O Atlético-MG foi denunciado pelo Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (TJD) de Minas Gerais e corre o risco de ser banido da atual edição do Campeonato Mineiro. A denúncia foi feita por conta de cantos homofóbicos vindos da torcida no clássico contra o Cruzeiro.
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Nos tiros de metas cobrados pelo goleiro Rafael Cabral, parte dos fãs do Galo gritavam a palavra “bicha”. O procurador Felipe Bartolomeo ressaltou o caso como de extrema gravidade em parte da denúncia a qual o “ge” teve acesso.
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– Uma vez que não consta na súmula a identificação de torcedores, ao contrário, foi nominada a torcida de forma generalizada, é certo que o clube deve ser punido pela atitude de seus torcedores, nos termos da primeira parte do art. 243-G, §2º. Destaque-se que não é cabível nos dias de hoje, especialmente no futebol, atos de discriminação, seja de cor, credo, opção sexual, devendo estes atos serem qualificados como de extrema gravidade, nos termos do art. 243-G, §3º do CBJD2.
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Caso o Atlético-MG não seja excluído do Campeonato Mineiro, o clube corre o risco de sofrer perda de pontos e de mando de campo. O Galo também foi denunciado por objetos jogados no gramado, invasão e descumprimento do regulamento.
Chelsea have opened talks with the representatives of a big-name player after their triumph over Barcelona in the Champions League, according to a fresh update on Wednesday morning.
Chelsea seal statement win over Barcelona on dream European night
Enzo Maresca’s side put in a scintillating performance at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, dismantling Barça 3-0 in a European encounter that underlined their credentials as genuine contenders for silverware this season.
Chelsea dominated from start to finish, displaying an intensity and quality that left the five-time European champions thoroughly outclassed.
The Blues flew out of the blocks with relentless energy, pressing Barcelona high and refusing to allow the Spanish side any time on the ball. Their attacking intent was evident throughout a pulsating first half that saw Chelsea create numerous opportunities, though they endured frustration as two goals were chalked off for offside and handball before finally breaking through.
The first goal arrived when Marc Cucurella’s dangerous cross deflected off Jules Koundé, giving Chelsea a deserved advantage after 27 minutes of intense pressure.
As good as Estevao: £60m star is on his way to becoming "a Chelsea legend"
Estevao was the star of the show as Chelsea beat Barcelona in the Champions League.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 26, 2025
It got from bad to worse for Barça, with captain Ronald Araujo receiving a second yellow card for his reckless challenge on Cucurella near the touchline. The sending-off proved catastrophic for Hansi Flick’s side, allowing Chelsea to seize complete control after the restart.
The second half belonged to 18-year-old sensation Estevao, who produced a moment of individual brilliance that will be remembered for years in west London.
Collecting the ball wide on the right, the Brazilian winger embarked on a mesmeric dribble, gliding past Pau Cubarsí before cutting across Alejandro Balde and unleashing an unstoppable finish into the roof of the net. The stunning strike showcased his exceptional technical ability and composure, stealing the show in a much-anticipated head-to-head with Barcelona’s own teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal.
Liam Delap then rounded off a superb Chelsea display with his first Champions League goal for the club after initially seeing it chalked off, with Cucurella getting a lot of plaudits too for his exceptional display against Yamal.
Marc Cucurella’s game v Barça
Minutes
93′
Expected Assists
0.59
Tackles (Won)
5 (4)
Interceptions
1
Clearances
2
Blocked Shots
1
Recoveries
4
Aerial Duels (Won)
1 (1)
Key Passes
1
Passes
55/63
Touches
97
All Stats via Sofascore
It was a statement win for Chelsea, who now go into their mouth-watering Premier League tie against Arsenal this weekend in very high spirits.
Now, according to Sky Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri, supporters could have more reason to get excited.
Chelsea reopen talks with Mike Maignan who's "very keen" to join
AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan has long been a target for Chelsea amid their hunt for an elite-level keeper, with his contract expiring at the end of this season and potentially up for grabs at zero cost.
As per Tavolieri, Chelsea have reignited negotiations with Maignan and his camp, as the French international edges closer to departing the San Siro.
BlueCo are seizing on a developing contract standoff that could see the 30-year-old leave Italy as a free agent next summer, with Maignan reportedly informing Milan that he will not sign a new deal despite the club offering improved terms that would double his current salary.
