President Donald Trump said that giving Russia an opportunity to compete at the 2026 World Cup co...

President Donald Trump said that giving Russia an opportunity to compete at the 2026 World Cup could be a "good incentive" to end the war in Ukraine after learning that the European country was banned by FIFA.Russia hasn't played a competitive match since Nov. 2021. FIFA and European football governing body UEFA banned the country in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine in February of that year.Speaking alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Trump admitted during his administration's first World Cup task force meeting that he was unaware of Russia's exclusion and said that reinstating the country could help end the conflict with Ukraine.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I didn't know that. Is that right?" Trump said, according to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cpdzd2pqgvwo">BBC Sport's Sean Kearns</a>."That is right," Infantino responded. "They are banned for the time being from playing, but we hope that something happens and peace will happen so that Russia can be readmitted."Trump then said, "That's possible. Hey, that could be a good incentive, right?"We want to get them to stop. We want them to stop. Five thousand young people a week are being killed - it's not even believable."European qualification for the 2026 World Cup officially began with the Nations League in March. There are 16 spots available for European teams to qualify for next summer's tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.Russia has played 16 friendlies since being banned.

US President Donald Trump participates in a celebration of military mothers in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 8, 2025.

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Trump: 2026 World Cup can be 'incentive' for Russia to end war

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has until May 26 to accept an offer to coach the Brazilian nati...

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has until May 26 to accept an offer to coach the Brazilian national team after the country's governing body of football extended its deadline for him to join, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44951518/brazil-extend-ancelotti-deadline-madrid-standoff-sources">ESPN's Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez</a>.The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) chose the date to allow Real Madrid's fate in La Liga to be decided.Any agreement for Ancelotti to coach Brazil is also dependent on the Italian manager and Real Madrid agreeing on the manner and timing of his departure, ESPN added.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ancelotti and Madrid president Florentino Perez are reportedly set to meet in the coming days.Los Blancos are four points behind leaders Barcelona. The two clubs will meet for the final time this season in a potential title-deciding encounter May 11.Real Madrid's season is set to end either May 24 or 25 at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Sociedad.Brazil is eager to name a new coach who's able to join in time to select a squad for World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay in June.Ancelotti <a href="https://www.thescore.com/news/3276057">reportedly</a> reached an agreement with the CBF on Monday, but further reporting indicated the deal was <a href="https://www.thescore.com/worldcup/news/3277695/report-real-madrid-blocking-ancelottis-deal-with-brazil">blocked</a> by Real Madrid shortly afterward.Ancelotti's contract runs until 2026. The 65-year-old is a five-time Champions League winner as a coach.Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus is reportedly another option for Brazil if negotiations with Ancelotti fall through.

Carlo Ancelotti head coach of Real Madrid after the Copa del Rey Final match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 26, 2025 in Seville, Spain.

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Report: Brazil extends Ancelotti deadline amid impasse with Madrid

Ipswich Town became the third and final club to get relegated from the Premier League after losin...

Ipswich Town became the third and final club to get relegated from the Premier League after losing 3-0 at Newcastle United on Saturday.The Blues were reduced to 10 players before Newcastle striker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/91018" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/91018">Alexander Isak</a> scored right before halftime to put the hosts ahead. Ipswich's fate was further cemented after second-half goals from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/14564" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/14564">Dan Burn</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/182641" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/182641">William Osula</a>.The defeat confirmed the club's immediate return to the Championship with Leicester City and Southampton.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>It's the second Premier League season in a row in which all three promoted teams from the Championship were immediately relegated.Ipswich entered the season with hopes of retaining their place in the Premier League after more than two decades in the lower divisions. But despite the optimism surrounding them and their coach Kieran McKenna after two consecutive promotion-winning campaigns in League One and the Championship, the club instantly looked out of its depth and opened the Premier League season on a 10-game winless streak.Ipswich registered their first win in November, against Tottenham Hotspur, but their struggles - especially in defense - persisted. McKenna's side went on to win just two of the next 18 games.Ipswich never recovered from the dismal run of form, and they found themselves in the thick of a relegation fight from which few thought they'd escape.Ipswich sit 15 points back of 17th-placed West Ham and have conceded the third-most goals (74) this season behind Leicester (76) and Southampton (80).

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Jacob Greaves and Cameron Burgess of Ipswich Town confront match referee Michael Salisbury after a penalty is awarded during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Ipswich Town FC at St James' Park on April 26, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

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Ipswich relegated as all 3 promoted teams go straight back down

All Serie A matches scheduled for Monday have been postponed after the death of Pope Francis.  Fr...

All Serie A matches scheduled for Monday have been postponed after the death of Pope Francis.Francis died at 88 on Easter Monday."Following the passing of His Holiness, Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A can confirm that today's league games in Serie A and Primavera 1 have been postponed," the league <a href="https://x.com/SerieA/status/1914235356976730613">said in a statement</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Four matches were set to take place Monday. Torino were scheduled to host Udinese, Cagliari against Fiorentina, Genoa against Lazio, and Parma against Juventus.The games have been rescheduled to be played Wednesday, the league <a href="https://x.com/SerieA/status/1914301221193625659">announced</a>.The Italian Olympics committee has called on sporting federations to observe a minute's silence before all sporting events in Italy in honor of the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church.Francis was elected as Pope in 2013, instantly becoming one of the most well-known soccer supporters in the world. He hailed from soccer-loving Argentina and met the late Diego Maradona twice during his tenure."I think we all now realize he's a (star)," Maradona said after meeting Francis in 2015, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44779069/serie-postpones-games-pope-francis-dies-aged-88">ESPN</a>. "I'm Francis' top fan."He was known to support Buenos Aires club San Lorenzo.

Pope Francis meets with boys who recently made their first communion, on June 16, 2019 at the Camerino sports hall as part of a visit to the areas affected by the August 24, 2016 earthquake in the diocese of Camerino-San Severino Marche.

