Football

Ten Hag names four Man Utd players that must step up

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Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag has picked out four of his players who he expects to step up and lead the team out of the crisis they are currently facing.

The Red Devils are on the brink of Champions League elimination, following a 4-3 defeat at FC Copenhagen in midweek.

Ten Hag’s men have also lost five times in 11 Premier League fixtures, leaving them eighth in the top flight.

There is time to turn things around in Europe and domestically but plenty needs to change on the field, which Ten Hag hopes his senior players can help facilitate.

“We have such characters who can do it. I will mention Andre Onana, Harry, Scott McTominay, who in such moments show leadership.

“And Bruno, of course. We have enough players with character and personality to step up and lead the team. But it’s also on others to step up. Casemiro and Licha Martinez are not there, so others have to fill in,” Ten Hag told a press conference on Friday.

Football

2023 CAF awards to hold in Marrakech November, 11

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The 2023 CAF Awards Gala will be held in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday, November 11, 2023.

Rabat, Morocco hosted the award ceremony last year.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced nominees for the different categories last week.

Napoli Forward, Victor Osimhen is nominated for Africa’s Men’s Footballer of the Year award.

KAA Gent of Belgium star, Gift Orban is in the running for the Young Player of the Year award.

Senegal’s Sadio Mane won the Men’s Footballer of the Year award last year while Super Falcons superstar, Asisat Oshoala won the Women’s award.

Osimhen is the favourite to win the Men’s award this year, while Oshoala is expected to retain her award.

Football

Crystal Palace joins West Ham, Brentford in Iheanacho chase

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Crystal Palace have entered the race to sign Kelechi Iheanacho next summer.

Iheanacho will become a free agent next summer having failed to sign a contract extension at Sky Bet Championship club, Leicester City.

Negotiations over a new contract with Leicester City is currently showing no progress.

A number of Premier League clubs including Brentford and West Ham United have been linked with a move for the Nigeria international.

The 27-year-old can negotiate with a foreign club in January.

The forward linked up with the Foxes from Manchester City in 2017 and has made over 200 appearances for the club.

Football

Abramovich wanted to send people after my dad’s kidnappers – Mikel Obi reveals

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Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has revealed that former Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, wanted to help save his father from kidnappers in 2018.

According to Mikel Obi, Abramovich offered to send people to Nigeria, to help free his dad.

“My dad got kidnapped while I was playing at the World Cup 2018 in Russia, Chelsea were very supportive.

“I remember Roman Abramovich saying, do you want me to send people over? Because I know if I send people over, I can get your dad out.

“I was like, how are you going to do this? He said don’t worry about that. Just let me, if you want that option, I can do it.

“I can relate to Luis Diaz and what he’s going through,” Mikel Obi said on talkSPORT.

The ex-Nigerian midfielder played for Chelsea from 2006 to 2017.

Football

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana reach first World Cup knockout round

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South Africa’s Banyana Banyana are through to the knockout stage of a FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in the country’s history following a 3-2 comeback win against Italy at the ongoing tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

The historic and first World Cup win for South Africa began on the back foot barely 10 minutes into the game when Arianna Caruso put Italy upfront from the spot.

However, in the 32nd minute, the South Africans were back in the game thanks to Benedetta Orsi’s own goal.

South Africa grabbed the lead in the 67th minute through Hildah Magaia, thanks to an assist from Thembi Kgatlana, but the Italians equalised seven minutes later through Caruso to record her brace of the tie.

Racing Louisville forward Kgatlana, who said after the match that she had lost three family members in three weeks, sealed the historic moment for South Africa with her goal in added time to help the reigning African champions reach the World Cup round of 16.

South Africa finished second in Group G behind Sweden, who won all their three matches of the group stage, with the Banyana Banyana joining Nigeria’s Super Falcons as the second African country to qualify for the knockout round.

“I am very happy for this historic moment, and I just want to be here for the girls,” 27-year-old Kgatlana said after the match. “Over the last three weeks, I have lost three family members, but I chose to stay with my girls (teammates).”

She added, “I came back from a very brutal injury, for me to be here to play for my country, to represent and make history with South Africa, is the best and everyone deserves that. We messed up two games but this one is the game I think we had to do well and as you can see, the girls are happy.”

Football

Messi surpasses Ronaldo as Footballer with most Guinness World records

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Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has surpassed Al Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo as the footballer with the most Guinness World Records.

Guinness World Records disclosed this in a chart titled ‘ Most Guinness World Records Titles Achieved By Footballers‘ shared on its verified Twitter handle on Tuesday morning.