The France number one can begin formal discussions with foreign clubs from January onwards, positioning Chelsea favourably in the race for his signature.
Maresca apparently views the experienced shot-stopper as a potential solution to Chelsea’s ongoing goalkeeping concerns. While Robert Sanchez has featured regularly this season, Filip Jorgensen could leave in January, and neither have fully convinced Chelsea’s manager.
Maignan is also “very keen” on the idea of joining them, so this could be one to watch closely as we fast approach the winter window.
The former Lille star is widely regarded as one of Europe’s top shot-stoppers, with Liverpool’s Alisson describing him as a world-class keeper at a truly elite level.
حرض توني فريكسا، المدير التنفيذي السابق لنادي برشلونة، إدارة بطل الدوري الإسباني على اتخاذ أي إجراءات ضرورية ضد النجم لامين يامال، حال خروج الأمور المتعلقة به عن السيطرة.
وواجه لامين يامال الكثير من المشاكل مؤخرًا، بسبب تصريحاته الإعلامية وحرصه على استفزاز خصومه بشكل مستمر، عبر مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، قبل المباريات الكبرى.
ويرى الكثيرون أن الضجيج المنتشر حول لامين يامال قد أثر على مستواه بشكل سلبي في الفترة الأخيرة، حيث إنه لا يقدم أداءً مشابهًا لما كان عليه في الموسم الماضي.
اقرأ أيضًا.. رد فعل ريال مدريد تجاه تصريحات لابورتا الساخرة من فلورنتينو بيريز
وقال فريكسا في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية: “لو كان لامين ابني، لقلت له إنه ليس بالمستوى الذي يُقال عنه، سأقول له استمر في العمل الجاد ولا تُصدق أي شيء تسمعه، ركز فقط على كرة القدم”، مؤكدًا على ضرورة حمايته ومنع الضجيج الإعلامي من تشويه مسيرته.
وأضاف: “إذا كان لدى لامين أي مشكلة تحتاج إلى معالجة، فعلينا مساعدته، نظريًا إذا وصل الأمر إلى حد لا يمكن فيه حل هذه المشكلة، فهذه ليست نهاية العالم، سيستمر برشلونة”.
وترى صحيفة “سبورت” أن فريكسا ترك الباب مفتوحًا بتلك الطريقة أمام سيناريوهات تتضمن ضمنيًا إمكانية بيع لامين يامال، إذا لزم الأمر، للحفاظ على استقرار النادي الرياضي أو المؤسسي.
وشدد: “لا أستبعد أي سيناريو، أفكر في ناديي، جميع أعضاء النادي موجودون هنا مؤقتًا فقط، المهم هو برشلونة”.
كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير عن تفاصيل الجلسة التفاوضية التي جرت مساء أمس في أحد الفنادق بين جون إدوارد، المدير الرياضي لنادي الزمالك، من أجل تجديد عقد محمد السيد لاعب فريق الكرة بالقلعة البيضاء.
وقال شوبير في تصريحاته: “أمس حدثت جلسة مفاوضات بين جون ادوارد وعبد الرحمن إسماعيل وكيل اللاعب محمد السيد، والأخير أكد أنه مرحّب جدًا بالاستمرار مع الزمالك، لكن أوضح أن راتبه كان 150 ألف جنيه في السنة الأولى، و250 في الثانية، و350 في الثالثة، ومع ذلك لم يكن يتقاضى مستحقاته بانتظام”.
وأضاف: “اللاعب قال إنه يعمل على تطوير نفسه ويدفع 10 آلاف جنيه شهريًا لإحدى شركات التحليل، ولديه مدرب أحمال خاص وجيم يتدرب فيه، وكلها مصروفات تحتاج دعمًا ماليًا، خاصة مع تأخر المستحقات في النادي”.
طالع | تشكيل الزمالك المتوقع أمام البنك الأهلي.. مفاضلة بين الدباغ والجزيري
واستطرد: “جون إدوارد عرض رفع قيمة العقد لتتراوح بين 3 و5 ملايين جنيه، مع تطبيق نسبة المشاركة المعروفة بـ25%، ومعنى هذا أن اللاعب إذا لم يشارك في 75% من المباريات، يتم خصم جزء من راتبه”.