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Serie A games rescheduled after Pope Francis dies at 88

Lionel Messi might have his sights set on competing at one more World Cup.  The Argentina great h...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a> might have his sights set on competing at one more World Cup.The Argentina great hasn't confirmed his participation at the 2026 World Cup, but Luis Suarez revealed that his Inter Miami teammate has a "desire" to play in next year's tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.When asked if he's spoken with Messi about ending his illustrious career, Suarez told <a href="https://www.elpais.com.uy/ovacion/luis-suarez-a-ovacion-busque-ayudar-a-la-seleccion-pero-no-fue-el-mejor-momento-me-dolio-lo-que-se-genero">El Pais</a>, as translated by <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44681073/lionel-messi-2026-world-cup-luis-suarez-says-wants-play">ESPN</a>: "No, we do talk (about it). Jokingly, many times, but he (Messi) also has that desire to play in next year's World Cup.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Obviously, after being away from the national team for a while, that desire is fading more on my side than on his, but we haven't talked about it (retirement) yet."After leading Argentina's triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as the tournament's Most Valuable Player, Messi helped the South American nation qualify for next year's tournament with three goals in four games during a comfortable qualifying campaign for the three-time world champion.Messi will be 38 when the 2026 World Cup kicks off, and will turn 39 during the competition.Suarez insisted that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner hasn't told him about his plans for next year."I know what he is like, and I don't ask him anything regarding that," Suarez said. "Time will tell."Messi said multiple times after winning the World Cup in Qatar that the 2022 tournament was likely his last. But he has seemingly been open to competing at his sixth World Cup after his move to Major League Soccer.Messi was named MLS MVP in his second season in North America.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - MARCH 09: Lionel Messi #10 and Luis Suarez #9 of Inter Miami CF arrive for the MLS game between Inter Miami CF and Charlotte FC on Sunday March 9, 2025 at Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale,Fla.

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Messi wants to play at 2026 World Cup, says Suarez

Andre Onana's Manchester United tenure appears to have hit a new low point.  The struggling goalk...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/40714" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/40714">Andre Onana</a>'s Manchester United tenure appears to have hit a new low point.The struggling goalkeeper was left out of Manchester's squad for Sunday's 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United.Onana was replaced by backup <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/163652" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/163652">Altay Bayindir</a>, who was making his Premier League debut. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/5928" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/5928">Tom Heaton</a> will serve as the 26-year-old's backup.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Head coach Ruben Amorim's decided to drop Onana to give the Cameroon international time to "rest and disconnect" after a difficult week for the 29-year-old, <a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/44652705/man-united-andre-onana-dropped-newcastle-clash-source">ESPN's Rob Dawson</a> reports.Onana engaged in a war of words with former Manchester United player <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/players/1741" href="https://thescore.com/fran/players/1741">Nemanja Matic</a> before Thursday's Europa League game, saying the Red Devils were "way better" than the midfielder's current team, Lyon.Matic responded by calling Onana "one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United's history." Onana then committed an error deep into stoppage time, which allowed Lyon to score and secure a 2-2 draw heading into the second leg.Amorim assured Onana he remains the team's first-choice goalkeeper, moving forward, Dawson reports.Onana has nine clean sheets in 31 Premier League games and is among the league leaders for the most errors (three) leading to a goal.He arrived from Inter Milan in 2023 for an initial £43 million and won the FA Cup with United last season.

Andre Onana of Manchester United plays during the UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg match between Olympique Lyonnais and Manchester United at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais Groupama Stadium.

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Amorim drops Onana for Newcastle trip

The feud between Real Madrid's Arda Guler and Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai has continued off th...

The feud between Real Madrid's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguefnl/players/184826" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguefnl/players/184826">Arda Guler</a> and Liverpool's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguefnl/players/93042" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguefnl/players/93042">Dominik Szoboszlai</a> has continued off the pitch following their clash in the Nations League on Sunday.A day after scoring to help Turkey progress in the Nations League with a 6-1 aggregate win, Guler called Szoboszlai "a joke" after the Hungary star's reaction to his "shhh' gesture during the game.Szoboszlai commented "1088" to an Instagram post showing Guler's "shhh" gesture, a reference to the number of minutes that the Turkey midfielder has played for Real Madrid this season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Guler replied Monday on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stories/ardaguler/">Instagram</a>, saying: "This guy is a joke. Isn't six goals enough to shut you up?"Szoboszlai has played a significant role for Liverpool this season, scoring five goals in 22 games for the Premier League leaders. Meanwhile, Guler has struggled at Madrid, with 21 of his 31 appearances coming as a substitute this season.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - MARCH 23: Dominik Szoboszlai of Hungary challenges Arda Guler of Türkiye during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A/B Play-offs Second Leg match between Hungary and Türkiye at Puskas Arena on March 23, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary.

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Guler continues row with Szoboszlai: 'This guy is a joke'

And then there were eight. The Champions League field has been whittled down once again after the...