GWR tweeted,

“For now, Messi is clear of Ronaldo. Lionel Messi has 41 #GWR titles whereas Cristiano Ronaldo has 40.”

Guinness World Records listed the top five footballers in terms of the number of titles achieved in the chart.

Messi has 41 records, Ronaldo has 40, Robert Lewandowski has nine, Kylian Mbappe has five, and Neymar has four.

Football

Over 1.5 million tickets sold at 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

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Over 1.5 million tickets have been sold at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the world football governing body FIFA announced on Monday.

Ticket number 1,500,000 was purchased by Maria Strong, who organised a family outing to the Group G fixture between Italy and Argentina at Auckland’s Eden Park.

The outing was organised to celebrate her son, who was celebrating his 12th birthday, FIFA said in a statement.

Strong, her husband and her three children were invited to meet FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who offered them the opportunity to attend the remaining matches in the tournament at the Auckland venue.

“It was great to meet the family that has bought the 1,500,000th ticket; they are a family from Auckland with three children, and they have a passion for the game,’’ said Infantino.

On her part, Strong said, “We purchased the tickets last night, and it’s been such a great night; we’re from Botany in Auckland.

“We caught the train in, and even though it’s a school night, it’s been amazing and so easy.”

Football

Sweden beat South Africa in World Cup opener

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Amanda Ilestedt’s 90th-minute goal gave Sweden a 2-1 win over South Africa in their Women’s World Cup Group G match on Sunday.

Fridolina Rolfo had cancelled out Hildah Magaia’s opener.

From Sweden’s 11th corner of a game played out in pouring rain in the New Zealand capital, the lanky Ilestedt jumped highest and squeezed the ball home to save her team’s blushes.

Earlier, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s cross skewed off defender Lebohang Ramalepe and bounced into the net off Rolfo to hand the Swedes a lifeline in the 66th minute after South Africa’s Magaia had broken the deadlock two minutes after the break.

The result left the third-ranked Swedes top of Group G before Italy and Argentina play their opener in Auckland on Monday.

Football

Lionel Messi seals move to Inter Miami

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Lionel Messi has completed his move to Inter Miami on a deal running to 2025, the Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit announced on Saturday.

The 36-year-old Argentina superstar revealed in June he had decided to join the Florida side as his contract with Paris St.-Germain (PSG) came to an end.

With the deal now officially done, Messi is in line to make his debut for his new employers on Friday against Mexico’s Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner said in a statement from the club: “I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the U.S.

“This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project.

“The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set, and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.”

Inter Miami are co-owned by former England captain David Beckham, who said: “Ten years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city.

“Players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in the U.S. and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much.

“Today that dream came true. I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s calibre is joining our club, but I am also delighted to welcome a good friend, an amazing person and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami community.

“The next phase of our adventure starts here, and I can’t wait to see Leo take to the pitch.”

MLS commissioner Don Garber said;

“We are overjoyed that the greatest player in the world chose Inter Miami CF and MLS, and his decision is a testament to the momentum and energy behind our League and our sport in North America.

“We have no doubt that Lionel will show the world that MLS can be a league of choice for the best players in the game.

“We look forward to seeing his debut for Inter Miami in our Leagues Cup tournament later this month.”

Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi arrives after a season in which he helped his country to World Cup glory in Qatar, as well as PSG to the Ligue 1 title.

This was in his first campaign with the French club side in 2021/2022.That adds to an already huge trophy haul on his CV which features four UEFA Champions League successes from his years with FC Barcelona.

He scored a staggering total of 672 goals for the Spanish club side.Joining Miami sees Messi who has also netted more than 100 international goals reunite with coach Gerardo Martino, who he previously worked under with Barca and Argentina.

Martino was appointed in June after the club sacked Beckham’s ex-Manchester United team-mate, Phil Neville.

Football

Arsenal announces signing of Declan Rice

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Arsenal have announced the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham for a club-record fee of £105m.

The Gunners had two bids rejected for the 24-year-old, one of £80m and another of £90m before agreeing £105million deal with the London club.

The England midfielder is now set to earn around £250,000-a-week in north London after signing a five-year deal at Arsenal which runs until 2028.

He becomes Arsenal’s third signing of the summer after the £65m arrival of German playmaker Kai Havertz from Chelsea, and £40m arrival of Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.

His move to the Emirates Stadium brings a decade-long spell at West Ham to an end, rising from a youth-team player to club captain.

He made 245 appearances for the Hammers after making his first-team debut in 2017 and his final game for the club saw him lift West Ham’s first trophy in 43 years by winning the Europa Conference League final.

