Over 87,000 spectators packed into Wembley for England vs Germany (Picture: Getty)
Today’s Euro 2022 final between England and Germany has set a new attendance record after 87,192 spectators attended Wembley to cheer on the Lionesses.
Sarina Wiegman’s side have gripped the nation with their run to the final and the tournament’s already set a number of records, with overall attendances almost double the previous best.
The tournament opener at Old Trafford broke the individual attendance record for the Women’s Euros, with 68,871 watching England beat the Netherlands.
The previous attendance record for a Euro’s fixture – either men’s or women’s – was set in 1964 when 79,115 spectators watching Spain against the Soviet Union at the Bernabeu in Madrid.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: BY DOMINIC HOGAN: Saha praised the former Ajax manager's start to his tenure under difficult circumstances and expressed his confidence in the club's prospects.
Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to leave Old Trafford before the full-time whistle of the side’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano today.
The 37-year-old was making his first appearance under Erik ten Hag after missing the side’s pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand.
Ronaldo managed 45 minutes against Vallecano and was replaced at half-time by Amad Diallo.
However, it would appear that Ronaldo wasn’t too pleased with the decision, and he was seen leaving the Theatre of Dreams before the game ended.
Ronaldo was pictured signing autographs for a handful of supporters outside the stadium, who had already positioned themselves at the exit as they waited for the squad to depart.
Usually, the area would be packed with supporters and they were clearly surprised to see Ronaldo at such an early stage of the afternoon.
Higuain recorded a stunning first-half hat-trick that included a potential goal of the year candidate free-kick before his team would eventually allow a last minute goal causing the game to end in a draw.
Alexandra Popp, left, looked in pain during the warm-up (Photo: Getty)
Germany Women’s captain Alexandra Popp has been forced to pull out of the starting XI for the Euro 2022 final against England after suffering an injury in the warm-up.
Popp suffered a muscular problem in the warm-up at Wembley and has been replaced by Lea Schuller.
The striker is considered Germany’s best player and is currently the joint top goalscorer of Euro 2022 alongside England’s Beth Mead.
Popp had scored six goals throughout the tournament (Photo: Getty)
She netted a brace in the semi-final victory over France to bring her international record to 59 goals in 119 caps.
Speaking on the BBC coverage of the game, England legend Alex Scott said: ‘That is going to hurt [Germany].
‘But from an England perspective you’ve got to keep focused. You haven’t won anything yet.
‘In all honesty I’m gutted for Alex Popp – the tournament she’s had to miss this occasion.’
Martin Odegaard has officially been confirmed as Arsenal’s new captain (Picture: Getty)
Martin Odegaard has revealed his gratitude towards Mikel Arteta after being confirmed as Arsenal’s new permanent club captain.
The Norway international initially joined Arsenal on a six-month loan from Real Madrid before a permanent deal was agreed 12 months ago on Arteta’s insistence.
Odegaard grew in stature and importance last term and wore the armband on several occasions during the recent pre-season tour of America.
The 23-year-old skippered his team on Saturday as Arsenal continued their fine recent form with a crushing 6-0 win over Sevilla to claim the Emirates Cup and afterwards Odegaard outlined his desire to repay Arteta’s latest display of trust.
‘Of course I was happy, proud and grateful for the trust and for him wanting me to be the captain,’ he said.
‘That’s a big achievement for me and it’s nice to be part of such a good team, so I’m going to enjoy that.
‘It’s important that we all take leadership, it’s not just about me or a few people but I think everyone needs to take the leadership and do what’s best for the team, so everyone has to do that.’
Gabriel Jesus helped himself to a hat-trick on his Arsenal home debut (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal kick-off the new Premier League season against Crystal Palace on Friday at Selhurst Park and Odegaard insists his side will head into a tricky looking contest in justifiably confident mood.
He said: ‘I think the confidence is obviously high. We’ve had some good games, we’ve beaten two good teams now lately, and we’re playing well.
‘So of course we have a good feeling but we have to stay calm, we have to stay humble, and keep working hard.
‘We know it’s not going to be easy so we have to keep working hard and always be on our toes.
‘That’s what it’s all about, to push everyday.
