Onana was in goal when Manchester United faced Galatasaray in their second Group A game at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
Unfortunately, his mistakes proved detrimental to his team’s chances of securing a favorable outcome, as they missed out on three valuable points.
Andre Onana in action during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester United and Galatasaray at Old Trafford. Photo by Ash Donelon. Source: Getty Images
The Mirror reports that the shot-stopper was at fault for Galatasaray’s equaliser, which was scored by Akturkoglu shortly after Rasmus Hojlund had made it 2-1 for the hosts.
Remarkably, Onana played a significant role in Manchester United conceding a penalty in the final minutes of the second half and in Casemiro receiving a red card.
His performance during the match garnered strong reactions from fans, with opposing supporters using social media to ridicule the Cameroonian international.
However, ten Hag has come out to defend Onana in the wake of yet another dreadful performance.
Speaking after the match, the United boss appeared to absolve his goalkeeper of any blame, adding that he would continue to back him.
“I will encourage him and back him. He’s a great goalkeeper. We have to settle down and look forward,” Metro UK quoted ten Hag as saying.
“The mental errors we make, you cannot allow them at this level. You get punished. This is difficult to control,” he added.
Jude Bellingham’s impressive start as a Real Madrid player continued as he delivered a remarkable solo goal to put his team in the lead against Napoli, despite initially falling behind.
The match was an intense battle between the two sides, with the home team seizing an early advantage when Kepa Arrizabalaga couldn’t handle a cross, resulting in the opening goal.
Bellingham played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s comeback, first assisting Vinicius Jr. for the equaliser by intercepting a poor pass from Giovanni Di Lorenzo. He then showcased his individual brilliance with a stunning solo effort, skillfully manoeuvring past the entire Napoli defence.
Napoli managed to level the score through Piotr Zielinski’s penalty, but Federico Valverde sealed the victory for the 14-timeUEFA Champions League winners with a breathtaking rocket of a goal.
Bellingham received the Champions League Man of the Match accolade following another outstanding display in only his ninth appearance for Real Madrid, having joined from Borussia Dortmund.
During an interview with CBS Sports Golazo, Ancelotti was humorously queried about whether he believes the player is truly 20 years old, to which the Italian manager offered a lighthearted response.
“No, not sure. You’ll have to check his passport. Fantastic player, strong character, and personality I’m really surprised by this; it is difficult to find a 20-year-old with such strong character and personality. Fantastic signing for us,” he said.
Real Madrid initially paid £88.5 million for the Englishman, with the potential for the fee to reach £115 million based on specific add-on conditions. The former Birmingham City midfielder has already made a significant impact, contributing eight goals and three assists in just nine games for Los Blancos.
One of his standout moments was the winning goal in their first group game against Union Berlin, a dramatic 94th-minute strike that saved the 2022 champions from a spirited debutant’s challenge.
This wasn’t the first instance in which Bellingham’s age had come under scrutiny.
As previously reported by Sports Brief, Rio Ferdinand made a playful remark about Bellingham’s age following his exceptional performance for England during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
At the time, Bellingham was only 19 years old and had just delivered a standout performance for the Three Lions in their round-of-16 victory against Senegal.
The former international jokingly requested to see Bellingham’s birth certificate, suggesting that the young player seemed remarkably mature for his age.
In an effort to ensure a respectable turnout for their upcoming match againstInter Miami on Wednesday, October 4th, Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire has taken an unusual step.
There’s a growing concern that Lionel Messi may not be available for the game as he has been sidelined due to injury, missing Inter Miami’s last three matches.
Despite the Chicago Fire having already sold more than 61,000 tickets for the game, it’s uncertain whether Messi, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, will be fit enough to play.
Recognising the disappointment that many fans may feel if Messi doesn’t take the field, Chicago Fire has decided to extend an offer to its supporters.
Regardless of whether Messi, who is currently nursing a leg injury, is able to participate in the match, the club is taking steps to ensure that fans attending the game still have a positive experience.
“While we don’t yet know the official status of Lionel Messi’s availability for our match tomorrow, as there’s never a guarantee that an athlete will play on any given night due to several factors, we understand that many of our fans may be disappointed if they don’t get the chance to see him play,” a news release by Fire said on Tuesday, as cited on ESPN.
What is the incentive?
In a bid to boost attendance for the upcoming game, the Chicago Fire has rolled out an enticing offer for its fans. They are providing a $250 account credit, redeemable towards new memberships for the 2024 season, as an incentive for attending the match.
Additionally, those unable to utilize the new member credit will receive a $50 account credit, as reported by the BBC.
It’s worth noting that Chicago Fire has historically faced challenges in filling their stadiums to capacity. The highest recorded attendance at Soldier Field dates back to 1998, when they drew 37,122 fans during their inaugural season.
As for Lionel Messi’s potential involvement in the match, he participated in training with Inter Miami on Tuesday. However, whether he will be deemed fit for selection in the upcoming game remains uncertain.
Coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino has refrained from revealing further details about Messi’s fitness status leading up to the match.
Messi wants Luka Modric at Inter Miami
In other news,it was reported earlier Messi’s desire to have Inter Miami sign veteran midfielder Luka Modric, 38.
According to former Real Madrid forward Predrag Mijatovic, Messi is keen on the possibility of linking up with the Croatian at the US-based club.
David Beckham has shed light on the conversation that led to Sir Alex Ferguson kicking a boot at his head during their time together at Manchester United in 2003.
Just before Beckham’s departure from United to Real Madrid, tabloid photos surfaced showing the England star with a cut above his left eye.
This injury was a result of Ferguson’s anger following United’s 2-0 loss to Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round. However, Beckham has now revealed that he shared some responsibility for the incident.
“We walked in the changing room and the boss is fuming,” the United legend said in the newly released Netflix documentary titled Beckham. “I can see it in his face. And when you see the boss’s face like this, you don’t want to be anywhere near him. It is a face that no one can do, trust me.
“[He was f’ing and blinding] and I went back at the boss and said ‘no’ and then I swore. I said the f-word. And then I saw him change, and I was like, ‘S***, I really shouldn’t have said that’. I think I said the f-word too many times.” On the photos of a bandaged Beckham that appeared in the press, Ferguson says, “I think that was stage-managed. It wasn’t even worth a stitch.”
Beckham ended up joining Real Madrid a few months later, although in the documentary he claims he never wanted to leave Old Trafford. “It was my home. My relationship with the boss was always special. We had our moments, but I still loved him,” he said.
Ferguson countered that by saying, “The decision was made; it was better he [Beckham] went. He didn’t need to go. He could have stayed if he wanted. I think he knew it was the right time.”
Beckham was among the world’s elite players back then, and now, two decades later, he’s collaborating with another one. The former England captain serves as a co-owner of the MLS team Inter Miami, which happens to be home to Lionel Messi.
Manchester United has identified two potential reinforcements for their center-back positions in the upcoming January transfer window according to the Daily Mail.
They are reportedly interested in Benfica’s António Silva and Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo as they look to address their ongoing defensive issues.
Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, witnessed his team suffer a 3-2 defeat to Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League at Old Trafford, highlighting the need for defensive improvements.
António Silva, a 19-year-old talent, has been in excellent form for Benfica and was a standout player for the Portuguese side in the previous season’s Champions League.
While he has previously been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, securing his services may not be straightforward, as Benfica is likely to demand his €60 million release clause for any potential transfer.
Jean-Clair Todibo, on the other hand, is another option on Manchester United’s radar.
The 23-year-old, who previously played for Barcelona, has established himself as a dependable defender in Ligue 1, accumulating 91 appearances over the last four seasons.
He recently earned his first cap for the French national team in a friendly match against Germany.
Meanwhile, the paper reports that the future of Harry Maguire continues to be “up in the air,” with the England international struggling to earn a place in Ten Hag’s side.
Xavi has cautioned against drawing comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, following the 16-year-old’s signing of a new long-term contract with Barcelona on Monday.