The £105m Rice deal is broken down into an initial payment of £100m, which will be paid over 24 months, with £5m in add-ons, which are £1m every time Arsenal qualify for the Champions League and Rice starts 60 per cent of games.

Speaking to the Arsenal website, Rice said he was determined to take his game to another level with the Gunners and praised the club’s manager Mikel Arteta.

“In football, amazing opportunities arise. Big clubs, like Arsenal, have come for me and it’s really hard to turn down,” Rice said.

“You only ever get one career and I really believe in what Mikel is building here and the squad he’s building. I’m really looking forward to the future with Arsenal.

“With Mikel and how he works, the squad, how young everyone is, the energy around the club and also the challenge of getting Arsenal back to where they belong, that means a lot to me.

“I know the fans really want that. For me as a player, I’ve come here really hungry to have more success and to spend my best years at this great club.

“I know he [Arteta] is going to get the best out of me. I know I’ve got more levels to go up in my game, and I feel like he’s the manager to take me to those next levels. I am really excited to be working with him.”

Football

Sport Court fine Bayern €115,600 for unsportsmanlike fan behaviour

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The sports court of the German Football Federation (DFB) has imposed a fine of €115,600 ($126,810) on Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich for unsportsmanlike conduct by their fans in a league match.

Up to €38,500 can be used for investments in security or infrastructural measures, the DFB said on Monday.

Bayern fans fired at least 104 pyrotechnic objects during and after the Bundesliga game at VfB Stuttgart on March 4.

In addition, they fired two rockets onto the pitch, interrupting the match for one minute, the DFB said.

Football

Man City strike £30 million deal to sign Kovacic from Chelsea

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Manchester City have agreed a £30 million ($38.1 million) deal with Chelsea FC to sign midfielder Mateo Kovacic, the PA news agency understands.

The treble winners are set to pay an initial £25 million for the 29-year-old Croatia international, with a further £5 million to follow in potential add-ons.

Kovacic, who joined Chelsea from Real Madrid in 2018, is entering the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

City will now look to complete the formalities of a move with the player.Kovacic will become City’s first signing of the close season and gives manager Pep Guardiola more midfield options at a time when Captain Ilkay Gündogan’s future is uncertain.

Gündogan’s contract expires at the end of this month and the Germany international has not yet agreed new terms.

Kovacic, who won the Champions League three times with Real and once with Chelsea, could be one of several departures from the London club as new manager Mauricio Pochettino trims his squad.

Fellow midfielder N’Golo Kanté has already left for Saudi Arabia.

Football, World News

Footballer Daniel Alves faces 12 years in prison for sexual assault

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Brazilian footballer, Dani Alves, may face up to 12 years in prison for an alleged sexual assault at a Barcelona nightclub, with his trial set for between October and November 2023.

The 40-year-old has been detained since January 23, 2023, after a 23-year-old woman accused him of sexually assaulting her in a toilet at the renowned Sutton Club.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player has had many pleas to be freed on remand denied, as the Barcelona high court’s judges rejected the most recent appeal.

According to Marca, there are worries that if Alves were released, he may leave the nation and return to his native Brazil, which doesn’t extradite its residents.

A new article from El Periodico stated that a trial date has already been set for Alves’ case, although the exact time has not yet been verified.

Alves could receive a sentence of six to twelve years if found guilty due to the Law on the Guarantee of Sexual Freedom, which took effect in October.

In a TV interview before his arrest, Alves said he had never met his accuser.

He later revised his account after being detained, asserting that there was no assault and that there had been an agreement.

Football

Egypt beat Guinea to qualify for AFCON 2023

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Egypt on Wednesday qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 2-1 victory over Guinea in Marrakesh.

Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Ahmed was the man of the match after scoring and providing an assist for the Egyptians.

Serhou Guirassy had given the Guineans a 26th-minute lead, but Trezeguet equalised for Egypt just before the break and then set up Mostafa Mohamed for the winner 11 minutes to time.

The victory saw Egypt move to 12 points after five rounds of matches and have an unassailable lead of nine points to the third-placed team with one round of qualification matches left to play.

Guinea remain second with nine points and will only need a draw in the final qualification match in September to earn a ticket to the final tournament.

Playing with the need to win to assure themselves of a qualification ticket, Guinea started well and were rewarded after 26 minutes when Guirassy tapped home from close range off a well-worked team move.

Issiaga Sylla had made a brilliant run on the left, and once the ball was rolled to his path, he slashed a low cross that was met by the waiting feet of Guirassy, with the keeper well beaten.

Guinea were rewarded for their industrious start and dominated possession, with Egypt struggling to find their feet in the duel.