‘We’ve been waiting for that one (the Palace game) for a while. We are looking forward to starting again, its always nice to get back to playing important games again, so its going to be nice and hopefully we can get a good start.’
Jude Bellingham is making a name for himself at Dortmund (Picture: Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher thinks there will be an ‘auction’ for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham next summer, and wants his former club Liverpool to win it.
The 19-year-old has been enhancing his reputation at Dortmund since his move from Birmingham City in 2020.
Manchester United were interested in the midfielder before his move to Germany, but he ended up joining the Bundesliga club and is thriving there.
Bellingham is considered one of the most promising players in Europe, and Carragher believes he would be a top asset for many sides.
But the Liverpool legend is hoping his former club will be the ones to win the race for the player’s signature.
‘Well I think the one everyone talks about is Jude Bellingham and I don’t think it’s just his ability, Carragher told Football Daily’s Twitter Space.
‘I think it’s his age and the fact if you got him, spent big money on him, he would hopefully be at your club.
Jamie Carragher wants his former club to win the ‘auction’ for Bellingham (Picture: Getty Images)
‘It’s not just Liverpool, I’m sure Man City, Man United are looking at him, all the other top clubs, when you’re buying him you’re thinking we could have a player for the next 10 or 12 years, I think that’s the thinking.
‘His ability is really good and it’s almost the potential of what he could become, could he become like Kevin de Bruyne is now basically – which is for me – the best player in the Premier League, you look at him in that midfield position and you just think wow.
‘Maybe Man City are thinking he could replace De Bruyne or Liverpool could bring him in and he can add something or revolutionise Man United’s midfield.
‘I think he’s the one that stands out for everybody, I think there will be an auction next summer and I hope Liverpool win it, fingers crossed.’
Christian Eriksen made his first Manchester United appearance in the defeat to Atletico Madrid (Getty)
Erik ten Hag believes Christian Eriksen will play a key role for Manchester United this season but claims his attacking players delivered an ‘unacceptable’ performance against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
United suffered their first defeat of their pre-season campaign this summer as Joao Felix sealed a 1-0 win for Diego Simeone’s side in Oslo.
Eriksen, meanwhile, came off the bench to make his first appearance for a United shirt and should have been credited with an assist as his excellent delivery was met by Harry Maguire, who missed with a header from six yards out.
Asked about Eriksen’s cameo after the game, Ten Hag highlighted the midfielder’s importance of the midfielder to United’s attack.
‘We know what he is able to do,’ Ten Hag told MUTV.
‘I think with our front men he’s able to give them, in the right moment, the right pass, so he will create chances and then it’s about finishing.’
Erik ten Hag was unhappy with Manchester United’s finishing in their loss to Atletico Madrid (Reuters)
Ten Hag also admitted he was unhappy with United’s failure to finish chances against Atletico.
‘In the end it’s about the result and the score was not good,’ said Ten Hag.
‘You have to benefit if you create chances and I thought he created many chances to produce at least one goal, we didn’t do it.
‘From the fewer chances they created they scored one. That point I’m not satisfied.
‘I’ve told the team it’s not acceptable. You have to be sharp in the box on both sides.
‘Our possession game and our transition game was really good, we created a lot of threat for them. We had weapons, we created opportunities, on that point I was really satisfied.
‘Also from set-plays, a big chance for Harry Maguire, so we had enough but it wasn’t enough to win the game and that’s always our aim.’
Roy Keane believes Arsenal aren’t a threat to the top teams despite some impressive signings this summer (Picture: Getty)
Roy Keane believes Pep Guardiola would have been comfortable selling two Manchester City stalwarts to Arsenal because the Gunners still don’t represent a threat despite their impressive summer recruitment drive.
The Gunners ran out of steam last season and surrendered fourth place to Tottenham, forfeiting the opportunity to return to the Champions League after a five year absence.
Arsenal have responded to that setback by investing heavily in their squad over the course of the summer with five new signings bolstering a team brimming with potential.
Gabriel Jesus, the most expensive of Arsenal’s new quintet, has hit the ground running in pre-season, scoring six goals in five appearances including a hat-trick in Saturday’s 6-0 win over Sevilla.
The Brazilian’s former City teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko has also slotted in seamlessly at left-back and looks certain to start in place of Kieran Tierney, at least until the ex-Celtic star recovers from injury.
