their “adjusted” loss back under the £105 million three-year limit.

Biggest pre-tax losses in Premier League history

Chelsea’s recorded loss goes down on top of the list for the biggest pre-tax losses in the history of the competition.

Rank Club Year Pre-tax Loss (£m)
1 Chelsea 2025 £262.4
2 Manchester City 2011 £197.5
3 Chelsea 2021 £155.9
4 Chelsea 2023 £155.0
5 Manchester United 2022 £149.6
6 Chelsea 2005 £140.0
7 Everton 2020 £139.9
8 Manchester United 2006 £137.7
9 Manchester United 2024 £130.8
10 Arsenal 2021 £127.2

Biggest pre-tax losses in Premier League history via BBC

 

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Marcus Rashford return? Barcelona miss key deadline, opening door to Man United comeback

Marcus Rashford’s future has been cast into significant doubt following reports that Barcelona have allowed a crucial transfer deadline to pass, potentially opening the door for a dramatic return to Manchester United this summer.

The England forward joined the Catalan giants on a season-long loan last summer after a high-profile falling out with former United boss Ruben Amorim.

While Rashford has found his feet again under Hansi Flick at the Camp Nou, his permanent stay in Spain is uncertain.

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Barcelona’s buy option for Marcus Rashford expires

According to a report from Cadena SER, Barcelona’s option to trigger a permanent move for Rashford expired on March 31, 2026.

The clause, believed to be worth around €30m (£26m), would have given Barça total control over the transfer.

By failing to notify Manchester United of their intent to trigger the fee by the deadline, the La Liga leaders have lost their fixed-price advantage.

Conflicting reports suggest the clause might technically run until mid-June, but the consensus in Spain is that Barcelona are hesitant to commit to a permanent deal.

Despite Rashford’s 10 goal contributions in La Liga and the Champions League this season, his substantial wage demands, combined with La Liga’s strict salary cap, have proven a major stumbling block.

Barcelona are reportedly interested in a second loan deal, but Manchester United are understood to be against another loan move, preferring a definitive sale to fund their own summer rebuild.

Marcus Rashford might have a chance for redemption

If a permanent move to Barcelona collapses, Rashford could find a very different atmosphere awaiting him at Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old’s exit was largely attributed to a fractured relationship with Ruben Amorim, but with Amorim having departed in January, the landscape has shifted.

Under interim manager Michael Carrick, United have undergone a resurgence, winning seven of their last ten games.

Carrick, who played alongside Rashford for several seasons, has won over the dressing room and is the frontrunner to be named permanent manager this summer.

If Carrick is given the job full-time, the prospect of Rashford reintegrating into a thriving squad, rather than being sold to the highest bidder, cannot be completely ruled out.

 

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Harry Maguire ban explained: How many matches Man United defender could miss after FA charge

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been officially charged with improper conduct by the FA following a controversial red card during the club’s recent 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.

The England international was sent off for a professional foul on Cherries striker Evanilson, which resulted in a penalty.

However, it is the aftermath of the dismissal that has landed the 33-year-old in significant disciplinary trouble.

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Harry Maguire in hot waters with FA

According to a report from The Independent, the FA’s charge alleges that Maguire breached FA Rule E3.1 by using “abusive or insulting words and/or behaving in an improper manner” toward the fourth official, Matt Donohue, as he left the field.

Eyewitnesses at Old Trafford noted a heated exchange between the defender and the officiating crew after the VAR confirmed the straight red card.

The FA statement released on Wednesday morning confirmed that the center-back’s conduct was deemed “inappropriate” for a professional of his standing.

Maguire now has until April 2, 2026, to provide a formal response to the governing body regarding the allegations.

Also Read: Harry Maguire handed 15-month suspended prison sentence  

How many matches could Harry Maguire miss?

The standard punishment for a professional foul (denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity) is a one-match suspension.

However, an additional charge for improper conduct typically carries a further two-match ban and a significant fine if proven. This means Maguire is facing a potential three-match ban.