But, the Pharaohs battled to draw level four minutes to the break.This was when Trezeguet fired home from the outside of his boot from inside the box after being picked out by a sleek through ball from Mohamed Salah.

With an all-square scoreline at the break, the second half would always see a rise in tempo.

Guinea once again had the first knock on the door, this time Naby Keita trying his luck with a shot from a Francois Kamano cross, but it rolled well into the keeper’s arms.

Youngster Illaix Moriba also had a chance with a shot from the edge of the box, but it flew over.

Egypt slowly crawled back into the duel and stepped up the tempo further.

Guinea keeper Ibrahim Kone made a brilliant save in the 70th minute to deny Trezeguet’s deflected shot.

But, the Pharaohs got their winner 11 minutes to time when Mostafa fired from inside the box after a delightful cutback from Trezeguet, finding him unmarked.

Guinea tried to push for an equalizer which would have been enough to hand them a qualification ticket, but Egypt guarded their single-goal advantage well.

Football

Odion Ighalo makes Saudi League Team Of The Season while Cristiano Ronaldo misses out

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Nigerian striker, Odion Ighalo has been included in the Saudi Arabia Professional Football League Team of the Season.The Saudi League football associationunveiled the Best X1 of the 2022/23 season on Wednesday, June 7.

Ighalo, 33, scored 19 goals for Al Hilal, who were dethroned as league champions by Al Ittihad.

He was the only Al Hilal player who made the list, he also made the list last season after helping Al Hilal win the title. Last season Ighalo scored 24 goals. He has already quit the club following the expiration of his contract.

Al Nassr star, Cristiano Ronaldo was however not included in the team despite his star power and 14 goals in 19 appearances since joining the club in January after an acrimonious exit from Manchester United.

Football

Liverpool sign Mac Allister from Brighton for cut price £35m

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Liverpool have reportedly activated the transfer clause in the contract of Alexis Mac Allister at Brighton, the final step in the signing of the Argentine midfielder.

James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Arthur Melo have left the Merseyside club at the end of their contracts.

The Reds are expected to sign at least three midfielders to revamp the department. And it is not a surprise that Jurgen Klopp looked to sign Mac Allister, one of the best midfielders in the premier league in the just concluded season.

The 24-year-old has already passed a medical examination, the report adds.

Mac Allister’s pay will increase from £50,000 to £150,000 per week.

A five-year agreement that lasts through 2028 will be signed. Transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Reds secured the services of the Argentine for just £35 million which has been termed as a ‘steal’ by numerous sports publications.

Romano tweeted: “Liverpool have just signed Alexis Mac Allister for… £35m.”

“The Reds have triggered the clause to sign the midfielder. The final documents are currently in the process of being signed

Football

Manchester City overtake Real Madrid as the world’s most valuable football club ‘brands’

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Treble-chasing Manchester City have surpassed Real Madrid as football’s most valuable brand in the world.

The Premier League club will see its brand value soar 15 percent this year to £1.29billion by adding the Champions League to their Premier League title and FA Cup win if they beat Inter Milan this Saturday.

That saw them overtake reigning European champions Real Madrid, whose brand value dropped three percent to £1.26bn, according to an analysis by Brand Finance.

However, Brand Finance said Real remained the strongest brand in world football and were most likely to be considered ‘the best club in the world’ by fans.

Barcelona came third in the ranking, with a five percent increase in brand value to £1.185bn, with Manchester United leaping ahead of rivals Liverpool into fourth spot.

United is worth £1.174bn (up 11 per cent) and Liverpool £1.173bn (up nine per cent).

United’s successful season under Erik ten Hag had ‘reconnected the team with the fans and laid the foundations for a renewed bid for future success,’ the report said.

Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich occupied sixth and seventh spots before three Premier League clubs – Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea – closed out the top 10.

Arsenal’s brand value had risen 16 per cent to £782million following their strong challenge for the Premier League title.

Chelsea’s had risen by two per cent to £742m off the back of a disappointing campaign and lower half finish, making them only the sixth-highest English club. Spurs’ value rose five per cent to £774m.

Brand Finance said fellow London clubs Brentford and Fulham were new entries into their top 50 chart, at 43rd and 49th positions respectively.

Newcastle United were reported to have the fastest-growing brand value of any United Kingdom club following an increase of 33 per cent to £216m in the wake of their Saudi takeover in 2021.

Hugo Hensley, Head of Sports Services at Brand Finance, said: ‘Manchester City has achieved an extraordinary feat by surpassing Real Madrid to become the champion of football club brands.

For five years, the City team has exerted its dominance in English football, securing four Premier League titles in the past five seasons.