Keane, however, believes Arsenal remain some way from challenging the elite clubs in England with City and Liverpool still streets ahead of the chasing pack.
The former Manchester United captain told ITV: ‘I wouldn’t doubt Pep’s opinion on players. He works with them closely, you’ve got to keep moving on, you’ve got to freshen things up.
Gabriel Jesus scored a hat-trick in Arsenal’s 6-0 win over Sevilla (Picture: Getty)
‘They’ve got good money for these players, who have been brilliant players for Manchester City. Jesus has really done well the last dew months, Sterling’s stats are fantastic, but with Haaland coming in, Pep’s probably thinking he wants to keep a hungry squad, that’s the name of the game.
‘He probably, at this moment in time with the money that came in, doesn’t see these clubs – certainly Arsenal – as a threat.
‘The big worry at the moment is trying to keep ahead of Liverpool .Liverpool and Manchester City are so far ahead of the other teams, he thought it’s worth a gamble.’
Keane’s fellow pundit Ian Wright largely agreed and believes the addition of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund left Guardiola with a relatively straightforward decision where Jesus was concerned.
‘Man City are able to pass those players on, whether it’s to Chelsea, a direct competitor, or Arsenal trying to be a direct competitor because they’re not worried about people or what they can do,’ said Wright.
‘They’re not worried about Jesus or Sterling going, good luck to them. They’re looking at what they’re doing. What they’ve done with a striker is an upgrade massively.’
Erik ten Hag was not thrilled with his Manchester United players on Saturday (Picture: Getty Images)
It may only have been a friendly but Erik ten Hag was not happy at all with Manchester United’s loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday, saying that the 1-0 defeat was not acceptable and he has told his players as much.
The feisty friendly was played in Oslo, Norway and Ten Hag tasted defeat for the first time as United boss, with Joao Felix scoring the only goal of the game.
It was a narrow loss to a very good team, and it was not quite the starting XI Ten Hag will want to field on a regular basis in the Premier League, but the Dutchman was still very unhappy after the game.
Specifically, he had a problem with his side’s lack of efficiency in front of goal as he felt they created enough to at least get a draw from the game, but failed to take their chances.
‘In the end it’s about the result, and the score was not good,’ Ten Hag told Manchester United club media. ‘You have to take benefits if you create chances.
‘I think we created many chances, to produce at least one goal and from less chances they create, they scored one — that point, I am not satisfied. I have told the team it is not acceptable, you have to be sharp in the box, both sides.’
Ten Hag did find positives though, generally happy with the performance apart from taking the chances that his side created.
‘I think we contributed really well, I think the performance from our team was really good,’ he said.
‘Our game, our possession and transition game was really good. We created a lot of threat, had weapons, we create opportunities, so that part I was really satisfied.’
It was a frustrating afternoon for Manchester United as they failed to break through Atletico Madrid (Picture: Getty Images)
Anthony Martial was starting as the central striker, as he has been throughout pre-season, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga either side of him and Bruno Fernandes behind.
The Red Devils are back in action on Sunday in Manchester when they take on Rayo Vallecano, and while fans are excited to see Cristiano Ronaldo return to action in that match, they will not see any of the stars who started in Norway.
‘The players that played from the start will not come on tomorrow,’ said the United boss. ‘Tomorrow we will have a different start XI. There are players who came on [against Atletico Madrid] who can start tomorrow.’
For Derby County, this was a day that just a few weeks ago many worried would never come. But as Conor Hourihane, fresh from scoring the only goal, moseyed along the bottom of the South Stand, putting his left hand out for those in Row A to reach out and touch, Derby supporters were able to drink in the moment that earned them a victory that carries much more weight than the three points it earned them on the first afternoon of the League One season. There were seven minutes of second-half stoppage time but that suffering was nothing compared to what Derby have endured in recent months, Hourihane’s strike enough to edge out Oxford United.