As Barcelona prepares to face Porto in the Champions League at the Estádio do Dragão, the same stadium where Messi made his non-competitive debut for the club nearly 20 years ago, Xavi declined to equate Yamal’s emergence to that of Messi in 2003.
He noted that such comparisons have not typically yielded favourable outcomes for those previously likened to the Argentine forward.
“I hope Lamine can mark an era [in football], but we are not doing him any favours by saying that,” the Barça coach said in a news conference when asked about Messi comparisons.
“It’s true the expectations are enormous and, aged 16, he is playing at a brutal level, which is hugely positive. But let’s see what the future holds without comparing him with Messi.
It’s not gone that well for all the players that have been compared with Messi in the past.”
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. is hopeful that his partnership with Jude Bellingham will match the connection he once had with former teammate Karim Benzema.
Bellingham has been instrumental in setting up two of Vinicius’ goals in the current Champions League campaign, including the Brazilian’s contribution in Wednesday’s 3-2 victory against Napoli.
“I’m happy that he’s on the right path to help us and that my connection with him is the same as mine was with Karim (Benzema),” Vinicius Jr. told TNT Brasil after Wednesday’s game. “I hope that we can help each other more and more.”
Vinicius revealed that he pushed for Bellingham to join Real Madrid this summer from Borussia Dortmund.
“I’m happy with the way he arrived,” Vinicius said. “I helped him a lot to come to Real Madrid. I sent (him) many messages over several days.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed concern about Bukayo Saka’s heel injury, which forced the winger to leave the pitch during their 2-1 Champions League loss to Lens.
The defeat added to Arsenal’s woes as they now sit second in their Champions League group behind Lens after just two games.
Arteta, while addressing the media after the match, didn’t seem optimistic about the England international’s condition.
Arteta said: “He [Saka] tried to backheel a ball in the first half. He felt something. It was muscular. He was uncomfortable and we had to take him off.
“We don’t know anything more than that. It was big enough not to allow him to play the rest of the game and that is a worry for us.”
Arguably, Bukayo Saka stands as Arsenal’s top-performing player. The talented winger delivered an impressive 15 goals and 11 assists across all competitions last season.
In the current season, he has already contributed 10 goals.
If Saka faces an extended period on the sidelines due to his recent injury, it could deal a significant blow to Arsenal’s prospects in both the Champions League group stage and their competitiveness in the Premier League title race.
Looking ahead, Arsenal faces a challenging schedule with their next three matches against Manchester City at home, Chelsea away, and Sevilla away.
Their fervent hope is for Saka to recover quickly and be available for as many of these crucial fixtures as possible.
Former Brazilian soccer star Alexander Pato has expressed his joy over the remarkable personal transformation of former Ghanaian international footballerKevin Prince Boateng.
Boateng recently made a public declaration of his newfound faith in Christianity and took part in a baptism ceremony, sharing this significant moment on his Instagram account.
In his Instagram post, Boateng made a reference to Revelation 3:20, signifying the start of a fresh spiritual journey in his life.
He stated, “And It’s up to the US to open the Door or not. JESUS is The way, The truth and The life.” This declaration signifies a fresh spiritual journey in Boateng’s life.”
Responding to Boateng’s declaration on Instagram, Pato, who was once his teammate at AC Milan, expressed his support, saying, “The best way my friend! ♥️”
Boateng’s spiritual awakening comes after his retirement from professional football in August, marking the end of his nearly two-decade-long career.
In a reflective video addressing his career, Boateng acknowledged the challenges he faced and underscored the importance of hard work.
He remarked, “You become a criminal or you play football, so I chose to play football. I was always special from the first moment, and I knew it. I was my biggest rival all the time. There’s no one else who can be my rival. Because no one is like me, no one thinks like me, and no one has emotions like me. It’s just me and myself. I had to learn that as well; talent is nothing without hard work.”
Boateng, who first played for Hertha Berlin’s junior squad, later represented some of the best clubs in Europe and represented Ghana in two FIFA World Cups. His spiritual awakening signifies the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
Lionel Messi is reportedly keen on having Luka Modric as his teammate at Inter Miami, and it’s been reported that David Beckham has already had a meeting with the Real Madrid midfielder.
Speculation suggests that the experienced Croatian playmaker Modric is being considered as the next big signing for DRV PNK Stadium.
Modric has seen limited playing time for Real Madrid this season, with only 205 minutes in La Liga.
Modric’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2023–24 season, and there have been discussions about a potential move in January.
Despite being 38 years old, former Real Madrid star Pedja Mijatovic claims that Inter Miami is pursuing a deal based on advice from Messi.
Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, is reportedly interested in having another Golden Ball recipient as his teammate in Florida.
Mijatovic mentioned that Modric has received offers from several U.S. teams, including Inter Miami.
He also mentioned a meeting between Modric and Beckham in Croatia, where they had a meal.
Beckham, with his strong ties to Madrid from his playing career, is now a co-owner at Inter Miami.
He has witnessed Messi’s historic success in the League Cup in Miami since the Argentine’s move to the United States.
Additionally, there is still hope that Messi can lead the team to the playoffs in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Former member of parliament of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) representing Obuasi East, Edward Michael Ennin, has made a claim that government-owned houses, originally priced at one million dollars, are allegedly being sold to party members for prices ranging between US$300,000 and US$400,000.
During a radio interview, he expressed his dismay over what he perceived as a significant erosion of the core values that the NPP traditionally upheld, highlighting the accumulation of illicit wealth and the misuse of state funds by both party leaders and its members.
Regarding the specific allegation, Ennin informed Akoma FM, a Kumasi-based radio station, that he possessed receipts related to some of these alleged sales and was prepared to make them public if necessary.
“If they continue daring some of us like this, the party will end up in a ditch,” he cautioned an Ashanti Regional spokesperson who was calling his bluff on an issue he had earlier raised on the show.
“Recently, government houses that cost US$1 million haven’t been purchased for 300,000 and 400,000 USD? I know people who bought some and I have receipts to that effect and can pinpoint the ministry involved,” he disclosed.
Laments rising spate of looting
He alleged that leaders and members of the NPP have been involved in misappropriating state resources.
“The NPP party has collapsed, just that people haven’t realised it yet. If we continue like this, we will be destroyed. The kind of things that are ongoing, if I look at when I joined the party, if the NPP was like this, I swear to my father’s grave, who was an NLM member and suffered for the party, that if this was the state of the party, I wouldn’t have joined.
“Because all the leaders have turned into corrupt officials. The youth are stealing, and the leaders are stealing. I have never seen such a thing in my life,” he said.
He contended that while the NDC had faced criticism for corruption during its time in office, the NPP, now in power, is involved in practises that he believes are even more detrimental.
He added, “When the NDC was in power and they were stealing, some of us came out to condemn them, and everybody is aware that John Mahama didn’t get it easy with me.
“When Kennedy Agyapong was disgracing John Mahama, they were praising him. Now that he is talking about their actions, they are saying he is destroying the party.
“What I am saying is that the party that we used to know is no more because some of us sat on the radio to accuse Mahama of stealing money, and now we are doing worse things,” he added.
Journalist and private legal practitioner Kuuku Welsing Jones expressed his opinion regarding former New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopefulAlan Kyerematen’s decision to resign from the party.
While he acknowledged that it may not be the ideal course of action, Kuuku Welsing voiced his partial support for Alan’s choice.
During his appearance on the recent episode of the KSM Show, Kuuku Welsing asserted that Alan had found himself caught up in a campaign of hostility led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“I do support to an extent; the fact is simple. Breaking away from the party is not the best but the argument for this is that the party hierarchy has made up their mind who is to contest and so the whole thing looks like a sham.
“Now Alan has some grievances; don’t forget that in 2008, in April, I think the 17th of April, Alan resigned from the party and Alan was persuaded to come back and he came back.
“Now the issue is this; let’s face it. Look, animosity and jealousy are all part of the game. Alan contested Nana on three occasions and if anybody tells you that Nana likes Alan, tell the person I say it is not true,” he stated.