And then there were eight. The Champions League field has been whittled down once again after the round of 16 came to an exciting conclusion Wednesday. Below, a collection of theScore's soccer editors review the last-16 action, providing one major takeaway from each of the fixtures.<h3>Yamal, Raphinha dazzle for Barca</h3>Barcelona beat Benfica 4-1 on aggregate<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/cropped_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/w220xh124_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/w320xh180_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/w640xh360_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/w768xh432_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> JOSEP LAGO / AFP / Getty</figcaption></figure>Raphinha and Lamine Yamal assisted each other's goals in the 3-1 win over Benfica on Tuesday, once again proving their connection is as smooth as any in European competition. It's not that they simply look for one another but that their sweeping style of play - which leans heavily on dribbling and finding pockets of space - culminates in a cross or pass through the penalty area that lands in their path. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Barcelona could just as easily thump the ball at Robert Lewandowski and hope he converts from range, but head coach Hansi Flick instead asks his talented wingers to make inverted runs into dangerous areas, and they end profiting off each other's trickery. - Anthony Lopopolo<h3>Steady Inter a serious threat</h3>Inter Milan beat Feyenoord 4-1 on aggregateSimone Inzaghi's team is arguably the least glamorous of the title contenders remaining in the Champions League. But Inter might just be the most dangerous. They lack the mystique of Real Madrid, the youthful exuberance of Barcelona, or the slick interconnected passing of PSG. But what they have, in abundance, is veteran experience, solidity, and robustness.The Serie A leaders never looked under any threat in their businesslike last-16 dismissal of Feyenoord. They've conceded only two goals in the entire tournament - the best defensive record thus far - and, with Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, have genuine game-breakers up front. A very similar recipe got them within touching distance of the trophy two years ago. It could carry them all the way this time. - Gianluca Nesci<h3>PSG finally put all the pieces together</h3>PSG beat Liverpool 4-1 on penalties (1-1 on aggregate)<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/cropped_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Ousmane Dembele and PSG's forwards - along with a dazzling midfield - get most of the attention, but the French club doesn't reach the quarterfinals without shutting down Liverpool's potent attack over two legs. Liverpool besieged PSG's defense for large portions of Tuesday's second leg after Dembele's early goal brought the visitors level on aggregate. But Liverpool's breakthrough moment never came, and PSG went on to prevail after Gianluigi Donnarumma saved a pair of penalties.PSG's defensive heroics at Anfield got them to the shootout in the first place. Willian Pacho was a standout performer Tuesday, producing key interceptions, blocks, and clearances. Nuno Mendes also produced critical interventions that were vital in keeping PSG alive in the tournament they're so desperate to win. - Gordon Brunt<h3>Leverkusen crumble against Bayern</h3>Bayern Munich beat Bayer Leverkusen 5-0 on aggregateLeverkusen hadn't lost any of their previous six matches against Bayern Munich. But that was in domestic competition. "The Champions League is a bit more emotional," Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3232457" href="https://thescore.com/news/3232457">pointed out</a> before the teams' last-16 tie. "Emotional control is most important. Five bad minutes, and you're gone."Gone they are after losing handily to their German rivals for exactly those reasons. Leverkusen conceded 9 minutes into the first leg and finished the game down to 10 men. Armed with a 3-0 aggregate lead, Bayern struck another two goals while restricting space for Leverkusen to attack. Alonso's side didn't have a shot on target until the 65th minute, by which point the tie was long gone. - Lopopolo<h3>Guirassy keeps swinging for Dortmund</h3>Borussia Dortmund beat Lille 3-2 on aggregate<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/cropped_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/w220xh124_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/w320xh180_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/w640xh360_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/w768xh432_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> picture alliance / picture alliance / Getty</figcaption></figure>Serhou Guirassy has been the only constant in Borussia Dortmund's seesaw of a season, and his skillful efforts in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Lille ensured his side's continued progress in the Champions League.Just as everything seemed to go wrong - a pair of goal-line clearances and a couple of unbelievable point-blank saves unnerved Dortmund in the first half - Guirassy won the penalty that leveled the tie and assisted the goal that won it. He now has 14 goal involvements in the Champions League, the joint-most by an African player in a single season. Guirassy hasn't gone more than two games without having some material impact on the score line, showing the kind of consistency Dortmund have lacked in a year in which they've reached the Champions League quarterfinals while toiling in 10th place in the Bundesliga. - Lopopolo<h3>Asensio adds extra element for Villa</h3>Aston Villa beat Club Brugge 6-1 on aggregateWhen January transfers work as intended, they provide a critical midseason boost that can ignite a team and push it over the top. Marco Asensio's move to Aston Villa is a prime example. The Spaniard, who arrived in Birmingham on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day of the January window, was largely a non-factor in the French capital for the first half of the campaign, scoring two league goals in limited minutes.But his quality has never been in doubt, and he's reminding anyone who might have forgotten about that. The 29-year-old scored twice in Wednesday's second-leg win over Club Brugge, bringing his tally to seven goals in eight games since joining Aston Villa. Asensio, a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, can bring crucial big-game experience to a club that will now feature in its first European Cup quarterfinal in 42 years. Together with manager Unai Emery, another continental expert, Villa have every chance to continue their unlikely run. To do so, they'll need to defeat none other than PSG, the squad that jettisoned Asensio, in the next round. - Nesci<h3>Arsenal capitalize on rare breather</h3>Arsenal beat PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/cropped_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/w220xh124_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/w320xh180_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/w640xh360_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/w768xh432_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty</figcaption></figure>Arsenal's last-16 affair with PSV Eindhoven played out perfectly for Mikel Arteta. With a quarterfinal berth virtually sealed after a ruthless 7-1 first-leg win last week, the Gunners coach jumped at a rare opportunity to rotate his bruised and battered squad Wednesday. Seldom-used loanee Raheem Sterling delivered a solid first-half display in a makeshift attack that also saw left-back Kieran Tierney start on the wing and midfielder Mikel Merino line up as the No. 9 through the middle.Arsenal padded their lead to progress with a 9-3 win on aggregate before a difficult quarterfinal test against holders and 15-time winners Real Madrid. But Arsenal's Champions League adventure could get a huge boost by April with Gabriel Martinelli at full strength and Bukayo Saka's expected return. Their Premier League title push is all but over, but don't discount an Arsenal side that could put all their eggs in the Champions League basket. - Brunt<h3>Real Madrid always find a way</h3>Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 on penalties (2-2 on aggregate)As Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid approached penalties, only one team seemed like the clear winner. Not because they dominated or deserved to go through, but because they have always come out on top. Madrid, of course, obliged, beating Atletico in a shootout for the sixth time in six attempts. An unlucky double touch annulled Julian Alvarez's penalty, opening up the win for Madrid and serving up an excruciating reminder of their historical supremacy over Atletico.It really felt different when Conor Gallagher leveled the tie on aggregate just a minute into the second leg. Atletico often defended with six at the back but still produced the lion's share of chances, forcing Madrid shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois into seven saves. Even Vinicius Junior missed a penalty, which he had done only twice before in his pro career and never before for Madrid. There wasn't much more Atletico could do. But the Champions League is a funny tournament. Sometimes only the tiniest margins count. And Madrid live in those margins. - Lopopolo

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Key thoughts and analysis from Champions League round of 16

Sir Jim Ratcliffe spoke out against past mistakes made by Manchester United and defended controve...