وواصل: “قيمة العقد سيتم توزيعها على أقساط شهرية، لكن محمد السيد طلب الحصول على 3 ملايين جنيه كـ منحة للتعاقد لتأمين مستقبله، قائلًا إنه لا يمتلك سيارة أو شقة ويريد تحسين وضعه المعيشي، وهنا غضب جون إدوارد وغادر الجلسة دون توقيع العقد، رغم أن مثل هذه المفاوضات تحتاج وقتًا وأخذًا وعطاء”.
وأتم: “محمد السيد موهوب، لكنه تعرّض للظلم سواء في منتخب الشباب أو مع الزمالك، والجماهير هاجمته بشدة بعد مباراة كانت محسومة سلفًا بنتيجة 6-0، رغم أن ضياعه لركلة جزاء لم يكن يستحق كل هذا الهجوم، وأعتقد أن الأزمة ستُحسم قريبًا بإذن الله، خاصة أن النية لدى الطرفين إيجابية لإتمام التعاقد”.
Newcastle United have come on leaps and bounds under Eddie Howe’s wing, but the Toon have been hit with their fair share of adversity over the past few months.
Backed by PIF, Howe has worked wonders at St. James’ Park, transforming Newcastle from perennial relegation contenders to a force to be reckoned with both at the top of the Premier League and in Europe.
And, to boot, United ended so many years of searching for silverware last season, beating Liverpool at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup and seal their first major domestic honour since 1955.
Newcastle United manager EddieHoweand assistant manager Jason Tindall celebrate
Liverpool have carried the battle on, however, having pushed throughout the summer transfer window for Magpies talisman Alexander Isak. The Reds landed their man on transfer deadline day, signing him for a record-breaking £125m fee.
It’s a cruel, cruel blow for Howe’s project, no doubt about it. Although that said, Newcastle have recruited well this summer and have equipped themselves with players capable of matching the outfit’s lofty ambitions.
How Newcastle are replacing Isak
Toward the end of the transfer window, Newcastle welcomed Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa to their ranks. There is an exciting contrast to the two forwards, one of whom is experienced and renowned within the Premier League, with the other hailing from Germany, and with a high ceiling ahead of him.
Both of them are talented goalscorers, who will contribute to the latest chapter at this wonderful football club. But neither of them is Isak.
Indeed, Isak’s influence reached beyond that of merely being a prolific frontman. The Sweden international was described by pundit Ally McCoist last season as being “the best all-round centre-forward” in the Premier League, with his lethal finishing merely the endpoint of a dynamic, snappy skillset.
Newcastle have replaced him in the aggregate, but it might be too much to expect either replacement to step up and offer the same level of quality from the get-go.
For Anthony Gordon, this is the perfect chance for him to step up and prove to those of a Toon persuasion that he can adopt the talismanic berth at St. James’ Park.
However, after a testing start to the season, the England international has it all to do, with more misery potentially pulling him away from a place as Isak’s proverbial successor and toward territory occupied by someone like Miguel Almiron.
Anthony Gordon needs to step up
Last season, Gordon left plenty to be desired at Newcastle. The 24-year-old had previously been crowned Newcastle’s Player of the Year for 2023/24 after an exceptional breakout season, but interest from Liverpool that summer knocked him out of kilter after the saga came to nought.
Gordon was on the fringes after joining from Everton for £45m in January 2023, but a full pre-season allowed him to grow into his skin and repay the faith, clinching 28 goal contributions across all competitions.
Almiron is fondly remembered for his contribution and passion on Tyneside, but there’s no denying he lacked clarity and incisiveness in the final third, with the lion’s share of his time in England yielding not-so-prolific returns.
Newcastle signed Almiron from Atlanta United in the MLS, enjoying his football for seven years before sending him back over the pond.
Tenacious and lively, the Paraguayan winger lacked bite in the final third, with an incredible purple patch during the 2022/23 campaign serving as the extent of his clinical form in the Premier League. But what form it was, with the maverick swishing this way and that, playing with such gusto as he timed his runs and found the right pockets of space at the right times.
Miguel Almiron in the Premier League
Season
Apps
Goals (assists)
24/25
9
0 (0)
23/24
33
3 (1)
22/23
34
11 (2)
21/22
30
1 (0)
20/21
34
4 (1)
19/20
36
4 (2)
18/19
10
0 (0)
Stats via Transfermarkt
Gordon will hope that he does not follow suit, having only scored six goals in the Premier League last season and starting the current campaign off wobbily, seeing himself sent off during that frantic fixture against Liverpool in August.