Even though he had served as a trade minister in both of Nana Addo’s presidential terms, Kuuku Welsing pointed out that the association between the president and the now-independent candidate had always been based on convenience.
This remained true until his decision to resign and run for the NPP flagbearership.
“Look, he doesn’t like Alan. It’s like a marriage of convenience,” he stated.
He stressed that due to Mr. Kyerematen’s origins in the Ashanti Region, a stronghold of the NPP, President Akufo-Addo felt compelled to include him in his government.
After securing third place in theNPP’s special college poll held in August, Mr. Kyerematen disclosed his resignation from the party in September, citing concerns over threats, intimidation, and mistreatment directed at his supporters.
He also declared his intention to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential election.
3. Wayne State University graduates, the application is waived; for BSC, use the code “WSU2024): (graduate GTA available)
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5. University of Dayton (all programs are waived):
6. Northeastern University, College of Engineering (Engineering course free application fee) but all PhD programs get funding.
7. Michigan Tech University charges only a processing fee of $10. (PhD funding is available): mtu.edu/gradschool/
8. Notre Dame University (they have an application fee but 100% funding) All the admitted Masters and PhD students get full funding. No tuition fee is attached.
NB: 70% of Bachelor’s students get a scholarship: nd.edu/admissions/
9. University of Colorado Boulder (No application fee for all PhD programmes): colorado.edu/admissions
10. West Virginia Tech University (automatically considered for scholarship; no app fee)
11. University of Cornell (Application fee can be requested during application) Most Masters and PhDs are funded: cornell.edu
12. Michigan University, Dearborn (No application for BSc or undergraduate; automatic scholarship consideration)
13. University of St. Thomas, Minnesota (no application fee; all undergraduates are considered for scholarship)
In August, the 38-year-old managed to score five goals and provide two assists for his Saudi team, earning him the Player of the Month accolade.
He has now continued his impressive run in September, tallying another five goals and three assists. Ronaldo’s exceptional form has propelled Al-Nassr to fourth place in the league standings with six consecutive victories, rebounding from two losses in mid-August.
Despite his advancing age, the Portuguese international continues to showcase his goal-scoring prowess.
He not only leads the Saudi league as its top scorer with 10 goals this season but also shines as Portugal’s primary goal-getter with five goals in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
Remarkably, Ronaldo has already outperformed his goal tally from the previous season with Al-Nassr, having netted 17 goals in just 16 matches, compared to 14 goals in 19 games last term.
Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are set to face Abha in the league this Friday afternoon. Should results go in their favour later this week, they may ascend to the top of the league table.
Manchester United are urging fans to help them clamp down on social media accounts that leak team news.
The club is monitoring an account on X, formerly known as Twitter, that is leaking injury updates about Erik ten Hag’s side.
According to The Daily Mail, the account has raised suspicion at United and are investigating the source of the leaks and trying to root out potential moles.
The account recently gave injury updates on Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Sergio Reguilon.
United are concerned that the leaks are giving an advantage to the Red Devils’ opponents and helping them prepare for matches. An insider told The Daily Mail: “Preparation for games these days is so thorough that leaked information about team line-ups and injuries can give the opposition an advantage to exploit.
United fans should be hounding out these accounts that routinely leak this kind of information, and questioning what is their motivation for doing it.”
The clampdown comes amid United’s worst start to a league season since 1989-90, with Ten Hag’s side languishing in 10th position in the Premier League after four defeats in their opening seven games.
Rangers are actively seeking a replacement for formermanager Michael Beale, who was dismissed over the weekend.
The club’s board, led by CEO and chairman John Bennett, is in the process of identifying potential candidates.
One notable figure who was initially approached for the position was former Chelsea manager Graham Potter. However, it has been made clear that Potter has no intention of taking up the role in Scotland.
Another former Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, is being considered and is reportedly open to discussions with the club regarding the managerial position.
Additionally, AZ Alkmaar’s head coach, Pascal Jansen, is in contention for the role, although potential complications may arise due to the compensation package required for his services.
Among the candidates are two former Rangers players, Kevin Muscat and Derek McInnes.
Muscat, who currently coaches Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan, has minimal compensation concerns as his contract is set to expire in January.
McInnes, currently at Kilmarnock, also poses nomajor compensation hurdles, despite previously declining an opportunity to manage the club in 2017.
Manchester United is currently experiencing its poorest start to a Premier League season, suffering four losses in their first seven games.
Former United and Ajax legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has raised doubts about whether manager Erik ten Hag possesses the qualities needed to excel at Old Trafford.
“Coming from Ajax to United as he did is a big difference. I have been in both clubs,” Ibrahimovic told Piers Morgan Uncensored. “You have a different kind of discipline.
Ajax is a talented club. They have the best talents in the club. They don’t have big stars. What is the experience of this coach? Young talents come to United; it is a different mentality.
“The players there are supposed to be big stars. I don’t think you give the same treatment. How much time do you give a coach?
It depends on the owners and what they want, but if you listen to the fans, you don’t have a lot of time because they want to win, and I understand them because they are used to winningand they want to still win.”
Chief executive of Shakhtar Donetsk, Sergei Palkin, has informed ESPN that the club is currently in discussionswith Tottenham regarding a compensation package for Manor Solomon.
Manor Solomon, aged 24, made a move to Tottenham on a free transfer in July, leveraging a FIFA regulation that allows foreign players in Russia and Ukraine to unilaterally terminate their contracts due to the conflict in the region.
Shakhtar Donetsk, along with several other clubs, contested the modifications to Annex 7 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.
However, FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed these protests.
Before Annex 7 came into effect, Solomon was under contract with Shakhtar until the end of 2023, which would have required Tottenham to pay a transfer fee.
Nevertheless, Palkin remains hopeful that Shakhtar will receive some compensation directly from Tottenham as discussions continue with the club’s Director of Football Administration and Governance, Rebecca Caplehorn.
“We had conversations withTottenham, with Rebecca,” Palkin told ESPN. “We agreed that she would send propositions. We are now in, let’s say, a negotiation process with them. I hope and believe we will find a solution.
“At this moment, it is quite early to say something specific because we are on the way in these negotiations.”
Inter Miami CF managing owner Jorge Mas is considering the possibility of his team participating in a match in Barcelona as a way for Lionel Messi to say goodbye to his fans.
Following Messi’s departure from Barcelona as a free agent in August 2021, amidst the club’s financial challenges, there has been ongoing discussion about organising a tribute game to pay homage to the legendary Argentine player.
“I gave him (Lionel Messi) my commitment that I will do everything possible in the coming years so that he has the opportunity to say goodbye to his fans in Barcelona,” Mas said. “Inter Miami will go there (to Barcelona) or we will have some kind of match.
“Messi’s departure from Barcelona was not to his liking, he could not say goodbye to his club, which welcomed him as a child, and I think the circumstances were not what Lionel wanted.”
Barcelona President Joan Laporta recently expressed the idea that it would be fitting for Lionel Messi’s tribute to coincide with the official unveiling of the renovated Spotify Camp Nou stadium, which is not anticipated until the 2025–26 season.
In the past, there has been speculation about using the annual Joan Gamper Trophy, a traditional pre-season event held in August, as a potential occasion to pay tribute to Messi.
During the summer, there were considerations of Messi making a return to Barcelona, but he eventually joined Inter Miami CF after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired in June.
Messi, a 2022 World Cup champion with Argentina, has been in excellent form, scoring 11 goals in 12 matches for Inter Miami this season. With him on the field, Inter Miami has remained unbeaten and even secured the League Cup in August, marking their first trophy win.
“I think everything has changed with him,” Mas said of Messi’s impact on MLS. “The MLS is another. Every time we play away from home, the stadiums are full. The reception for Lionel has been extraordinary.
“The game in New York, with almost 30,000 fans and 80% shouting Messi’s name… there were Albiceleste and pink Inter Miami t-shirts… It shocked me; I wasn’t expecting that. There will be a before and after Messi’s arrival to the MLS.”