‘However, the club’s performance in this year’s ranking highlights that Manchester City are performing off the pitch in terms of building a strong brand and attracting fans and sponsors, and setting the stage for what could be an iconic Champions League final against Inter Milan.’

Football

Governor Sanwo-Olu names Bukayo Saka favourite Arsenal player

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Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state on Saturday described Arsenal’s Busayo Saka as his favourite player in the English Premier League side.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, who met with Saka at the Lagos House, Marina, expressed on his Facebook page excitement at receiving his own signed Saka jersey.

“Exciting day at the State House, Marina today as I had the pleasure of hosting my favourite Arsenal player, star boy Bukayo Saka, @BukayoSaka87.

“I also enjoyed receiving my own signed Saka jersey. As a proud #Gunner, I am incredibly proud of their inspiring run in the Premier League with such a young team.

“Their determination has motivated many and showed us the power of youth. We are committed to bringing that same spirit to grassroots football in Lagos State.

“Together, let us create opportunities for our talented young players. Thank you for visiting me Bukayo and I look forward to next season,’’ he wrote.

The Arsenal forward, Saka earlier visited Egbeda area of Lagos State, the area of residence of his parents.

During the visit to Egbeda, Saka wore a white native dress, top sneakers and acknowledged cheers from a tumultuous crowd chanting: “Saka’’, “Saka’’ as he moved round the neighbourhood.

Football

PSG confirm Lionel Messi is leaving the club at the end of this week

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French giants, Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Lionel Messi will leave the club at the end of this season, with the Argentine set to play his final game against Clermont Foot on Saturday, June 3.

PSG manager Christophe Galtier confirmed in a press conference on Thursday afternoon, June 1, that the World Cup winner will depart, with Inter Miami one of many potential destinations. ‘Clermont Foot will be Messi’s final game at PSG,’ said Galtier. ‘I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. It will be Leo’s last match at the Parc des Princes.’ Messi joined PSG in 2021 and has won two Ligue 1 titles.

The 35-year-old hinted that leaving Barcelona allowed him to mature as a player and some suggest that leaving his comfort zone allowed him to develop the leadership qualities he displayed in winning the Qatar World Cup in December.

French media reported this morning that Messi could make a sensational return to the Camp Nou but that Barcelona would struggle to financially wager a move.

One alternative suggested by L’Equipe, though, is that Messi could join Inter Miami and be loaned to the Catalan club. Inter Miami, managed by Phil Neville, are said to be offering Messi a lucrative package, while there is still interest from Asian clubs.‘I hope that he will be welcomed in the best way,’ added Galtier ahead of Messi’s final game.

PSG have already won the Ligue 1 title. There have also been suggestions that the World Cup winner could be on the verge of signing a lucrative deal with Saudi side Al-Hilal.

Rumours last month claimed that Messi had been offered a contract worth £522million from Al-Hilal, despite the concerns of his wife Antonela Roccuzzo. Messi’s father, Jorge, quickly shut down reports that a decision had been made about his son’s club for next season.

Taking to social media, Messi’s father said:

There is absolutely nothing with any club for next year. The decision will never be made before Lionel finished the league with PSG. Once the season is over it will be time to analyze and see what is there, and then make a decision.

There are always rumors and many use the name of Lionel to gain notoriety but the truth is only one and we can assure that there is nothing with anyone.

Neither verbal, nor signed, nor agreed, and there will not be until the end of the season.’

During his impressive campaign in France, Messi scored 16 goals and recorded 16 assists in the league.

Football

Manchester United set to pay Harry Maguire £10million to leave the club

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Manchester United are set to pay Harry Maguire £10million pay-off to leave the club this summer.

Saturday’s FA Cup final is likely to be Maguire’s last game as a United player with the 30-year-old captain set for a place on the bench against Manchester City at Wembley.

Manchester United paid £80m for Maguire to sign him from Leicester in 2019, but he is now valued at closer to £30m due to his age and the fact he is two-thirds of the way through a six-year contract.

Maguire has another two years left on the £190,000-a-week deal, and it’s anticipated that he would earn only half that amount at a new club – leaving United to foot a £10m wage bill to get him off their books.

England manager Gareth Southgate warned last week that Maguire’s lack of first-team football at United cannot ‘continue forever’ if he wants to hold down an international place.

And Ten Hag spoke about the player’s predicament on Monday, admitting ‘that no-one would be happy with this situation – he is not as well’.

The United boss says it’s up to Maguire to make a decision about his future, and club sources echoed those comments on Wednesday night.

Maguire is one of a number of players facing an uncertain future at United after the Cup Final with question marks hanging over Anthony Martial, Fred, Scott McTominay, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

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