He has described himself as a “nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, and he shares with Almiron a sort of crackling energy when on the ball and in the danger area, one of the fastest players in the Premier League besides.
Howe has been forced into playing the left-sided forward in a makeshift centre-forward berth at times – including the opening weeks of the current campaign – and that has disrupted the player’s fluency, but the fact remains that this is a critical juncture for a player who needs to step up now that Isak has completed his move to Merseyside.
There’s no question that Gordon’s ceiling is higher than Almiron’s ever was. The Three Lions star has been priced in the ballpark of £100m in the past, after all.
And, of course, it’s important to remember Gordon has proven himself and then some within this Newcastle team before, and during a testing time for the club at that.
He is a forward who wears his passion on his sleeve, and though that has at times been to his own detriment, the winger will be determined to bounce back and prove he can lead this new-look frontline over the coming years.
Looking at it from a different, more sobering perspective, Gordon must ensure this campaign does not get away from him too, for if this is the case, his flash-in-the-pan prolific mess in the Premier League might leave him remembered in a similar way to Almiron.
Again, there is confidence from the Toon hierarchy that this will not be the case, but the time for action is now.
PIF have signed Newcastle their own Gabriel in "outstanding" £30m warrior
Newcastle’s summer signing shone vs Arsenal, drawing Gabriel comparisons.
Ange Postecoglou will be hoping that he can claim his first win as Nottingham Forest manager this afternoon when his side travel to face Burnley at Turf Moor.
The Aussie has already lost his first two outings in charge, losing 3-0 against Arsenal last weekend before falling to a late defeat against Swansea City in the Carabao Cup.
Igor Jesus’ first-half double gave the Reds a 2-0 lead at the break, but three second-half goals from the Championship side knocked the Premier League outfit out of the competition at the first hurdle.
However, the clash against Scott Parker’s side today presents a quick opportunity for the 60-year-old to gain his first victory in the role after taking over from Nuno Espírito Santo.
The volume of additions made by Evangelos Marinakis has handed the new boss key depth in various areas of the squad, with one of the new additions deserving of his first league start.
Why Douglas Luiz needs to start against Burnley
Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz joined Forest on loan with an obligation to buy from Juventus during the summer window, subsequently injecting needed quality into the heart of the side.
He’s had to bide his time in the East Midlands, failing to appear in a single minute of first-team action before Wednesday’s cup defeat in South Wales.
The 27-year-old featured in the defeat for an hour, but demonstrated his composed nature – something which could make him a valuable asset against the Clarets later today.
He won 100% of the duels he entered, whilst also being fouled four times – the most of any player on the pitch – with the opposition often unable to dispossess the former Aston Villa man.
Luiz also completed 86% of the passes he attempted, creating one big chance in the process, showcasing his excellent ability in and out of possession.
However, he shouldn’t be the only player handed his first Premier League start for the Reds, with another talent impressing in the defeat to the Swans in midweek.
The Forest player who can unlock Ange’s first win
After securing Europa League football in 2024/25, there was always going to be added pressure on Forest to be competitive in all of the competitions they entered.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis watches on.
European football, for the first time in 30 years at the City Ground, will give a generation of supporters memories to last a lifetime, but also open the door to adding a third star to their badge.
The ability to qualify for such a competition has undoubtedly aided the club in the transfer market, allowing for numerous high-profile names to make the move to the East Midlands.
Luiz will undoubtedly be one of the biggest, given his recent stints across Europe, but Dilane Bakwa is another player the hierarchy managed to get a deal completed for in the same window
The French youngster joined in a deal totalling £30m from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg on deadline day, adding further depth and quality into the club’s already threatening frontline.
However, like Luiz, he’s had to be patient to get his chance to shine, subsequently making his Reds debut off the bench against Arsenal at Emirates, seven days ago.
Bakwa, who’s been labelled “menacing” by journalist Antonio Mango, made his first start on Wednesday and grabbed his chance with both hands – completing 100% of the dribbles he attempted.
Dilane Bakwa – stats against Swansea
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
62
Touches
38
Pass accuracy
86%
Dribbles completed
100%
Passes into final third
4
Chances created
2
Ground duels won
100%
Big chances created
1
Stats via FotMob
He also registered four passes into the final third, whilst creating two chances for his new teammates and often looking a real threat when driving at the opposition’s backline.