Mas did know that Messi’s arrival would alter the game in North America.
“In 2019, I organised a meeting with [Messi’s father and agent] Jorge Messi,” he said. [Inter Miami co-owner] David Beckham and I explained the Miami project to Jorge for three hours. I told him: ‘Your son will have the opportunity to create a new legacy because he will be able to change a sport in a country,’ and that (opportunity)is very rarely given to an athlete.”
Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, is reportedly implementing a policy to halt the club from acquiring players aged 30 or older, as per Sport.
During the summer transfer window, Barcelona brought in Iñigo Martinez, Ilkay Gundogan, and Oriol Romeu, all of whom are above the age of 30.
Additionally, Joao Cancelo, another recent addition on loan, is 29.
These signings were intended to provide experience alongside established players like Robert Lewandowski, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marcos Alonso, and Sergi Roberto. However, Deco believes it’s time for the club to shift its focus to a different type of acquisition.
According to the report, Barcelona will not consider even free agents who are older than 30, as new signings must maintain their transfer value.
Conversely, Barcelona is also fostering young talent, with players like Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Balde, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, and Pedri gaining significant playing time.
AC Milan is actively working on securing goalkeeper Mike Maignan a new contract, especially in light of interest from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, as reported by Calciomercato.
Discussions between the club and the 26-year-old’s representatives are scheduled for later this month.
AC Milan intends to propose a fresh five-year contract that would see Maignan’s annual salary double from €2.8 million to €5.6 million.
The French international reportedly aims to secure a contract on par with some of Europe’s elite goalkeepers, such as Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid and Marc-André ter Stegen of Barcelona, which could potentially mean a request for an annual figure closer to €7 million.
Maignan’s primary preference is to continue with the Serie A club, but Chelsea and PSG are keeping tabs on the situation and could explore potential moves if there’s no substantial progress following the initial discussions.
Mackson, a beautiful lady with a rich melanin complexion, brownish curly hair, and an impressive physique, has received accolades for her stunning appearance.
She is a model based in the UK and has graced several runways and worked with various brands.
Her Instagram profile prominently showcases her affinity for swimsuits and beach settings, evident in her captivating photos and videos.
Janine Mackson recently revealed her pregnancy through breathtaking photos shared on Instagram, announcing that she and Thomas Partey are expecting their first child.
The images showcased her baby bump and a joyful Thomas Partey, who is eagerly anticipating fatherhood.
In response to the announcement, Partey simply wrote ‘God did’ under his girlfriend’s post. Their relationship had been kept private until this pregnancy revelation.
As per Mackson’s post, they are embracing this moment as a ‘new beginning.
Real Madrid has issued a response to allegations of referee bribery made by a former police commissioner, who asserted that prosecuting Florentino Perez is a daunting task.
According to The Athletic, Jose Manuel Villarejo recently made these accusations during an interview with the Spanish publication RAC 1.
Villarejo brought up the claims while discussing the ongoing scandal at Barcelona, where the club has been charged with making payments to the former vice president of Spain’s football refereeing committee, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.
Negreira is currently facing corruption charges, along with Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu, both of whom served as Barcelona’s president during the final eight years of Negreira’s tenure from 2010 to 2018.
Barca have always denied any wrongdoing, but Villarejo claims that Real have engaged in similar practises, as he told RAC 1: “All presidents have done it. Florentino Perez, too.
“Somehow, at Real Madrid, before this Negreira case, the same thing had already been detected.
“It is impossible to prosecute anything that involves Perez. It would be suicide for anyone who dared to do so. Florentino is untouchable.”
Real Madrid have released an official statement responding to the allegations, confirming that Perez has already initiated legal proceedings against Villarejo for his “false accusations”.
The statement in full reads: “The president of Real Madrid C.F., Florentino Perez, has ordered the immediate filing of the corresponding legal action against the ex-commissioner Villarejo for the false accusations made on the Catalan radio station RAC1.”
Villarejo was detained in 2017 on suspicion of bribery and extortion, and his trial began four years later.
Meanwhile,Real Madrid is presently gearing up for their Champions League group stage encounter against Napoli. The match is scheduled to be held at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Tuesday night.
Galatasaray’s Wilfried Zaha made a ‘build or die’ admission when reflecting on his failed Manchester United stint ahead of his return to Old Trafford.
Zaha spent two years at United, where he appeared in just five matches in all competitions and was twice sent out on loan to Crystal Palace and Cardiff City.
In 2015, the winger went back to Crystal Palace on a permanent transfer and spent another eight seasons at the club before leaving them as a free agent to join Galatasaray this summer.
Ahead of facing the Red Devils in the Champions League, Zaha claimed that he is not ‘bothered’ about how his Old Trafford career panned out because it helped him to become stronger mentally.”
Trafford career panned out because it helped him become stronger mentally.
Speaking to reporters, the former Crystal Palace star said, “I’ll be honest, when you look at my face, do you think I am bothered at all? No. I went through a phase in my career where you either build from it or die. It built my character. I was determined not to let my career die out.”
The 30-year-old has made six appearances since signing with the Turkish powerhouses in the summer and has one goal and one assist. In the Champions League on Tuesday versus United, he is most likely to get the start.
Naples experienced a significant earthquakejust hours before Napoli was set to play against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
The Spanish giants are scheduled to compete at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium for the Group C match, where both teams have already earned three points on matchday one.
The match promises to be action-packed, with players like Jude Bellingham and Toni Kroos facing off against Victor Osimhen and his teammates.
However, there is cause for concern off the field even before the match begins. A 4.0-magnitude earthquake has shaken the ground in Italy.
While Real Madrid’s squad is staying in downtown Naples, away from the epicentre in the Camp Flegrei area, anxious locals have taken to the streets to assess the situation and determine if any significant damage has occurred.
Spanish journalist Guillem Balague is among those in Italy to cover European action, and he has posted on social media: “A 3.2 earthquake is like a lorry hitting a building. Or more like ten lorries. Buildings move, and noise is strong. I know that because it just happened to us in Naples.”
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti is preparing to face his former employers when locking horns with Napoli, and he has said of a heavyweight encounter with the Serie A title holders: “Napoli are one of the best teams in Italy. They’ve maintained the same structure [under new coach Rudi Garcia].
“They have a high level; they have individuals and an atmosphere that pushes them. It’s a return to the past. I had positive moments there, in a marvellous city.
Some good moments, some less good. It’s the most difficult game in the group.”
Since his arrival in Germany, Frimpong has honed his skills and evolved into a pivotal player for Bayer Leverkusen.
Over the past year, he has become the subject of interest for numerous clubs, including Manchester United.
However, despite the surrounding interest, Jeremie Frimpong is ready to commit his future to Bayer Leverkusen.
Reports suggest that the 22-year-old is on the verge of signing a new contract with the German club that will extend his tenure until the summer of 2028.
Frimpong’s contentment atBayer Leverkusen is evident, and he is eager to carry on the remarkable journey he has embarked upon with the club.
Ghana international Thomas Partey will be part of the Arsenal squad that takes on RC Lens in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, October 3.
The Black Stars midfield enforcer, after weeks of layoffs, has finally resumed full training with his teammates.
On Monday, when he trained with his teammates, he was given a heartwarming welcome and showed massive love.
According to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, “Thomas [Partey] has progressed really well in the last two weeks. He’s training with us now”.
With Thomas Partey now back in good shape and displaying sharp form, there’s a likelihood that he might see some playing time in the UEFA Champions League match against RC Lens on Tuesday night.
Arsenal enters the Group B fixture as the group leaders, following their convincing victory over PSV in the initial game.
While it’s not the ideal expectation for Thomas Partey to start the match, as he’s gradually reintegrated into the squad, there is a possibility that he could be substituted into the game at some point.
Former German and Ghanaian footballer Kevin Prince Boateng (36) was baptised in Germany and took to social media to declare Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life.