Sir Jim Ratcliffe spoke out against past mistakes made by Manchester United and defended controversial cost-cutting decisions in a candid interview one day after fans protested against the club's ownership.The British billionaire, who co-owns the team after his company Ineos purchased a 28.94% stake last year, said some at Manchester United are "overpaid" and cited a handful of players who were "inherited," such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/187791" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/187791">Rasmus Hojlund</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/40714" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/40714">Andre Onana</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/40714" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/40714">Jadon Sancho</a>.He admitted his frustration that United are still committed to paying instalments of transfer fees for the trio and other under-performing players, some of whom aren't even at the club right now.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"If you look at the players we are buying this summer, that we didn't buy, we're buying <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/166123" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/166123">Antony</a>, we're buying <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/17430" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/17430">Casemiro</a>, we're buying Onana, we're buying Hojlund, we're buying Sancho," Ratcliffe said, according to the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c7571gng06wo">BBC Sport's Dan Roan</a>. "These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not, we've inherited those things and have to sort that out."He continued: "For Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea (on loan), and we pay half his wages, we're paying £17 million to buy him in the summer."Antony, who's on loan at Real Betis, is perhaps the most polarizing of the players Ratcliffe highlighted. The Brazilian struggled after joining for €100 million from Ajax in 2022, scoring just 12 goals in 96 games.When asked if he thought the players in question were inadequate, Ratcliffe said: "Some are not good enough and some probably are overpaid, but for us to mold the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time."We've got this period of transformation where we move from the past to the future."<h3>Unapologetic over staff cuts</h3>There's been an overhaul behind the scenes in recent months, which has resulted in staff reductions due to financial reasons. But Ratcliffe was unapologetic over decisions to make 450 of the club's 1,140-person staff redundant.Ratcliffe highlighted one dismissal in particular, telling <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/article/da014943-e702-4f1e-b84a-da2012e6b05e?shareToken=40ffa19ad1102c9094840b48b1808fab">The Times' Matt Lawton</a>: "We found out we even had a body language consultant on £175,000 a year."Even legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson wasn't safe from the cost-cutting measures after his £2-million consultancy contract was ended."(Ferguson was) maybe a little bit grumpy at the beginning, but he got it, and he came back three days later, after talking to his son, and said, 'Fine, I'm going to step away from it. My decision.' I think it reflects really well on Alex because he put the club before himself."The move was widely criticized. It was one of a number of stories that have come to light in recent months about the club's quest to become financially viable.Job cuts are part of the reason why thousands of United supporters protested against the club's ownership, including the Glazer family, before Sunday's draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford. Rising ticket prices and the team's poor performances this season were other reasons for the pre-arranged demonstration.But Ratcliffe defended all of the decisions as necessary for the club to overcome past mistakes."I know it's unpopular, and this period of change is uncomfortable for people, and some of the decisions we have to make are unpleasant," he told BBC's Roan."But they are necessary to put Manchester United back on to a stable footing. If people want to see Manchester United winning trophies again, then we have do all this stuff."Ratcliffe added: "Manchester United would have run out of cash by the end of this year - by the end of 2025 - after having me put $300 million (£232.72 million) in and if we buy no new players in the summer."We are in the process of change, and it's an uncomfortable period and disruptive, and I do feel sympathy with the fans."The simple answer is the club runs out of money at Christmas if we don't do those things."Manchester United are likely to experience further financial inconveniences this season for failing to qualify for any European competition next season. The club sits 14th in the Premier League with 10 games remaining.Ratcliffe added that he thinks Ruben Amorim, who was hired after Erik ten Hag was dismissed earlier this season, is doing a "really good job" despite facing difficult circumstances and that the Portuguese coach will in charge "for a long time."

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Rasmus Hojlund, Antony of Manchester United arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Leicester City FC at Old Trafford on November 10, 2024 in Manchester, England.

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The World Cup could be set to expand again.  FIFA says it'll review a proposal to increase the nu...

The World Cup could be set to expand again.FIFA says it'll review a proposal to increase the number of nations competing at the 2030 World Cup from 48 to 64 teams as a one-off to mark the tournament's centenary."A proposal to analyze a 64-team FIFA World Cup to celebrate the centenary of the FIFA World Cup in 2030 was spontaneously raised by a FIFA Council member in the 'miscellaneous' agenda item near the end of the FIFA Council meeting held on March 5, 2025," a FIFA spokesperson told <a href="https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/fifa-consider-one-off-expansion-64-teams-2030-world-cup-nyt-2025-03-06/">Reuters</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"The idea was acknowledged as FIFA has a duty to analyze any proposal from one of its council members."The 2030 World Cup will be primarily played in Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. However, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, where the tournament's first edition was staged 100 years ago, will host three games.The marquee competition already expanded from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.A delegate from Uruguay, Ignacio Alonso, submitted the proposal, which left some FIFA delegates in "stunned silence," according to a report from <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/06/world/europe/fifa-world-cup-64-teams.html">The Athletic</a>.One unidentified football official hoped the "maddening" proposal would be "rejected as soon as possible," reports <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/article/acbe5dc4-47dc-4974-b85f-220d5281717c?shareToken=ca65b097d49610a448d3774d80c3f40a">Martyn Ziegler of The Times</a>.If successful, expanding to 64 teams would result in at least 128 matches at the 2030 World Cup. The 2022 World Cup had 64 contests, and the 2026 tourney will have 104 games.There are also concerns about the environmental impact and possible logistical challenges that an expanded tournament will have.FIFA president Gianni Infantino "acknowledged the proposal and said it should be analyzed more closely," The Athletic added.

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina gestures before receiving the FIFA World Cup trophy from FIFA President Gianni Infantino as Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar looks on during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.

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FIFA considering proposal to expand 2030 World Cup to 64 teams

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi admitted that he didn't always enjoy playing for Paris Saint-Germai...

Inter Miami star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a> admitted that he didn't always enjoy playing for Paris Saint-Germain, saying he "wasn't happy on a daily basis" during his two-year spell in the French capital."Coming to play for Inter Miami was an opportunity, and the way things developed during my last years in Paris, although it was a decision that I had to make on the go because I had to leave Barcelona, those two years were not enjoyable for me," Messi said in a recent interview with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC-lJrNaQH4&amp;t=85s">Apple Music's Zane Lowe</a>."I wasn't happy on a daily basis, with the trainings, the matches. I had a hard time adapting to all that. I felt called to come to Inter (Miami) because it's a club that's growing, very new, with few years as a club."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Messi spent 21 years with Barcelona, but financial complications with the club led to his surprising departure for PSG on a free transfer in 2021. There, he compiled 32 goals and 35 assists in 76 appearances, and the club won Ligue 1 during both of his seasons in France's top flight.Messi left PSG following the 2023 season to join MLS side Inter Miami, where he made an instant impact by helping the club win the Leagues Cup.Messi said in June 2023 that there was a "fracture" in his relationship with PSG fans. His former teammate Neymar also said that the Argentine "lived through hell" during their time together in France.Last year, PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi accused Messi of lacking "respect" for the club after he departed.

PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 02: Lionel Messi of PSG during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyon at Parc des Princes on April 02, 2023 in Paris, France.

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Messi 'wasn't happy on a daily basis' at PSG

Erling Haaland was left out of Manchester City's squad for Sunday's match against Liverpool due t...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/159222" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/159222">Erling Haaland</a> was left out of Manchester City's squad for Sunday's match against Liverpool due to a lingering knee injury.Manchester City were beaten 2-0 by the Premier League leaders at the Etihad Stadium.The Norwegian striker got hurt during City's 4-0 victory over Newcastle United last weekend.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The knee issue also kept Haaland out of Manchester City's loss at Real Madrid in the Champions League last Wednesday even though he was named to the bench.The 24-year-old has 19 goals in 25 Premier League games this season.He trails Mohamed Salah, who scored in Sunday's match, by six goals in the race for the Golden Boot.

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 19: Erling Haaland of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Manchester City at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 19, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

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Man City's Haaland misses loss vs. Liverpool due to lingering knee issue

Coach Mikel Arteta was "very, very angry" after Arsenal's latest setback, saying his squad played...

Coach Mikel Arteta was "very, very angry" after Arsenal's latest setback, saying his squad played below standard in a 1-0 defeat against West Ham United that damaged the club's title hopes."Even though the (possession) that we had and 20 shots, I never felt that we were at the standard and the level that we needed," the Spaniard said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/43967303/arsenal-nowhere-level-win-premier-league-mikel-arteta-loss">ESPN's James Olley</a>. "First of all, to have more threat and then not to allow them to run, because we lost a lot of balls that we allowed West Ham to run in very dangerous positions."We have to be (angry). I hope we are very much because we didn't hit the levels today and I am very much responsible of that so I am very, very angry."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/85171" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/85171">Jarrod Bowen</a> broke the deadlock with the eventual winning goal late in the first half. Arsenal struggled with just two shots on target in the contest and were reduced to 10 men in the 73rd minute after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/192369" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/192369">Myles Lewis-Skelly</a> was sent off for a straight red card.Despite being low on forwards due to multiple injuries, Arteta refused to blame the team's shortcomings on Arsenal's lack of attacking options."I refuse that completely because I am talking about the standards of the players and the team that we played today, me included," he said."And that was nowhere near the levels that we have to hit to have the opportunity to win a Premier League. Today no. We were very consistent, yes, but football is about what you do today and today, nowhere near."Saturday's defeat could prove even more costly if Liverpool, the Premier League leaders, get a positive result against Manchester City. The Reds have a game in hand and lead second-placed Arsenal by eight points heading into Sunday's showdown.Arteta conceded that the title race was out of Arsenal's hands and that he was "really, really annoyed" that the Gunners wasted another opportunity to keep pace with Liverpool.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, Mikel Merino of Arsenal and Jean-Clair Todibo of West Ham United react during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United FC at Emirates Stadium on February 22, 2025 in London, England.

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Arteta 'very, very angry' after toothless Arsenal fall to West Ham

Toronto FC completed the signing of defender Zane Monlouis from Arsenal, the Major League Soccer ...

Toronto FC completed the signing of defender Zane Monlouis from Arsenal, the Major League Soccer club announced Saturday.The center-back joins Toronto on a two-year contract through the 2026 season. The deal includes options to extend his stay further until 2027 and 2028."At just 21 years old, he has already gained a variety of playing experience in the U.K.," Toronto FC general manager Jason Hernandez said.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"His skill set both on and off the ball will be an asset to our defense, and we look forward to his continued growth and integration with our first team."Monlouis made over 100 combined appearances for Arsenal’s Under-18, Under-21, and Under-23 teams. He had a short loan spell with English third-tier club Reading last season."These years have been some of the best of my life," Monlouis said of his 13 years at Arsenal, according to Gunners youth reporter <a href="https://x.com/jeorgebird/status/1893305665415766319">Jeorge Bird</a>.He added, "With saying that, I believe it is my time to move on, and I am excited for what the future holds for me."

LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Zane Monlouis of Arsenal during a training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on October 25, 2024 in London Colney, England.

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Toronto FC sign defender Monlouis from Arsenal

Liverpool's quadruple hopes ended in dramatic fashion Sunday.  The Premier League leaders were kn...

Liverpool's quadruple hopes ended in dramatic fashion Sunday.The Premier League leaders were knocked out of the FA Cup in the fourth round after losing 1-0 to Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle.A second-half penalty by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/161063" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/161063">Ryan Hardie</a> proved decisive in helping the last-place Championship club pull off one of the biggest upsets in the history of the tournament.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Arne Slot left several of Liverpool's stars off the squad for Sunday's away trip, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/17673" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/17673">Mohamed Salah</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/22556" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/22556">Virgil van Dijk</a>, making 10 changes from the team that beat Tottenham in the League Cup semifinals earlier in the week."We were not having a very good day. A result like this is the outcome," said Slot, who suffered just his fourth defeat since replacing Jurgen Klopp on the Liverpool bench. "It hurts everyone that is involved with Liverpool - fans, me players. We were all wanting to be in this competition for as long as possible and when you go out in the second possible game, that's a setback."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/101948" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/101948">Luis Diaz</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/85175" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/85175">Diogo Jota</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/68002" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/68002">Federico Chiesa</a> struggled to create chances in attack, while Liverpool suffered an early defensive blow in the first half with the loss of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/49610" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/49610">Joe Gomez</a> to injury.The two sides were level coming out of halftime before Plymouth were awarded a penalty in the 53rd minute after Harvey Elliott's raised arm made contact with the ball.Hardie's penalty conversion triggered a sense of urgency among the visitors.Liverpool pressed for an equalizer late but were denied by a pair of impressive saves by Plymouth goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/86040" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/86040">Conor Hazard</a> late in the contest.Hazard denied Jota's volley from outside the box with a diving effort before pulling off an even more impressive save in injury time when he tipped Darwin Nunez's close-range header over the crossbar.Plymouth went on to hold onto their lead to secure the win for Miron Muslic, who recently replaced Wayne Rooney as coach of the Pilgrims."I'm speechless, and normally they tell me I'm eloquent! It's a big moment," Muslic said. "It's a magical day for us. I told the lads in the locker room to enjoy it."Meanwhile, Liverpool will now shift focus to their efforts in the Premier League, Champions League, and the League Cup final next month against Newcastle United."I can't say the boys didn't fight, both teams barely created a chance and then it was a penalty. In a game like this, it is up to one moment. That moment was for them and they deserve it," Slot added.

PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Lewis Gibson, Matthew Sorinola and Muhamed Tijani of Plymouth Argyle celebrate victory after the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Plymouth Argyle and Liverpool at Home Park on February 09, 2025 in Plymouth, England.

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Liverpool's quadruple dream ends with stunning FA Cup loss to Plymouth

Chelsea's Joao Felix joined AC Milan on loan until the end of the season, the Italian club said T...

Chelsea's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/102327" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/102327">Joao Felix</a> joined AC Milan on loan until the end of the season, the Italian club said Tuesday.The six-month loan deal is understood to be worth €5.5 million, and Milan have agreed to pay the Portuguese international's full salary, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6094003/2025/02/03/joao-felix-chelsea-loan-milan/">The Athletic's David Ornstein</a>.Though the deal was formally announced Tuesday, Milan completed and submitted the necessary paperwork prior to Monday's transfer deadline.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The move comes less than a year into the six-year contract that Felix signed last summer when Chelsea signed him from Atletico Madrid for a reported £46.3-million fee. It was his second spell at Stamford Bridge after his loan in the second half of the 2022-23 campaign.Felix will hope for more playing time in Milan after starting just three Premier League games for the Blues this season. He primarily featured in cup competitions under Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.He had seven goals in 20 appearances in all competitions this season.Aston Villa were also linked with Felix, but the club pursued other attacking options instead. Along with adding <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/93738" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/93738">Donyell Malen</a> from Borussia Dortmund and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/66886" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/66886">Marcus Rashford</a> from Manchester United during this transfer window, the club also signed Marco Asensio from Paris Saint-Germain to help fill the void of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcqcon/players/187782" href="https://thescore.com/wcqcon/players/187782">Jhon Duran</a>'s departure to Saudi Arabia.The deal caps a whirlwind 24 hours for Milan. The Rossoneri, sitting eighth in Serie A, signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///itaci/players/94895" href="https://thescore.com/itaci/players/94895">Santiago Gimenez</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/189710" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/189710">Warren Bondo</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/95117" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/95117">Riccardo Sottil</a> on transfer deadline day while saying goodbye to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/13168" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/13168">Alvaro Morata</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///itaci/players/61376" href="https://thescore.com/itaci/players/61376">Ismael Bennacer</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///itaci/players/99445" href="https://thescore.com/itaci/players/99445">Noah Okafor</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///itaci/players/41597" href="https://thescore.com/itaci/players/41597">Davide Calabria</a>.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: Joao Felix of Chelsea leaves the tunnel for a pitch inspection, while holding a match ball prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on January 14, 2025 in London, England.

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Chelsea's Joao Felix completes loan move to AC Milan 

Arsenal took an early lead in Sunday's 5-1 win over Manchester City after Manuel Akanji's mistake...

Arsenal took an early lead in Sunday's 5-1 win over Manchester City after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/60044" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/60044">Manuel Akanji</a>'s mistake led to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/34831" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/34831">Martin Odegaard</a> opening the scoring at the Emirates Stadium.After Akanji's errant pass deep in City's half, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/86595" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/86595">Kai Havertz</a> was sent into the box, where he found Odegaard for the first goal less than two minutes into the match.(Available to view in U.S. only)<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
ARSENAL OPEN THE SCORING 105 SECONDS IN. IT'S MARTIN ODEGAARD. 📺 Peacock | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARSMCI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARSMCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/INCm4EYVyI">pic.twitter.com/INCm4EYVyI</a>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1886091326069809242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>(Available to view in Canada only)<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Martin Odegaard SCORES!! ⚽ 1-0 Arsenal FC vs Manchester City WATCH EVERY GOAL 👉 <a href="https://t.co/2w98QqADfX">https://t.co/2w98QqADfX</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PremierLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PremierLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/Xgbfi7xlOe">pic.twitter.com/Xgbfi7xlOe</a>— FuboCanada 🇨🇦 (@fuboTVCanada) <a href="https://twitter.com/fuboTVCanada/status/1886091505518977172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>It's the second game in a row in which City conceded in the opening three minutes. Chelsea scored three minutes into their game against City last weekend but lost the match 3-1.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/159222" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/159222">Erling Haaland</a> brought Manchester City level in the 55th minute with his 19th Premier League goal of the season.But Arsenal retook the lead a minute later thanks to another costly giveaway. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/49894" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/49894">Thomas Partey</a> intercepted <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/90747" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/90747">Phil Foden</a>'s pass and fired a long-range shot that deflected off <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/14100" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/14100">John Stones</a> and into the net.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/192369" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/192369">Myles Lewis-Skelly</a> scored in the 63rd minute before goals from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/86595" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/86595">Kai Havertz</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/190386" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/190386">Ethan Nwaneri</a> helped seal three points.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal scores his team's first goal whilst under pressure from John Stones of Manchester City as Stefan Ortega of Manchester City fails to make a save during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City FC at Emirates Stadium on February 02, 2025 in London, England.

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Watch: Akanji's brutal mistake gifts Arsenal easy goal

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney advised Marcus Rashford that he needs to "leave" the club a...

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney advised <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/66886" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/66886">Marcus Rashford</a> that he needs to "leave" the club after being exiled by coach Ruben Amorim."I've spoken to Marcus a couple of times, and I've given him my thoughts and my opinion," Rooney said on The Overlap, courtesy of <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/43625300/man-united-legend-wayne-rooney-marcus-rashford-needs-leave">ESPN</a>."I said you need to leave the football club because whatever is going on in his life and whatever is going on at Manchester United, he's not the same. It's not him.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"So I said for him, to have a fresh start, he needs to leave the club. The fact that your manager is coming out and saying that you are not training right is crazy."With Marcus, it's been going on for two years, and it's sad. It's really sad."Rashford hasn't played since December and said he was ready for a "new challenge" after being dropped for Manchester United's win over rivals Manchester City.The 27-year-old has missed 11 games in total. Amorim said last weekend that he would play the club's 63-year-old goalkeeping coach over Rashford after questioning the forward's commitment.Rashford has been linked with moves to AC Milan and Barcelona in January, but he has yet to secure a transfer before the window closes Monday.Rooney, Manchester United's all-time leading scorer and Rashford's teammate from 2015-17, added: "I went into Carrington (United's training ground) on Sunday to take my kids to game day, and Marcus was out on the training pitch with the fitness coach."But he was right over towards where the parents were walking past for the kids' games. I looked at him, thinking how embarrassing it must be for him as parents walk past."I was surprised when (Rashford's training issues) started over two years ago, but now I'm not."