The 23-year-old has bags of pace in his arsenal, potentially making him a key player in Postecoglou’s attacking-minded system – as seen in midweek with the Reds’ second goal.
The right-winger has yet another chance to stake his claim for a regular starting role this afternoon, with the youngster more than deserving of the opportunity to start his first Premier League game.
If he and Luiz both start against Parker’s men, there’s no reason as to why Ange can’t claim his first win as manager – kick-starting his reign and allowing the fanbase to forget about their Carabao Cup disappointment.
"World-class" manager wanted Nottingham Forest job before Ange appointment
A renowned manager was interested in taking over from Nuno Espirito Santo at The City Ground.
O Santos foi goleado pelo Fortaleza, por 4 a 0, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. Diante do fim do primeiro turno dentro da zona de rebaixamento, o zagueiro João Basso deu uma declaração forte sobre o desempenho do time e se desculpou com o torcedor.
– Primeiro a gente precisa pedir desculpas para o nosso torcedor. Não apenas por esse jogo, mas pelo turno inteiro, porque até o momento nós não estamos sendo dignos de vestir a camisa do Santos, uma camisa com história. A única coisa que temos que tirar desse jogo e de todos que ficaram para trás nesse primeiro turno são lições. Temos que corrigir aquilo que foi feito de mau. Agora temos mais um turno pela frente e temos que dignificar essa camisa, porque quando nós vestimos isso, nós carregamos história, nós carregamos títulos, carregamos tudo. No momento, não estamos sendo dignos disso – desabafou o zagueiro.
+ Já atualizou sua camisa de 2023? Confira os novos uniformes do Peixe!
Responsável por fazer um gol contra na partida, o defensor pontuou os problemas do Peixe para seguir sem conquistar bons resultados e projetou uma melhora no segundo turno do Brasileirão.
– Nós temos que trabalhar, se estamos dando 100%, temos que dar mais ainda, porque não está sendo suficiente. Nós fizemos uma primeira parte defensivamente compactos, sem sofrer gols, mas sem bola, não jogamos, tínhamos que ter jogado mais. O Santos não tem que vir para um jogo para empatar, para conquistar um ponto fora de casa, nós temos que entrar em campo e vencer. Nós temos que melhorar e parar de cometer erros infantis, como foi hoje, porque o jogo se descarrilhou por isso, erros infantis que não podem ser cometidos. Temos 19 jogos pela frente, tem que ser dada uma volta, e nós vamos dar uma volta todos juntos e no final do campeonato estaremos comemorando todos juntos – concluiu João Basso.
+ ATUAÇÕES: Jean Lucas se salva em derrota por goleada do Santos para o Fortaleza no Brasileirão
O COMEÇO DO SEGUNDO TURNO!
Diante do Grêmio, com a volta do seu torcedor para a Vila Belmiro, o Peixe tenta reencontrar o bom desempenho na liga nacional. A partida da 20ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro acontecerá no domingo (20), às 16 horas (de Brasília).
حددت لجنة الاستئناف الإسبانية موقفها من استئناف جديد تم تقديمه من جانب برشلونة للسماح لهانز فليك بقيادة الفريق من على مقاعد البدلاء يوم الأحد في ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو في الدوري الاسباني.
ووفقاً لصحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية فقد رفضت اللجنة استئناف برشلونة الثاني، بعد أن تعرض هانز فليك للطرد في المباراة الماضية أمام جيرونا في ملعب مونتجويك حيث اعترض على أحد قرارات الحكم، كما أشار جيل مانزانو في تقرير المباراة.
وكان برشلونة قد قدم طعنًا إلى لجنة الاستئناف صباح الخميس لإلغاء عقوبة الإيقاف لمباراة واحدة والمفروضة على المدرب الألماني من جانب لجنة الانضباط في الاتحاد الإسباني لكرة القدم، وقد تم رفضه.
أقرأ أيضاً.. دفعة معنوية.. ألونسو يستعيد 4 لاعبين في كلاسيكو ريال مدريد وبرشلونة
ورأت لجنة الاستئناف أنه لا يوجد ما يبرر إزالة هذه العقوبة على مدرب برشلونة بسبب ما قام به أمام جيرونا في الدوري الاسباني.