“Revelation 3:20 – And It’s up to US to open the Door or not. JESUS is The way, The truth and The life,” he wrote on Instagram, accompanied by photos of his baptism.
Boateng announced his retirement from professional football in August, following a career that spanned nearly two decades.
In a video reel posted on his Instagram page to confirm hanging his boots, Boateng explained why he decided to become a footballer.
“You become a criminal or you play football, so I choose to play football,” the former Barcelona and AC Milan star said.
“I was always special from the first moment, and I knew it. I was my biggest rival all the time. There’s no one else who can be my rival.
“Because no one is like me, no one thinks like me, and no one has emotions like me. It’s just me and myself. I had to learn that, as well, talent is nothing without hard work.”
Born in Berlin, West Germany, Boateng’s football journey began in Hertha Berlin’s youth ranks, and he eventually made his way into the senior team in 2005. Despite his modest beginnings, he went on to represent some of Europe’s top clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur,Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan.
Boateng’s impressive career also saw him don the jerseys of AC Milan, Schalke 04, Barcelona, Fiorentina, and Monza, before returning to Hertha Berlin for a final stint.
Throughout his career, Boateng amassed an impressive collection of trophies, including Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, DFB Pokal, and La Liga titles.
On the international stage, he proudly represented Ghana at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, earning a total of 15 caps and scoring two goals for his national team.
Spokesperson for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kwaku Owusu Banahene, has recommended that the independent presidential candidate, Alan Kyerematen, should undertake thorough consultations when submitting his nomination forms to the Electoral Commission for the 2024 elections.
Banahene suggested that it would be wise for the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful to seek guidance and support from experienced figures such as Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan and Mrs. Charlotte Osei, both of whom have previously served as Electoral Commissioners.
This, he argued, would help preempt any potential efforts by the NPP to disqualify Kyerematen through the EC’s processes.
“When it comes to the filing of his forms, he should let Dr Afari Gyan fill them out for him, and when he is done, Charlotte Osei should do the proofreading. She should scrutinise the documents carefully before he goes ahead to submit it.
“Else, the Electoral Commissioner will disqualify Alan. I am telling you, and you can mark it down. That is the avenue the NPP will use to have Alan Kyerematen disqualified,” he stated on Peace FM’s morning show on Monday, October 2, 2023.
Banahene observed that Alan Kyerematen, who recently withdrew from the NPP flagbearer contest due to perceived unfair treatment towards him and his supporters, enjoys significant popularity and could pose a substantial challenge to the NPP.
Furthermore, he pointed out that many incumbent Members of Parliament who are likely to lose in the NPP’s parliamentary primaries may follow in Kyerematen’s footsteps and opt to run as independent candidates in the 2024 elections.
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, who serves as the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), expressed apprehension about the state of Ghana’s democratic stability, primarily due to ongoing economic hardships.
During an interview on Joy News, he voiced concerns regarding the potential for political instability in the country.
Nketiah emphasised that the prevailing tolerance among Ghanaian citizens has been a crucial factor in preventing the nation from sliding into turmoil.
He also drew attention to Ghana’s historical instances of coups that were instigated by conditions less severe than the current economic challenges.
“Ghana is more than ripe for a coup d’état, but the only thing that is saving us is the tolerance of Ghanaians.
“If you look at our history, you will see that the things that have led to previous coup d’états in this country were even less than what is happening now. But the only thing that is saving us is tolerance and our collective history,” myjoyonline.com quoted him as saying.
While recognising the admirable resilience of the Ghanaian populace, Nketiah urged against resorting to disruptive measures as a short-term solution.
He stressed that such actions could ultimately exacerbate the crisis and establish a recurring pattern of instability under potentially unyielding new leadership.
Nketiah issued a cautionary message,emphasising the significance of not underestimating the far-reaching repercussions of a coup d’état and the imperative of safeguarding Ghana’s cherished democratic principles.
Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, a humanitarian surgeon and the Medical Director of Sage, has made a heartfelt appeal to the government, urging the removal of taxes on consumables essential for kidney dialysis procedures.
This, she believes, would enable healthcare institutions providing dialysis treatment to lower their prices for patients.
As a double-boarded certified surgeon, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah runs a prominent dialysis centre in the country.
She highlightsthat taxes on critical items like dialysers, introducer needles, arteriovenous fistula needles, blood tubing sets, and transducer protectors significantly contribute to the overall cost of dialysis treatment.
Unfortunately, these added costs are often passed on to patients through higher treatment fees.
Addressing the media in light of recent concerns over the escalating expenses associated with dialysis in the country, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah, who also serves as a member of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Advisory Team for Vaccines and Biological Products, expressed her dismay.
While she empathises with kidney failure patients’ current predicament, she stressed that one of the most effective solutions would be the removal of tariffs on consumable imports.
This action would facilitate increased shipments of these crucial supplies into the country, ultimately benefiting renal patients by making treatment more affordable.
Dr. Ayensu-Danquah further explained that the prices of consumables are closely tied to the US dollar exchange rate.
Therefore, any depreciation in the value of the cedi leads to price hikes, rendering it costly for facilities like Sage to import these vital materials.
“The price of consumables is tied to the US dollar rate, and any depreciation in the cedi means prices will increase, making it costly for facilities such as Sage to import.
“This does not only make it harder for existing facilities to operate, but it denies other investors from setting up to make prices competitive for patients,” the National Democratic Congress parliamentary candidate for the Essikado-Ketan in the Western Region said.
NHIS
Dr. Ayensu-Danquah also proposed that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should include coverage for dialysis procedures and kidney patient treatment in Ghana.
She suggested that the NHIS, managed by the National Health Insurance Authority, could adopt a co-payment policy, allowing patients to contribute a portion of the costs for these essential services.
Contributions
Dr. Ayensu-Danquah, known for her medical philanthropy, serves as a Professor of Medicine at the Centre for Global Surgery at the University of Utah in the United States and also holds a teaching position at the University of Cape Coast Medical School. Through her charitable efforts, she generously donates free medical supplies and equipment to clinics and hospitals located in rural areas.
Despite being a private hospital, Sage Medical Centre, situated in East Legon opposite the Ampomah Hotel, is dedicated to a noble mission. Their goal is to make affordable kidney care accessible to all Ghanaians, with the ultimate aim of saving lives.
Dr Ayensu-Danquah
Dr. Ayensu-Danquah initially practised medicine in private practise in the United States before deciding to return to Ghana to make a meaningful impact on lives.
She holds licences to practise in both California and Michigan and has earned fellowship status in both the American College of Surgeons and the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Additionally, she serves as a board member for Days for Girls International Ghana.
Upon her return to Ghana, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Sage Medical Centre.
She recognised a significant gap in the provision of dialysis care and aimed to address this issue.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly showing interest in Super Eagles star Victor Boniface as he searches for a rival to Erling Haaland.
Boniface has been a standout performer in the 2023-24 season, shining in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen under the guidance of Xabi Alonso.
The Nigerian forward has notched five goals and provided two assists in just as many games in the German top-flight league this season.
According to a report from Fichajes, Premier League champions Manchester City are closely monitoring the Nigerian international as Guardiola looks to find a complementary striker to Haaland.
Boniface’s style of play aligns with Guardiola’s approach, offering versatility and options in attack beyond just scoring goals.
However, City is not the sole European club keeping an eye on the 22-year-old talent, as Serie A giants Juventus are also reportedly interested, eager to seize an opportunity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOeLqud0IOs
While Boniface remains focused on making a strong impact in Germany, he may entertain the possibility of a transfer in the summer if a compelling offer materializes from another club.
Boniface equals Haaland’s record and beats Kan
In a prior Sports Brief, it was highlighted that Boniface not only matched Haaland’s record but also outperformed English captain Harry Kane to secure a prestigious Bundesliga award.
The young Nigerian sensation outshone the seasoned striker to claim the title of the top player for August, a feat he accomplished by netting four goals in just three appearances for Leverkusen.