Date Fixture Venue
14 April Man United vs Leeds United Home
19 April Chelsea vs Man United Away
28 April Man United vs Brentford Home

Three games Harry Maguire could miss if handed extended ban

He is already guaranteed to miss the upcoming home fixture against Leeds, but a guilty verdict would rule him out of the blockbuster trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, as well as the following home game against Brentford.

 

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Rare relegation clause in Roberto De Zerbi contract explained as Tottenham face drop threat – report

Tottenham’s decision to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach has come with a rare and stringent financial safeguard: a “relegation clause” that would see the Italian’s wages slashed if the club fails to avoid the drop.

According to a report by Football Paparazzi, the contract includes a specific provision designed to protect the club’s long-term financial health.

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Should the worst-case scenario occur and Spurs be relegated to the Championship for the first time since 1977, De Zerbi’s salary would significantly reduce to align with the second tier of English football.

Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham contract details in full

As per reports, De Zerbi will earn a salary in the region of £12m–£15m, making him the third highest-paid manager in the Premier League, behind only Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.

The lucrative terms were necessary to convince the former Brighton and Marseille boss to take over a side currently sitting 17th in the table with only seven games remaining.

The report also mentions a “survival bonus” which is going to be a massive one time payment if he successfully manages to save the club from relegation with just seven games to go.

De Zerbi’s appointment has not gone down well with fans

Despite the high-profile nature of the hire, the appointment has been met with backlash from the fanbase.

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) released a scathing statement criticising the board for hiring a manager who publicly defended Mason Greenwood during his time in France.

Groups like Women of the Lane and Proud Lilywhites also voiced opposition.

De Zerbi arrives at a fractured club with troubles on and off the pitch, where the “relegation clause” in his contract feels less like a formality and more like a looming reality.

 

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Major blow for Liverpool as star player sidelined with injury during international break

Liverpool have been dealt a significant injury blow as star right-back Jeremie Frimpong was forced off just 12 minutes into his appearance for the Netherlands against Ecuador on Tuesday night.

The 25-year-old, who joined the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, was introduced as a half-time substitute for Cody Gakpo but lasted less than a quarter of an hour before limping straight down the tunnel.

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Ronald Koeman confirms injury to Jeremie Frimpong

Speaking in his post-match press conference following the 1-1 draw in Eindhoven, Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman confirmed that the substitution was enforced.

While the exact nature of the injury is still being assessed by the Dutch medical team, early reports suggest a recurrence of the muscle issues that have plagued Frimpong’s first season on Merseyside.

“It is a muscular problem. Jeremie felt something sharp and we could not take the risk. It is disappointing for him and for his club, especially in such a short space of time after coming on.”

Frimpong’s frustrating debut season at Liverpool

The injury marks the latest chapter in what has been a stop-start debut campaign for the £29.5m signing.

Despite a blistering start where he scored on his debut in the Community Shield, Frimpong has already endured two significant layoffs this season.

He missed the opening month of the Premier League with a hamstring strain and was sidelined again for nearly eight weeks between December and February.

This latest setback comes just as he had regained his starting spot under Arne Slot, having played 60 minutes in each of Liverpool’s last three fixtures prior to the international break.

Liverpool’s right-back woes continue

With a crucial FA Cup clash against Manchester City looming on Saturday, Liverpool’s defensive options are stretched to the limit.

Backup right-back Conor Bradley is already sidelined for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

Slot has previously been forced to deploy Dominik Szoboszlai as an emergency right-back, a role he may need to reprise, leaving a gap in midfield.

This latest injury raises major questions about Liverpool’s squad depth as they battle on multiple fronts for the Premier League title and cup glory.

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Tottenham face major backlash from fans after latest decision backfires

The appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as Tottenham’s new manager has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with the several fan groups including Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) leading a massive backlash against the club’s decision.