وجاء في تقرير لجنة الاستئناف: “تم الاتفاق على رفض الاستئناف المقدم من برشلونة مؤكداً الاتفاق المتنازع عليه الوارد في القرار الصادر عن لجنة الانضباط في الاتحاد الاسباني بتاريخ 20 أكتوبر”.
ويبدو أن الخيار الوحيد أمام برشلونة هو طلب حكم أولي من محكمة التحكيم الرياضية “CAS” مما يسمح للمدرب فليك بإدارة المباراة من أرض الملعب.
وكان هانز فليك قد قاد برشلونة لتسجيل 16 هدفًا واستقبل أربع أهداف، وحقق أربع انتصارات ولم يخسر في أي مباراة، وسيتولى مساعده سوروج مسؤولية تدريب برشلونة في مباراة ريال مدريد، وسيتواجد الألماني في مقصورة ملعب البرنابيو.
James Rew’s rain-affected first day as county captain ends with team six-down for 94
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay18-Apr-2025
Kyle Abbott claimed the wicket of Somerset’s captain James Rew•Dave Vokes/Hampshire Cricket
Kyle Abbott continued his impressive career record against Somerset as Hampshire made the most of little play on day one of their Rothesay County Championship fixture.Abbott added two wickets to take his tally to 71 scalps versus Somerset, with 40 of them coming at an average of 12 at Utilita Bowl.Fellow fast bowlers James Fuller and Brad Wheal also picked up a pair of wickets as Somerset collapsed to 94 for six at lunch – with three wickets falling in 11 balls just before the interval.But the visitors were spared any more damage as rain prevented any play taking place after lunch.Lewis Gregory’s abdominal injury meant that James Rew captained his county for the first time in the Championship – having previously led the Second XI and England Under-19. In doing so, he became the county’s youngest ever skipper, at the age of 21 years and 97 days.His first act was to call incorrectly at the toss, allowing Ben Brown to choose to bowl under threatening grey skies.The wait for the first wicket only lasted 34 balls, as Sean Dickson was late to deal with a Wheal in-ducker and was pinned in front.Archie Vaughan and Tom Lammonby stabilised and attempted to build a foundation but having eased to a 55-run stand both fell within 13 deliveries to Fuller.Fuller had been left out of the opening two rounds of the season in favour of former Somerset tearaway Sonny Baker. But Baker, who is on an ECB Development Contract, was rested, leaving the door open for Fuller.Having been hit for two boundaries in his opening over, he tightened up before rolling his fingers down one to find some away movement and the edge of Vaughan’s bat.To dismiss Lammonby, Fuller pitched it further up and angled it across the left-hander. He found the edge through to Brown.The morning looked like it would end fairly even at 93 for three around 10 minutes until lunch, but Abbott returned to make it clear who the session belonged to with Wheal.Tom Banton couldn’t have been more unlucky with his wicket. The middle-order batter whipped a half-volley with gusto but was sensationally caught by Nick Gubbins.And then five balls later, Rew tentatively pushed behind. Tom Abell added one run before Kasey Aldridge was beaten for pace and had his off stump clattered by Wheal. 11 balls had seen one run and three wickets.Rain at lunch meant not further action was possible, with an early finish confirmed just before 4.30pm.
Manchester United’s Europa League final woes have not only exposed the task at hand for manager Ruben Amorim moving forward, but have also put the decisions of the previous regime even further under the microscope.
Indeed, on Wednesday night, goalkeeper Andre Onana couldn’t keep out Brennan Johnson’s scruffy effort, with the Cameroonian hardly inspiring much confidence in a season in which he has made five errors leading to a goal in Europe and in the Premier League combined.
In attack, meanwhile, the decision to start Mason Mount failed to work out, with the Englishman producing an ineffective performance in which he was restricted to even fewer touches than Onana, with just 25 in total.
Mason Mount
Ahead of the ex-Chelsea man, Rasmus Hojlund was even more peripheral as he recorded just 15 touches of his own, with the Dane again firing a blank in a season in which he has scored just ten times in total.
The common thread between that trio? Well, they were all signed in what now looks like a sliding doors summer for the Red Devils in 2023. Fresh off the back of a promising first campaign under Erik ten Hag that yielded a third-placed finish and Carabao Cup success, the club needed to kick on again with marquee moves.