Furthermore, Boniface’s impressive performance earned him the ‘Rookie of the Month’ award, putting him on par with Haaland as the second player to achieve the distinction of winning both league awards within a single month.
Member of Parliament for Tema West, Carlos Ahenkorah, has called upon the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to initiate peace discussions with Kennedy Agyapong and Chairman Wontumi in order to promote party unity.
Ahenkorah stressed that the uncontrolled actions of these two prominent figures within the party could lead to internal conflicts that may jeopardise the party’s peace and its aspirations for a consecutive eight-year term in power.
This appeal comes in response to recent remarks made by Kennedy Agyapong, a contender for the NPP’s flagbearer position, in which he made allegations against the party’s leadership.
Agyapong accused the NPP of engaging in activities he deemed deeply concerning, alleging that they were “looting” the country without considering its future.
Carlos Ahenkorah emphasized the importance of measured and considerate responses from influential party members like Agyapong and Chairman Wontumi, recognizing the significant impact their statements could have on the party’s overall cohesion.
“As a matter of urgency, if the leaders of the party do not speak with Ken and Wontumi, the outcome will not be to the benefit of the party. If you want the party to enjoy some peace and break the eight, then both Ken and Wontumi must be called and spoken to,” he said.
He recognized that Agyapong’s recent remarks bore similarities to his previous statements, but emphasized that the presidential aspirant’s heightened position necessitated a more measured and prudent approach when addressing sensitive topics.
“What he said is not very different from what he has been saying all these while, except that some of the things he said in Kumasi carry some weight. I want to use this opportunity to plead with Kennedy Agyapong, whether he accepts it or not, he is a forerunner of the party. Now, he wants to run as a flagbearer of the party.
“His reaction to certain situations and his delivery to same situations should inform him that people are watching and based on that, they will decide whether to share thoughts with you or not.
“Many people are expecting that all the things he used to say when he was just a member of parliament, he will relax on some of them particularly because he is a presidential aspirant,” he stated.
He continued “You cannot change Ken because he has his own personality and he is a self-made person but if he should continue on this tangent, those who feel victimised by this approach are likely going to confront him on that.”
Ahenkorah also voiced his apprehension regarding Chairman Wontumi’s recent comments, where he suggested the possibility of disclosing secrets about Kennedy Agyapong in case of any misconduct on Agyapong’s part.
He raised doubts about the relevance of such statements and implored the party to avoid any division.
“Apart from his comments as well, I saw a publication that was attributed to Wontumi. He was also quoted saying that if Ken should misbehave, he would also reveal some secrets of his, I mean why should we get to this? Why must we sell ourselves to the NDC for them to get us on that pedestal?
“I know Ken and I know Wontumi, they are very good friends and so, if comments such as these aremade by Wuntumi then it is concerning. Why will he come out to make such statements, why must we get ourselves to that point,” he questioned.
This comes as police investigations continue into allegations of abuse against the Brazilian international, a claim he vehemently denies.
United granted the 23-year-old winger a leave of absence on September 10, and he recently returned to England.
Antony voluntarily participated in an interview with Greater Manchester Police last Thursday and subsequently resumed training over the weekend.
As a result, there is now the potential for him to feature in the match against Turkish champions Galatasaray at Old Trafford, marking his return to the field a month after his last appearance against Arsenal.
“Antony will be in consideration, but yesterday was his first time back in team training,” United manager Ten Hag told a pre-match press conference on Monday.
“We have a final training (session) and then we make a decision, but he will be in consideration, yeah.”
Antony is currently contending with multiple accusations of physical aggression directed towards his ex-girlfriend, Gabriela Cavallin, who came forward to speak with Brazilian media earlier this month.
The winger has strongly refuted these allegations, including additional claims of assault made by two other women. Importantly, Antony has not faced any arrests or charges in either Brazil or the United Kingdom.
He participated in a voluntary interview, during which he provided evidence to substantiate his firm denials, and departed without any imposed restrictions.
Ten Hag, asked what Antony’s return to the squad said to victims of domestic violence, said: “So, he cooperated fully,” having not heard the initial question. “It came out he’s not charged, so…”
Antony’s fellow forward Jadon Sancho remains sidelined, with full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Sergio Reguilon out injured, while Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo have been unable to feature this season.
Martinez set for surgery
Now centre-back Lisandro Martinez is facing up to three months on the sidelines after the Argentina international underwent surgery following a fractured metatarsal in April’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Sevilla.
‘I like these situations’ says under pressure Man U boss before Bayern tie
“I can confirm Licha Martinez will have to undergo surgery,” Ten Hag said. “So, the team news is probably Antony dos Santos can return.”
United head into Tuesday’s match desperately needing a win following a 4-3 defeat by Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener and Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace.
That Old Trafford defeat came after back-to-back wins, with Ten Hag saying: “Of course we are disappointed about the result.
“Then you have to analyse the game, where were the problems, then you have to move forward, but also give solutions for the problems.”
Marcus Rashford’s performances are under particular scrutiny, with the England international having scored just once this season following 30 goals in all competitions last term.
“The facts are that he is not scoring in this moment, but also he had the opportunities,” Ten Hag said of Rashford.
“I think, for instance, in the game against Brighton, there were five or six occasions when he was in a very good spot.
“If he works hard and if he invests every day, goes into every game with the right focus and if the team also around him supply him, help him and support him with movement then it will come.”
Tottenham Hotspur has strongly slammed the racist abuse directed at Italian footballer of Nigerian descent, Destiny Udogie, following their thrilling 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Saturday, September 30.
In a dramatic match, Spurs secured a win against a nine-man Liverpool team, with Joel Matip’s own goal sealing the victory.
Cody Gakpo had earlier equalized Son Heung-min’s opener in the first half, and the game was marred by controversy due to the disallowed goal of Luis Diaz for offside when the score was still 0-0.
After the win, Destiny Udogie shared his celebration on Instagram, posting a series of pictures from the game. Shockingly, the comments section was flooded with a disturbing wave of racist abuse.
In response to these disturbing events, Tottenham released a statement on Monday expressing their outrage: “We are disgusted at the racist messages directed towards Destiny Udogie on social media following Saturday’s game against Liverpool.
“We will work with the Premier League and, where possible, take action against any individual we are able to identify. We stand with you, Destiny.”
Destiny Udogie, a 20-year-old prodigious talent, has established himself as a regular starter for Tottenham, featuring in all seven of their Premier League matches this season.
He has contributed significantly with two assists and played a crucial role in securing two clean sheets for the team.
Udogie made the transition to Tottenham’s first team during the summer, following his signing from Udinese in August 2022 after spending the previous season on loan with the club.
In recent matches, Udogie has garnered praise for his standout performances against formidable opponents.
Notably, he effectively contained Bukayo Saka during the intense 2-2 north London derby, even after receiving an early yellow card.
His adept handling of Mohamed Salah in the match against Liverpool, despite the opposition being a man down for much of the game, further underscored his abilities and earned him acclaim.
It’s worth noting that the 20-year-old still has the option to represent theSuper Eagles through his Nigerian parentage.
Following Tottenham’s 2-1 victory overLiverpool, Tottenham striker Richarlison stirred up a bit of controversy by sharing a video on TikTok that appeared to mock Liverpool’s coach, Jurgen Klopp.
The Brazilian uploaded the video two days after the contentious Premier League match between Spurs and Liverpool.
In the video, Richarlison can be seen engaging in a verbal exchange with Klopp after being involved in a challenge with Liverpool’s star player, Mohamed Salah, near the touchline.
The match on Saturday was marred by a series of controversial decisions, including Liverpool being reduced to nine players and a disallowed goal that the refereeing body, PGMOL, later admitted should have been allowed to stand.
The latest VAR controversy has sparked outrage among fans and the Anfield club released a statement brandishing the explanation of the blunder as “unacceptable”.
Former Everton standout Richarlison set up Son Heung-min for the opening goal, shortly after Luis Diaz’s incorrectly disallowed goal.