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford during a training session at the Trafford Training Centre, Carrington, Manchester. Picture date: Wednesday January 29, 2025.

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Man Utd legend Rooney says Rashford needs to leave

Manchester United winger Antony completed his loan move to Real Betis on Saturday.  Antony - the ...

Manchester United winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/166123" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/166123">Antony</a> completed his loan move to Real Betis on Saturday.Antony - the second-most expensive signing in United's history - joined Betis until the end of the season. The agreement doesn't include an option for the Spanish side to make the move permanent when the deal expires in June.Real Betis will pay 84% of the Brazilian's wages, plus potential bonuses depending on performances, according to <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1882786186131128611">transfer insider Fabrizio Romano</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Offloading Antony clears an estimated £1.5 million from Manchester United's wage bill for the remainder of the campaign, reports <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6072863/2025/01/24/antony-manchester-united-transfer-loan/?partner=slack&amp;smid=sl-share">The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell</a>. Antony currently earns £105,000 per week on a contract that lasts until 2027.After weeks of speculation, the Red Devils permitted him to go to Spain to undergo a medical at Real Betis before officially joining the team coached by former Manchester City coach Manuel Pellegrini.Antony's appearance in last weekend's defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion could end up being his last for United, potentially bringing an end to his difficult spell at the club after joining from Ajax for €100 million in 2022.The 24-year-old went from 23 Premier League starts in his first campaign to 15 last season.Antony hasn't started a league match this term. His three starts this season were in League Cup and Europa League matches.He has 12 goals in 96 games in all competitions.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 16: Antony of Manchester United reacts after a missed chance during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Southampton FC at Old Trafford on January 16, 2025 in Manchester, England.

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Man Utd flop Antony joins Real Betis on loan until end of season

The transfer window is a time of hope and excitement. It's a time to make transformative addition...