The likes of Harry Kane were touted, although Hojlund and co arrived instead – the Old Trafford side are still paying the price for that decision…
Analysing Hojlund's two seasons at Man Utd
For all the talk of Kane, for a fleeting moment it looked like the correct call had been made by plumping for the youthful Hojlund, with the £64m signing – rising to £72m – enjoying an impressive cameo on debut against Arsenal.
Unleashed off the bench, the promising speedster ran Gabriel and William Saliba ragged, playing his part in the eventually disallowed ‘winner’ from Alejandro Garnacho, while drawing a clumsy foul from the former that surprisingly didn’t result in a penalty.
That bright start culminated in a standout Champions League group stage run that yielded five goals, including a breakaway effort against Galatasaray that even sparked comparisons to a certain Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Frustratingly, however, it took until Boxing Day for Hojlund to notch a first top-flight goal for the club, albeit with that breakthrough sparking a run of seven goals in just six games at the turn of the year.
Despite ultimately ending 2023/24 as the top scorer for Ten Hag across all fronts, injuries and a lack of consistency saw him slip out of the starting lineup as the campaign progressed, with the Dutch coach opting for a strikerless system in the FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City.
Perhaps, on reflection, Amorim should well have attempted a similar tweak in recent weeks, with Hojlund coming to the end of a simply wretched campaign that has yielded only four league goals.
In truth, as last season showcased, the 22-year-old does appear more effective in Europe, although even then his impact has largely come in bursts, notably netting four times across successive outings against Bodo/Glimt and Viktoria Plzen.
Rasmus Hojlund
A streaky striker, and an expensive one at that, the former Atalanta man could be set for a swift return to Serie A this summer by all accounts, having failed to live up to expectations and the burden of being United’s leading number nine.
For all the frustration over what now looks like a costly mistake, it’s fair to say that Hojlund – who has 26 goals in 94 games – isn’t the biggest transfer misfire of the last decade or so…
Man Utd's bigger mistake than Hojlund
Dishing out £64m on a player who had scored just ten goals in Italy the year prior remains a simply headscratching decision, although so too does forking out £86m to sign Antony a year earlier.
Reportedly valued at around £25m at one stage, amid prior interest during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure, the Brazilian was earmarked as a key signing for Ten Hag in the summer of 2022, amid their prior relationship at Ajax.
With that window quickly heading to a close, and United losing their opening two games under the new boss, the desperate decision was made to plump for Casemiro and then Antony at the death, with the latter man arriving on deadline day.
Despite a lively start, which yielded three goals in his first three league appearances, the 24-year-old has been simply a disaster since then, with pundit Micah Richards notably highlighting his “lazy” approach in the dismal 7-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
An at-times headless and petulant presence on the pitch, Antony was also dubbed “embarrassing” by club legend Gary Neville for kicking out at Jeremy Doku in the final knockings of the 3-0 Manchester Derby defeat last term, a moment that could well have resulted in a red card.
Man Utd record for selected wingers (past and present)
Player
Games
Goals
Assists
Total G/A
Antony
96
12
5
17
Anthony Elanga
55
4
4
8
Amad
63
13
11
22
Jadon Sancho
83
12
6
18
Alejandro Garnacho
144
26
22
45
Dan James
74
9
9
18
Angel Di Maria
34
4
12
16
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
63
13
11
24
Memphis Depay
53
7
6
13
Stats via Transfermarkt
Of course, there has been the odd bright moment – such as his Europa League efforts against Barcelona and Real Betis – yet those have been few and far between, with the exiled winger racking up just 17 goals and assists in 95 games for the club to date. To put that into perspective, even Jadon Sancho boasts a better return, with 18 goal involvements in 83 games.
Like Sancho, Antony is now something of a forgotten man after being shipped out on loan, with not even his mini-revival at Betis enough to spark hope of a fresh start in Manchester next season, despite scoring eight times in just 24 games in Spain.
As revealed by the MEN, even while a review of the current campaign and Wednesday’s showpiece defeat is likely to take place, the priority at present is cashing in on Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony, with funds needed to spark yet another rebuild at Old Trafford.
Hopefully, lessons will have been learned from the bumper deals for the likes of Hojlund and Antony, with INEOS now needing to ensure that they can at least claw back some sort of substantial fee for Ten Hag’s dismal duo.
Not just Hojlund: 4/10 dud must now never play for Man Utd again
Man Utd’s grim season ended with a whimper in Bilbao on Wednesday evening