In some ways, given how close to the precipice Derby were little more than a month ago, the actual football – the possession, the tactics and the box entries – was irrelevant, though of course it will not be that way for long. Derby supporters are grateful to still have their team, chuffed to be able to make the pilgrimage to this arena and the fact that almost 19,000 season-ticket holders have signed up for their first season in the third tier since 1986 speaks volumes of how embedded the club is in the community. There is at least one seat going spare in the North Stand these days, with the new owner, David Clowes, a local property developer, conceding that giving up his regular spot for a place in the directors’ box is one downside to his takeover. Clowes could no longer watch the suffering from afar and instead rescued the club amid fears of liquidation. “Thank you, David Clowes,” was the chant from Derby fans with two minutes remaining.
Jurgen Klopp highlighted the result of the Gunners (Picture: Getty Images)
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted Arsenal’s resounding 6-0 victory over Sevilla in the Emirates Cup was ‘impressive’.
The Gunners ended a successful pre-season campaign with a big win over the club who have won a record six Europa League titles.
New £45million signing Gabriel Jesus netted a hat-trick to take his tally to seven goals in pre-season, while Bukayo Saka scored twice and Eddie Nketiah also got on the scoresheet.
Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking to improve upon their fifth-placed finish in the Premier League last season.
The new campaign begins with a tricky test against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park next Friday – the game which kicks off the 2022/23 season.
While assessing Liverpool’s competition in the league ahead of the Community Shield against Manchester City, Klopp highlighted Arsenal’s win over Sevilla.
‘Arsenal, I saw the result, pretty impressive today – 6-0 against Sevilla,’ Klopp told ITV Sport.
The Gunners put five past Sevilla (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I don’t think that ever happened to Sevilla to be honest.
‘United will come, Chelsea will come, Tottenham have improved a lot so that will be a tough, tough season for all of us.
‘But we are here as well and we don’t want to rest on what we achieved or not achieved in the last few years, we are ready for a new challenge.’
On the win against Sevilla, Arteta told reporters after the match: ‘We prepared to play against a team that has been very, very successful in the last few years, that has a huge European experience and we wanted a different test. They have a different way of playing, a different character.
‘The games you have to play within the game is something different and it’s good preparation for us, and there were many moments within the game that went for us.
‘Obviously, it’s a big score but there are still a lot of things that we need to improve.’
Man City boss Pep Guardiola is expecting 'lots of clubs' to be involved in the Premier League title chase this season. City start the 22/23 campaign be facing Liverpool in the FA Community Shield
The Welsh winger left the Bernabeu this summer to join MLS side Los Angeles FC when his contract expired. But Bale, 33, is clearly still very well regarded with his former colleagues.
The history making official has already taken charge of three games at Euro 2022, and was the fourth official for England's win over Sweden on Tuesday that saw them book them place in Sunday's final
The Dutchman was Barcelona's star signing last summer, but could be squeezed out thanks to the summer arrivals of Lewandowski and Raphina, but the forward is keen to stay at the club
The Spanish international missed City's pre-season tour of the US and will not be available for Guardiola until September with a knee injury, meaning he'll miss Saturday's Community Shield clash
Billy Gilmour looks likely to leave Chelsea this summer (Picture: Getty Images)
Chelsea have chosen not to give Billy Gilmour, Ethan Ampadu or Kenedy squad numbers for the forthcoming season, which suggests all three are likely to leave the club this summer.
The Evening Standard report that the trio have all gone without numbers, while the likes of Armando Broja and Michy Batshuayi have got squad numbers, despite rumours of both leaving the club this summer.
It is a remarkable decline for Gilmour especially after bursting into the first team under Frank Lampard and being deemed one of the hottest young talents in British football.
Still only 21, he has won 15 caps for Scotland, but his reputation took something of a hit during a season-long loan at Norwich City over the last campaign when he failed to shine.
Clearly Thomas Tuchel has not ben impressed by the midfielder and does not see him making any impact on the first team at Stamford Bridge. Unlike Conor Gallagher who spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace, impressed, and has returned to the fold at Chelsea.
Ethan Ampadu had been seen as one of Chelsea’s brightest prospects (Picture: Getty Images)
Also 21 years old, Ampadu has been picking up experience on loan spells with RB Leipzig, Sheffield United and Venezia, while he has picked up 36 caps for Wales.
Despite impressive versatility in defence and midfield, the Welshman has also been deemed surplus to requirements, which is something of a surprise given the losses Chelses have suffered in central defence after the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Kenedy signed for Chelsea way back in 2015 but has only made 16 league appearances for the Blues, spending time on loan at Watford, Newcastle, Getafe, Granada and Flamengo, so it is little surprise he is set to move on.