The transfer window is a time of hope and excitement. It's a time to make transformative additions that can revive a struggling team or put trophy-chasing sides over the top. It's also a time when expensive, crippling mistakes are made. For every brilliant deal and shrewd piece of business, there are dozens of signings that go bust for one reason or another - some in spectacular fashion.This week, while the wheeling and dealing is in full swing, we're ranking the 30 worst signings in soccer history. Compiled by theScore's soccer editors, our list features prototypical high-priced flops and some mystifying moves that ruined careers, damaged reputations, and set clubs back several years. The three-part series concludes below with the 10 most egregious transfers ever.Review the entire series:<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
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<th>Part I</th>
<th>Part II</th>
<th>Part III</th>
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<tbody>
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<td><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3161825" href="https://thescore.com/news/3161825">30-21</a></td>
<td><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3161826" href="https://thescore.com/news/3161826">20-11</a></td>
<td>10-1</td>
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</table></div></figure><h3>10. Paul Pogba (Manchester United)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/387730/cropped_GettyImages-1190519167.jpg?ts=1577464085" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/387730/w220xh124_GettyImages-1190519167.jpg?ts=1577464085 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/387730/w320xh180_GettyImages-1190519167.jpg?ts=1577464085 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/387730/w640xh360_GettyImages-1190519167.jpg?ts=1577464085 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/387730/w768xh432_GettyImages-1190519167.jpg?ts=1577464085 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/387730/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1190519167.jpg?ts=1577464085 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Martin Rickett - PA Images / PA Images / Getty</figcaption></figure>Signed from Juventus for €105 million in 2016Manchester United paid a record fee to re-sign a player they had let go for nothing. That alone was difficult enough to swallow. Pogba left the club in 2012 for Juventus and won four championships in Italy. But he ultimately returned to England, feeling he had unfinished business there. He most certainly failed to accomplish whatever he sought to do. Pogba became a lightning rod for criticism and a scapegoat for United's failures. He was also injured for large stretches of his six seasons there. Pogba rarely hit the pitch for United with the vigor he showed for France. - Anthony Lopopolo<h3>9. Nicolas Pepe (Arsenal)</h3>Signed from Lille for €80 million in 2019"Arsenal spent a lot of money on me, and I paid the price for it," Pepe <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5934816/2024/11/25/nicolas-pepe-interview-arsenal-emery-villarreal/">said</a> in November about how he was harshly judged during his time in English football. Arsenal ripped up Pepe's contract one year early following a four-season spell that featured a few highlight-reel moments and little more. The staggeringly inconsistent winger scored 16 times and provided nine assists over 80 Premier League appearances, and he was rumored to be a disruptive presence in the squad. The transfer would've been more damaging for Arsenal without the timely emergence of academy graduate Bukayo Saka, but it was still an abject failure; Pepe remains the second-most expensive player in Arsenal history. - Daniel Rouse<h3>8. Kaka (Real Madrid)</h3>Signed from AC Milan for €67 million in 2009For a little while, Kaka was the most expensive player in the world before Cristiano Ronaldo joined him at Real Madrid. And rightly so. The Brazilian playmaker was an elite talent for years at AC Milan, becoming the last player to win the Ballon d'Or in 2007 before Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominated the award for the next decade. Yet, when he changed allegiances, his best years were clearly behind him, as injuries and inconsistency plagued his Madrid career. After losing his place to Mesut Ozil, Madrid sent Kaka back to Milan four years later for a huge loss on the initial transfer. - Gordon Brunt<h3>7. Neymar (Al-Hilal)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755040/cropped_GettyImages-2182914650.jpg?ts=1731456160" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755040/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182914650.jpg?ts=1731456160 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755040/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182914650.jpg?ts=1731456160 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755040/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182914650.jpg?ts=1731456160 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755040/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182914650.jpg?ts=1731456160 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755040/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182914650.jpg?ts=1731456160 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Yasser Bakhsh / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Signed from Paris Saint-Germain for €90 million in 2023Al-Hilal are too rich to care about the money they've wasted on Neymar. To the rest of us, it's truly sickening. Not only did the Saudi outfit pay €90 million to break the Brazilian's contract with PSG, but they agreed to pay him an estimated €101 million annually. But the oft-injured forward has only played seven games for Al-Hilal in one-and-a-half seasons and is currently unregistered for the Saudi Pro League. He's yet to score a league goal during his time in Saudi Arabia, which was blighted by a serious knee injury. If reports ring true and Neymar ends up leaving in January and returning to Brazil, he'll have earned €28.8 million per match, or around €472,000 for each minute he's played. - Lopopolo<h3>6. Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea)</h3>Signed from Athletic Bilbao for €80 million in 2018Arrizabalaga remains the most expensive goalkeeper of all time. While he achieved some success at Chelsea and helped them win the Europa League in 2019, he ended up on the bench more often than not and was an unused substitute during the 2021 Champions League final. Arrizabalaga is best remembered for furiously refusing to be substituted during the 2019 League Cup final, which Chelsea eventually lost in a shootout to Manchester City. Now he's on loan at Bournemouth after again failing to convince Chelsea he deserved minutes ahead of No. 1 starter Robert Sanchez. - Lopopolo<h3>5. Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea)</h3>Signed from Inter Milan for €113 million in 2021Lukaku heralded his return to Chelsea as the endpoint of his "long journey" home. Even though he had just won Serie A with Inter - finishing behind only Cristiano Ronaldo in scoring - Lukaku couldn't pass up the opportunity to rejoin his childhood club. But the honeymoon was over after five months. Thomas Tuchel dropped Lukaku from his squad after hearing his striker wax lyrical about returning to Inter in an unauthorized interview with Italian TV. The Belgian complained about Tuchel's tactics, and while he would play for the Blues again, his relationship with the club didn't recover. A loan move back to Inter didn't kick-start his career. He moved to Roma for one season before reuniting with former Inter coach Antonio Conte at Napoli in the summer. Chelsea spent over €100 million on Lukaku and, in return, got eight league goals and plenty of headaches. - Lopopolo<h3>4. Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/400807/cropped_GettyImages-1206470184.jpg?ts=1587145288" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/400807/w220xh124_GettyImages-1206470184.jpg?ts=1587145288 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/400807/w320xh180_GettyImages-1206470184.jpg?ts=1587145288 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/400807/w640xh360_GettyImages-1206470184.jpg?ts=1587145288 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/400807/w768xh432_GettyImages-1206470184.jpg?ts=1587145288 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/400807/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1206470184.jpg?ts=1587145288 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Quality Sport Images / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Signed from Atletico Madrid for €120 million in 2019It's not Griezmann's fault that Barcelona's recruiting department was tactically inept. They signed a left-footed playmaker with an appetite for goals despite already having the best player in the world occupying the same role in Messi. Griezmann's scoring output was decent for someone who regularly played on the left wing, away from his preferred central position where he was so lethal for Atletico Madrid. But tactics weren't the only problem. The massive financial commitment it took to sign Griezmann set the club back years, directly contributing to Messi's once unthinkable departure in 2021. Barcelona couldn't afford Messi due to the financial mess caused, in part, by matching Griezmann's release clause. Things didn't get any better after Messi's exit, and Barcelona sold Griezmann for a loss to Atletico. He, of course, has gone on to revive his career back in Madrid. - Brunt<h3>3. Ali Dia (Southampton)</h3>Free transfer from Blyth Spartans in 1996Dia is different from everybody else on this list: He wasn't a professional footballer. Somebody called Southampton's then-manager Graeme Souness and claimed to be 1995 Ballon d'Or winner George Weah, saying his cousin, Dia, would be a good signing. Dia was actually a 31-year-old university student. Then, a miracle happened. The phony footballer was brought in on trial, named on a Premier League bench against Leeds United, and brought on to replace an injured Matt Le Tissier in the 32nd minute of an official match. He lasted 53 minutes before he was hastily subbed off and never seen in the professional game again. - Rouse<h3>2. Eden Hazard (Real Madrid)</h3>Signed from Chelsea for €100 million in 2019Around 50,000 fans packed the Santiago Bernabeu to celebrate Hazard's unveiling in 2019. He told the crowd he'd been dreaming of this moment since he was a child playing in his "family's garden." Madrid went trophy-less the previous season and were hoping Hazard would lead them out of their post-Ronaldo drought. But he arrived overweight and went a year without scoring for the club. Then came the injuries. Hazard missed a total of 518 days due to injury, according to estimates from transfermarkt.com. Vinicius Junior eventually took his place, and the Belgian terminated his contract with Madrid in June 2023 after scoring just four league goals in four years. Hazard retired from football altogether three months later. - Lopopolo<h3>1. Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/344537/cropped_GettyImages-1134734947.jpg?ts=1553271684" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/344537/w220xh124_GettyImages-1134734947.jpg?ts=1553271684 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/344537/w320xh180_GettyImages-1134734947.jpg?ts=1553271684 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/344537/w640xh360_GettyImages-1134734947.jpg?ts=1553271684 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/344537/w768xh432_GettyImages-1134734947.jpg?ts=1553271684 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/344537/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1134734947.jpg?ts=1553271684 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Quality Sport Images / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Signed from Liverpool for €160 million in 2018For the second time in less than a year, the search for Neymar's replacement was supposed to be over. Barcelona moved on quickly after Ousmane Dembele flopped, certain that Coutinho was the answer. The expensive January move to the Camp Nou was a no-brainer at the time for Coutinho, who didn't win anything in six seasons with Liverpool. Almost a decade later, the transfer is viewed as a watershed moment that triggered the drastic shift in fortunes for both clubs. While Liverpool went on to enjoy one of the most successful periods in club history, Barca started to go into a tailspin as Coutinho struggled to live up to his huge price tag. They won La Liga in his first full season, but the primary goal to reconquer Europa fell short. Barcelona loaned him to Bayern Munich shortly after, only to have Coutinho play a direct role in eliminating them from the Champions League while he was still on their payroll; he scored twice for Bayern in the infamous 8-2 drubbing in 2020 that remains one of Barca's most humiliating losses of all time. Off the pitch, Coutinho was a huge financial burden who was unsellable due to his gargantuan wages. It was a truly terrible transfer from all angles. - BruntWhat are the worst deals your favorite club has ever made? Let us know in the comments below!

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The 10 worst transfers in soccer history, ranked

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Gordon Brunt

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