In a scathing official statement, the Trust expressed “serious and far-reaching concerns” regarding the appointment, which they believe fundamentally undermines the club’s stated values.

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While acknowledging the urgent need for a manager to steer Spurs away from a historic relegation, the group revealed they had raised objections with the board prior to the announcement, only to be ignored.

Roberto De Zerbi’s controversial Mason Greenwood comments the cause for backlash

The core of the outrage stems from comments made by De Zerbi during his tenure at Marseille regarding Mason Greenwood.

The Trust labeled these remarks “unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive,” noting they have left victims of male violence “alarmed.”

“The Club has previously committed to challenging instances of violence against women and girls,” the THST statement read.

“Any perceived sympathy toward alleged perpetrators of physical or sexual violence fundamentally undermines trust in the custodianship of this Club.”

The Trust argued that the appointment creates a “troubling shadow” over the club’s integrity at a time when unity is most needed.

Women of the Lane also voice staunch opposition

The backlash is not limited to the THST. The co-founder of Women of the Lane, a prominent group for female Spurs supporters, has also voiced staunch opposition.

The group suggested that hiring a manager with such a controversial stance on sensitive issues alienates a significant portion of the match-going fanbase.

The co-founder of Women of the Lane says her group opposes the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as Tottenham manager and she will stop attending matches over the issue. pic.twitter.com/1A3KQfDxLj

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 31, 2026

The backlash was preempted by Tottenham expert Alasdair Gold, who feared a potential friction within the fanbase.

The board’s decision to hand De Zerbi a five-year contract has been viewed by some as a dismissal of fan sentiment.

The backlash is the worst thing Tottenham needs right now

For the manager, the immediate task at hand is to save the club from a historic relegation.

While De Zerbi will have to remain focused, there will no doubt an added scrutiny from the English press regarding his controversial comments, adding to added pressure on the Italian.

Furthermore, with fans supporting the team “with a heavy heart,” the toxic atmosphere at the stadium may not be too helpful either.

If De Zerbi cannot provide immediate results on the pitch while addressing these character concerns off it, the divide between the fans and the hierarchy may become irreparable, regardless of which division the club plays in next season.

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Roberto De Zerbi wants World Cup-winning defender to join him at Tottenham

New Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi is already making bold moves behind the scenes, with reports claiming he has offered Alessandro Nesta the role of assistant manager.

According to Tuttosport, the former Italy international is seriously considering the proposal.

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De Zerbi, who has signed a long-term contract in North London, is keen to build an elite backroom team as he begins a high-pressure rebuild at Spurs.

The potential addition of Nesta is viewed as a strategic move to address Tottenham’s biggest weakness this season, their defence.

Alessandro Nesta could bring winning mentality to Tottenham

Few defenders in modern football boast a resume like Alessandro Nesta.

A legend of AC Milan, Nesta won the Champions League twice (in 2003 and 2007) and was a key figure in Italy’s triumph at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Since transitioning into management, Nesta has taken charge of clubs including Miami FC, Perugia, Frosinone, Reggiana, and most recently Monza.

His time at Monza proved turbulent, with the club eventually relegated from Serie A.

However, his defensive expertise remains highly regarded, making him an ideal complement to De Zerbi’s attacking philosophy.

Premier League survival is the top priority for Roberto De Zerbi

The potential arrival of Nesta highlights the urgency of Tottenham’s current predicament.

With only seven games remaining and the club sitting just a single point above the drop zone, De Zerbi knows that high-octane De Zerbi-ball must be balanced with defensive steel.

Tottenham have conceded 50 goals this campaign, and while Spurs have two world-class centre-backs in Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, the hope is that Nesta can bring the best out of both.

If Nesta accepts the role, he will be thrust immediately into the fire, with his first task being to organise a defence capable of keeping a clean sheet against Sunderland on April 12.

For Spurs, the calculation is simple: Nesta’s experience might be the difference between a narrow escape and a catastrophic fall to the Championship.

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