None of the trio have obvious next destinations, although the Standard’s report suggests Kenedy could return to Brazil, while Italian side Spezia are keen on Ampadu.
Mikel Arteta missed out on the signing of Rafinha from Leeds United (Picture: Getty)
Mikel Arteta is likely to hand a chance to a forgotten Arsenal star after missing out on the signing of Rafinha to Barcelona earlier this month.
The Gunners were interested in signing the now former Leeds United winger but the Brazilian’s desire to play for the Catalan giants proved a decisive factor in one the summer’s longest running sagas.
‘This is a dream come true for me, not just for me also my friends and family,’ said the 24-year-old following confirmation of his transfer.
‘They’ve seen me playing since I was a kid. They knew this was a dream of mine to come here. All I can do now is give my best and try to help Barca be what it’s always been.
‘For me it’s a tremendous honour. I saw Ronaldinho come here and achieve so much and after that Neymar as well. For me as a Brazilian to come here it’s an honor. I hope to reach the same objectives that those two players achieved.’
Arsenal have subsequently been linked with Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta, but the versatile forward is said to be more interested in a potential move to Manchester City.
With few viable options on the market, The Athletic reports that Mikel Arteta may turn to an internal solution to provide competition and cover for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
Reiss Nelson could be given a chance to rebuild his Arsenal career (Picture: Getty)
Reiss Nelson featured prominently during the opening weeks of Arteta’s tenure but failed to kick on from this impressive end to the Spaniard’s first season in charge.
The former England Under-21 international did, however, enjoy a productive loan spell at Feyenoord last season and could be given a chance to impress in the Europa League and Carabao Cup during the first few months of the new campaign.
Arsenal have invested heavily in revamping their squad this summer following a late capitulation last term which saw them surrender fourth place to local rivals Tottenham.
Fabio Vieira, Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Matt Turner and Marquinhos will all provide much greater depth ahead of the new campaign, but Arsenal are now turning their attention to offloading players deemed surplus to requirements.
The likes of Pablo Mari, Hector Bellerin, Nicolas Pepe, Lucas Torreira, Bernd Leno all fall into that category, while Nuno Tavares is on the verge of joining Marseille on loan.
Barcelona are keen to re-sign Lionel Messi before he retires (AFP via Getty)
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that he wants to re-sign Lionel Messi.
After spending 21 years at Camp Nou, Messi left Barca last summer to join Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.
Barcelona were unable to reach an agreement with Messi over a new deal due to their financial limitations which continue to hamper the club.
But Laporta is aiming to bring Messi back to Barca before the 35-year-old retires from football.
‘It is an aspiration that I have as president and I would like it to happen, [as] I have been jointly responsible for that end which I consider provisional,’ said Laporta.
‘Messi’s time at Barcelona didn’t end the way we all wanted it to. It ended very much conditioned by economic reasons and we have a moral debt.
‘In that sense, we would like the end of his career to be in a Barcelona shirt and applauded at all grounds wherever he goes.’
Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last year (Getty)
Laporta also hit back after Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann called Barcelona’s transfer strategy ‘strange’ and ‘crazy’.
‘[Barca] is the only club in the world that have no money, but then buy all the players they want,’ Nagelsmann said.
‘I don’t know how they do it. It’s a bit strange, a bit crazy. They got a lot of new players, not only Robert.’
But when asked about Nagelsmann’s comments, Laporta replied: ‘I would tell [Bayern] to look at their checking account, that important money has come in because of Lewandowski.
‘What they do is distort reality. They have not calibrated the strength of Barca. To those who are surprised, I say that we are very awake.
‘We are back on the market. The weight, strength and value of an entity with more than 122 years of history is a lot.’
Martinez enjoyed a superb spell at Ajax under new boss Erik ten Hag. The Argentine opted for the No 21 shirt at the Amsterdam Arena because the No 6 was already taken by Donny van de Beek.
Jules Kounde had been linked with Chelsea for over a year (Photo: Barcelona)
Barcelona have announced that they have agreed a deal in principle for the transfer of Jules Kounde, beating Chelsea to the Sevilla defender.