This contribution adds to Richarlison’s tally of two assists and one goal in seven Premier League appearances this season.
The Brazilian international and his Tottenham teammates are set for another match on Saturday when they travel to face Luton Town in the Premier League.
Manchester United are off to their worst start to a Premier League season in the last 34 years under Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils suffered yet another loss in the Premier League as they went down 1-0 against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday.
It was their fourth defeat in seven league appearances this season, which meant that the club were off to their worst start in the last 34 years.
Manager Erik ten Hag was naturally left frustrated after the Palace encounter, as he questioned the quality of the game displayed by his players on the ground after the match.
According to a report from the Mirror, the Dutch manager is also concerned about the ‘mental fragility’ of some of his squad members and their ability to deal with difficult situations on the pitch.
Ten Hag is also dealing with several off-the-pitch issues at the club. He recently had a fallout with Jadon Sancho, after which the English international was banished from first-team activities.
Star defender Lisandro Martinez has also been ruled out of action for a long period of time as the Argentine is set to undergo surgery on a foot injury.
Janine Mackson, the girlfriend of Black Stars player Thomas Partey, has made a joyful announcement regarding their upcoming addition to the family.
Mackson took to her Instagram to share pregnancy photos, marking the occasion as a ‘new beginning.’
The pictures featured her prominently displaying her baby bump, with a visibly delighted Thomas Partey anticipating his role as a father.
The couple had previously kept their relationship private, but the pregnancy announcement has brought their bond into the spotlight.
Presently, Thomas Partey is sidelined due to a groin injury he sustained during a training session in September 2023. The 29-year-old midfielder is on the path to full recovery and is expected to return to action in October 2023.
Udinese’s midfielder, Lazar Samardzic, recently expressed that he harbors no regrets over the collapse of his potential move to Inter Milan during this summer transfer window.
However, he remains steadfast in his readiness to make a transition to a prominent and illustrious club.
The 21-year-old Samardzic seemed poised to make a switch toInter Milan, but in the closing phases of negotiations, the deal unexpectedly unraveled.
Speculation circulated that last-minute alterations from Samardzic’s advisors were the key factors leading to the deal’s breakdown.
“It’s never been about money,” the Serbia international told Sky Italia. “But it’s a thing of the past now and I don’t want to talk about it anymore. I’m a person that thinks positively: Udinese is a strong team, an organized club and if I stay another year, it’s perfect for me.
“I want to have a great tournament here, then we’ll see what happens. I feel ready for a big club. I’m 21 and I think in two years at the most I will be even more prepared mentally and physically.”
Al Nassr football executive manager Marcelo Salazar has spoken about the “brilliant move” his club made by bringing Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia, a “shock for world football.”
“It was a very ambitious move by our club,” the Brazilian-born Salazar told Globoesporte. “I would say brilliant. Because bringing a player of Cristiano Ronaldo’s magnitude to play here in Saudi Arabia really was a shock for world football.
“And this effect was what opened the doors for six months later for players like Karim Benzema, Kanté, Roberto Firmino, Neymar, Malcom,… These guys decided to come and play here.
“It was this visibility that Cristiano brought here to the league and, of course, from the moment that not only the player but his family sees that Cristiano Ronaldo is here with his family, his children study at schools here, families also think: if they live there, so can we.”
The 26-year-old, who was acquired for a hefty £50 million from Leicester in 2020, has grappled with persistent fitness problems.
His latest setback occurred during the EFL Cup match against Brighton, where he had to be substituted late in the game due to a hamstring injury.
This injury raises concerns that the English international may face an extended period on the sidelines.
Mauricio Pochettino is already without right-back Reece James until after the international break, as he has a thigh problem, and the manager was asked last week about the pair. “When they’re at their best, they are the best full-backs in the world,” he said.
“At all clubs, important players are missed when they don’t play. If the question is, ‘do we miss them?’ Of course. Reece is a top player and [Chilwell] is also.” Chelsea have £62m-signing Marc Cucurella and Ian Maatsen as backups for Chilwell at left back but are willing to listen to offers to sign Cucurella in January, sources told ESPN.
Inter Miami president David Beckham has reportedly engaged in discussions with Luka Modric regarding a potential transfer either during the upcoming January window or at the conclusion of the current season, as per reports from Cadena SER.
Modric, aged 38, has grown increasingly frustrated with his recent lack of playing time at Real Madrid.
He has not featured in the team’s last two matches, notably being substituted during their defeat to Atletico Madrid.
This unfamiliar situation marks the first time the Croatian international has missed consecutive matches in a Real Madrid jersey since 2012.
Furthermore, 14 other players have seen more action on the pitch than him this season.
During the summer, Modric received multiple offers from Saudi Arabia, but the prospect of a move to Major League Soccer (MLS), potentially partnering with Lionel Messi, seems more feasible.
Predrag Mijatović, a figure closely connected to Modric, has revealed that the Croatian midfielder has also received several offers from American clubs.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou expressed his disapproval of the video assistant referee (VAR) system, citing its tendency to complicate matters.
This sentiment comes in the wake of his team gaining an advantage due to an officiating mistake during Saturday’s match against Liverpool.
Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL), the referee group, acknowledged their error in disallowing Liverpool winger Luis Díaz’s goal during the first half of the game, which ultimately resulted in Tottenham’s 2-1 victory.
They attributed the error to human judgement.
“I think I’m on record saying that I’ve never really been a fan of it since it came in,” Postecoglou, who previously managed Celtic, said to reporters after the game.
“Not for any other reason than I think that it complicates areas of the game that I thought were pretty clear in the past, but I can see at the same time why it was inevitable that technology would come in. We have to deal with it.
“The game is littered with historical refereeing decisions that weren’t right, but we all accepted that it was part of the game because we’re dealing with human beings,” Postecoglou said.
“I think that people are under the misconception that VAR is going to be errorless. I don’t think there’s any technology because so much of our game isn’t factual. It’s down to interpretation, and they’re still human beings.
“When you put such a high bar on something, it invariably is going to fail, so if people are thinking that VAR is going to be something that at some point that is perfect, that’s never going to happen.”
Liverpool suffered a defeat as Joël Matip scored an own goal in stoppage time, with the team already down to nine players due to the red cards issued to midfielder Curtis Jones and winger Diogo Jota.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, whose team had not lost to Spurs since 2017 and had only been defeated by them once in their previous 21 league encounters, attributed the shift in momentum during the game to VAR’s decision to disallow Diaz’s goal.
Following this outcome, Tottenham climbed to the second position in the Premier League standings, trailing reigning champions Manchester City by just one point.
In contrast, Liverpool found themselves a further point behind in fourth place after seven matches.
“Who does that help now?,” Klopp said when asked about the referees’ statement. “We will not get points for it, so it doesn’t help. Nobody expects 100% right decisions on-field, but I think we all thought when VAR came in, it might make things easier…
“We score that goal. It was top, top, top, outstandingly well played. In a game where you don’t get a lot to feel better, you make that, that’s super-important information, that’s how we can hurt them, that’s how we can beat them, stuff like this.
“So, it was super-difficult, but the boys dealt extremely well with it.”
Rangers made the decision to relieve manager Michael Beale of his duties on Sunday after suffering their third defeat in seven Scottish Premiership games.
In his place, club legend Steven Davis has been appointed interim manager.
Pressure had been mounting on Beale following a disappointing 3-1 loss to Aberdeen at Ibrox on Saturday, with fans voicing their discontent by booing the team as they left the pitch.
Currently, Rangers find themselves in third place in the league, trailing league leader Celtic by seven points.
In anticipation of their upcoming Europa League fixture against Aris Limassol in Cyprus on Thursday, the club issued a statement announcing these managerial changes.
“The Rangers board would like to put on record their thanks to Michael and his staff for their efforts since joining the club last November,” the statement said.
“Results this season have fallen short of what everyone connected to Rangers would expect. Therefore, the decision was reached today to terminate the contract of the manager … The club is pleased to announce that Steven Davis will lead the interim management team.
“The team will consist of former Rangers player and hugely experienced coach Alex Rae, former player and current coach Steven Smith, coach Brian Gilmour and goalkeeping coach Colin Stewart.”
Although former midfielderDavis’ contract with the team expired at the end of the previous campaign, the organisation had been allowing him to utilise the facilities for his recovery from a catastrophic knee injury.
Martinez, who had previously undergone surgery for a broken metatarsal in his right foot, will now face another three months on the sidelines due to the persistent issue.
Despite briefly returning to play, he experienced pain in the same area during a match against Arsenal in September.
United’s medical team has determined that a second surgery is necessary for a complete recovery.
Manager Erik ten Hag is grappling with defensive challenges, with several players, including full-backs Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Sergio Reguilon, currently sidelined due to injuries.
This has forced him to deploy defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat as a makeshift left-back, while Raphael Varanepartners with Victor Lindelof in central defence.
The World Cup-winning Argentina international, like many others, expressed dissatisfaction with the match officials’ performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League fixture.
During that match, Liverpool had two players, Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota, sent off, and a valid goal by Luis Diaz was disallowed due to another VAR review team error.
PGMOL has issued an apology for a “significant human error,” but Liverpool has called for a more comprehensive solution to addressing costly officiating mistakes.
Liverpool has experienced several contentious decisions against them in recent times, and last season, Jurgen Klopp received a two-match touchline ban for accusing referee Paul Tierney of bias in another high-stakes encounter with Spurs.
Jose Mourinho has subtly mocked his critics by highlightingRomelu Lukaku’s goal-scoring success as the Belgian striker continues to perform well for Roma.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United forward, who previously played under Mourinho at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford, joined Stadio Olimpico during the summer transfer window on an initial loan deal.
Lukaku has scored four goals in six appearances for Roma, demonstrating his prowess as a former Serie A champion from his time at Inter Milan.
This has made him a shining light for the Giallorossi during a challenging start to the season, in which they have earned eight points from seven matches.
Mourinho believes those exploits prove that he still knows what he is doing, as critics are quick to point at him enduring supposed third-season syndrome once again in a prominent coaching post, with the Portuguese telling DAZN after seeing Lukaku score in a 2-0 victory over Frosinone: “I thought that I could be held responsible for Lukaku not scoring! At the very least, nobody can accuse me of that because Romelu keeps scoring.
He scores here; he scores at Manchester United and at Inter.
Romelu scored everywhere. Fortunately, I am not a coach who can remove Romelu’s qualities.”
Questions continue to be asked about how long Mourinho will be sticking around at Roma, with a lucrative offer from the Middle East having already been snubbed, but he claims to have the full support of owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin.
He added, “You keep talking about the future; that is not something I need to worry about; my future is the promise I made until June 30. A coach must respect the club owners and not comment on anything.
“I am happy for them that we won today, becauseobviously the owners want to win. I work for them, I work for the Roma fans and I work for the players. When we do well, I am happy.”
In February 2008, during the final year of John Agyekum Kufuor’s presidency, he welcomed the then-sitting United States President, George Bush, and the First Lady to Ghana.
During their visit, a state dinner was held in honour of the US President and his wife, where President George W. Bush made a brief comment about First Lady Theresa Kufuor, who has recently been reported as deceased.
Theresa Kufuor, a retired midwife, is said to have passed away at the age of 88 at her residence, although there has been no official confirmation of her death.
During his visit to Ghana, President George W. Bush delivered a short speech at the state dinner, expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the Ghanaian people.
“I don’t think I have been to a country where the people have been more friendly and more open. We appreciate so very much your hospitality, and I really appreciate the George Bush Motorway,” he said.
Before he concluded his address, he described Theresa Kufuor, the First Lady as ‘gracious,’ while thanking the Ghanaian people.
“I thank you for your leadership. I thank you for your kindness. And I offer a toast to you, your gracious wife, and to the noble people of Ghana. God bless,” he concluded.
Having tied the knot on September 8, 1962, the second first couple of the fourth republic had barely three weeks back celebrated their 61st anniversary as a couple.
The former president once revealed that he married Theresa a year after they got to know each other.
In an interview with Adom TV’s Afia Amankwah Tamakloe, Kufuor disclosed that they met at a Republic Day Anniversary Dance in 1961 in London.
“We got talking at the dance and became friends who got married in 1962 and gave birth to our first child in 1963, the second in 1964,” myjoyonline.com quoted him to have said.
The signing ofGhanaian forward Ernest Nuamah by French Ligue 1 powerhouse Olympique Lyonnais has come under scrutiny from various French clubs, prompting calls for FIFA to investigate, as reported by L’Équipe.
Nuamah, aged 19, initially transferred from FC Nordsjaelland to Belgian club Molenbeek before completing a loan move, which included an obligation to buy, to Olympique Lyonnais.
Questions have arisen among rival fans and commentators regarding Nuamah’s transfer due to Eagle Football’s multi-ownership structure, which considers Molenbeek a sister club to Lyon.
The young Ghanaian forward was acquired for a record-breaking fee of €25 million. When the obligation to buy clause is activated, the entire €25 million is expected to be paid to the Belgian club.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RZTde1mMZ3U
Internal FIFA sources suggest that the deal will be subject to examination, despite the fact that Nuamah’s transfer to Molenbeek received FIFA approval, and Lyon obtained prior approval from the DNCG after being placed under financial restrictions.
Due to the increased interest from Lyon’s Ligue 1 competitors, FIFA may request additional information from Lyon.
Molenbeek, a newly-promoted Jupiler Pro League club, had previously recorded a transfer fee of €3 million.
Since his controversial move to the Groupama Stadium, Nuamah has made four appearances for the club.
Although he has yet to score for Les Gones, the former Right to Dream player did so while representing the Ghana Black Stars in their recent AFCON qualification matches against the Central African Republic (CAR) last month.
He followed that up with a goal and an assist as Ghana defeated Liberia 3-1 in a friendly match.
Archbishop Nicolas Duncan-Williams of Action Chapel International has delivered a warning to the government regarding the handling of current youth grievances and the protests that have arisen as a result.
During a sermon on September 24, he emphasised the potential risks of disregarding the frustrations of the youth, noting that they are a demanding demographic.
Duncan Williams
While not directly mentioning the specific protests organised by Democracy Hub, such as #OccupyJulorbiHouse, the clergyman stressed the importance of using skillful and strategic approaches to address these concerns
“It is true that we are in a very difficult situation but if we cross 2024 and do the four years of 2025, a day will come in this country; like they are doing in America, they are holding Donald Trump responsible; citizens will hold politicians responsible.
“Because when you are dealing with unmarried youth without children or property, they are unpredictable. And one of the things with dealing with the youth and some of these demonstrations that politicians must not ignore is the fact that the Bible says in the latter days that children shall be disobedient to their own parents.
“This young generation doesn’t care kwraa so when you are dealing with them, you need to be very skillful and very tactful,” he cautioned.
“It is a big deal for African nations and African leaders to ignore the cry and restlessness and frustration of the youth. It is a very bad move for any government in Africa to ignore the cry and concern of the next generation because it is difficult to ignore them. You must meet them halfway,” he stressed.
OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstrators
On September 23, which marked the concluding day of the three-day protests, demonstrators made an attempt to breach a police barricade well into the night with the intention of marching to the presidency.
This occurred in spite of the unlawful arrests and the heavy-handed actions of the police on Day 1, during which 49 protesters were apprehended and held for an extended period on charges of unlawful assembly.
Eventually, all of them were released on bail. Days 2 and 3 transpired without any significant incidents, as the police had already cordoned off the main road leading to the presidency, Jubilee House, even before the protesters commenced their march toward the location.
While Day 2 saw the blocking of one part of the 37-Accra Road,the final day saw the blocking of both sides, which meant vehicular traffic was greatly constrained for the better part of the day.