Kounde had looked set to join Chelsea last week, having been linked with Stamford Bridge since last summer, before the Catalan club swooped in to steal the player from under Thomas Tuchel’s nose.
The fee for the 23-year-old is thought to be around £45million, and the deal is still subject to the passing of his medical and signing of contracts.
The France international has been one of the most impressive young central defenders in the top European leagues in the past couple of seasons, having signed for Sevilla three years ago from Bordeaux in his homeland, with the La Liga club paying just over £25m for his services.
He won the UEFA Europa League with his new side at the end of his first season in Spain, and was part of the French national team squad which emerged victorious in the 2020/21 UEFA Nations League.
Koundé is one of the best young defenders in the game (Photo: Getty)
He becomes Barcelona’s fifth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Franck Kessie, ex-Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, although questions remain about how Xavi’s side have been able to afford all these players given their well-documented financial issues.
Regardless, it is yet another huge transfer blow for Chelsea, who have seen numerous defensive targets rejecting moves to West London.
Matthijs de Ligt opted to join Bayern Munich from Juventus, while Nathan Ake and Presnel Kimpembe have opted to say at Manchester City and PSG respectively.
Tuchel has managed to add centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly to his squad, alongside forward Raheem Sterling, but this has been a very frustrating first transfer window for new Blues’ owner Todd Boehly.
Erling Haaland has already started scoring in a Manchester City shirt (Picture: Getty Images)
Phil Foden says new Manchester City signing Erling Haaland has similar finishing skills to club legend Sergio Aguero, as he backs his teammate to become unstoppable in the Premier League.
Haaland has arrived at the Etihad from Borussia Dortmund this summer and is expected to be a big hit in the Premier League after a stellar goal-scoring record in Germany, and Austria before that.
The 22-year-old scored 29 goals in 27 appearances for RB Salburg, earning his move to Dortmund where he netted 86 times in 89 games, which is why he now finds himself at the Premier League champions.
He has an awful long way to go to catch Aguero in his goal-scoring exploits for City, with the Argentinian netting 260 times for the club, but Foden says the Norwegian reminds him of his former teammate.
‘In front of goal he’s scary,’ Foden told Sky Sports. ‘Everyone knows his goal record, how many he scores, but he’s coming into a completely different league, much faster football so it might take him a little (while) to get used to, but I’m sure when he’s in his flow he’s going to be unstoppable.
‘Aguero is very similar. Haaland has got all different types of finishes as well.
‘Like I said he’s scary in front of goal and if we can get him the ball in the right areas he’s going to be really important for us this year.’
Sergio Aguero won five Premier League titles with Manchester City (Picture: Getty Images)
The England international says Haaland has quickly settled into life at Manchester City, endearing himself to his new teammates and showing that he is desperate to succeed.
‘Top guy off the pitch, he’s a great character, a great addition to the team,’ Foden said of the giant forward.
Foden is glad to have Haaland on his side after facing him in his Borussia Dortmund days (Picture: Getty Images)
‘He makes everyone laugh and he’s dead humble, which is important when you come into a team.
‘He’s hungry to achieve things with us, so it can only mean good things.’
Haaland scored for the first time in a City shirt at the weekend in a friendly win over Bayern Munich and will get a chance to shine against Liverpool in the Community Shield on Saturday.
The Premier League champions get the defence of their title underway on 7 August with a trip to West Ham.
Firmino linked with Juventus as he enters last year of contract
Alisson and Diogo Jota out of Community Shield
Jürgen Klopp has said Roberto Firmino is “the heart and soul” of Liverpool and essential to his plans for the coming season, despite uncertainty over the striker’s long-term future.
The 30-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his contract and reports in Italy have claimed he is a £20m transfer target for Juventus. Liverpool have secured Mohamed Salah on a lucrative new three-year contract and sold Sadio Mané to Bayern Munich but doubt continues to surround Firmino’s position. Speaking at a pre-Community Shield press conference on Thursday, Klopp did not provide an update on the Brazil international’s contract situation but made it clear the forward is not for sale in this window.
Kieran Trippier was long linked with a return to the Premier League before signing for Newcastle (Picture: Getty Images)
Kieran Trippier has confirmed that Manchester United were interested in signing him from Atletico Madrid last summer, but the move never materialised before his switch to Newcastle in January.
There was much speculation that the right-back would return to the Premier League with a big move to Old Trafford a year ago after he had won La Liga with Atletico.
Nothing came of it, despite it being one of the transfer sagas of the summer, but Trippier did make a somewhat surprising move to St James’ Park in January, swapping a Champions League team for a relegation battle.
The England full-back has confirmed that the Red Devils showed an interest in him, and he even agreed with his boss Diego Simeone that he could leave, but it seems that Manchester United never quite pulled the trigger.
‘Yes they were,’ Trippier told the Mirror on Manchester United being interested in him. ‘There were a couple of clubs. Me and the manager had a chat at the start of the season and agreed if an opportunity came up I might go.
‘At the start of the season I had a couple of family problems. To be fair they didn’t want to come back. It didn’t happen, so I carried on. I am not one to throw my toys out of the pram when it didn’t happen.
‘I didn’t have to leave Madrid. I want to make that clear. I loved it there and it was a successful time. I had a few options as well. But for my family it was important.’
Trippier wanted to return to the north of England, which limited his options in the Premier League, but his relationship with Magpies boss Eddie Howe from their Burnley days helped make that move happen.
‘I wanted to come back to the north. So there is (Manchester) City and Liverpool. As a player you have to be realistic as well,’ he said.
‘The Newcastle deal happened really quickly. The manager (Eddie Howe) took over, who I knew well and it was a good decision. This place is a football city and people are obsessed with their club.’
Matteo Guendouzi was at the centre of a brawl between Marseille and Real Betis (RMC Sport)
Former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi was involved in a fight during a friendly between Marseille and Real Betis.
The 23-year-old has made his stay at Marseille permanent after impressing on loan at the French club last season.
Guendouzi’s time at Arsenal was ended by Mikel Arteta after the midfielder was involved in a heated altercation with Brighton forward Neal Maupay in June 2020.
And it appears Guendouzi hasn’t lost his fiery side as he was at the centre of a brawl during Marseille’s latest friendly.
Arkadiusz Milik put Marseille in front in the 87th minute but Rodri’s header three minutes later ensured that the game ended 1-1.
Straight after Betis’ equaliser, Joaquin angrily confronted Guendouzi and pushed his head towards the France international.
Guendouzi stood his ground but Andres Guardado then inflamed the altercation by pulling the Marseille midfielder’s hair.
Both sets of players piled in to diffuse the situation before the referee blew the full-time whistle.
Joaquin appeared to aim a dig at Matteo Guendouzi after the game (Instagram)
After the match, Joaquin aimed a dig at Guendouzi after he posed in a wig on Instagram and wrote: ‘You make me hesitate to wear hair long.’
Left-back due to have medical on Friday before signing
He is behind Tierney and Zinchenko in Arteta’s thoughts
Arsenal have agreed to send Nuno Tavares on loan to Marseille for the season. The left-back is due to have a medical on Friday before completing a move that will not include an option to buy.
Tavares started 13 Premier League games last season, his first at Arsenal after joining from Benfica for £6.8m, but the 22-year-old is behind Kieran Tierney and the summer arrival Oleksandr Zinchenko in Mikel Arteta’s thoughts.
Lisandro Martinez is officially a Man Utd player (Photo: Getty)
Manchester United have confirmed the long-awaited signing of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax for £46million.
The highly rated Argentine played under Erik ten Hag for three seasons at the Eredivisie club and much has already been made of his ability on the ball, tactical awareness, aggression, and leadership skills.
But it is still not clear where exactly the versatile 24-year-old will play for United, as while a natural centre-back, he is also capable of filling in as a defensive midfielder or left-back.
And how will his arrival effect those already at Old Trafford as well as fellow new signings Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia?
Metro Sport takes a look at three ways Ten Hag could line Manchester United up for the 2022/23 season with Lisandro Martinez:
The left-sided centre-back
Martinez’s most natural position, it is expected that he will slot straight into United’s back four, with Ten Hag deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation in three of the Red Devils’ four pre-season friendlies so far.
His defensive partner will be one of Harry Maguire or Raphael Varane, with the former the more likely given his role as captain, while Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot have emerged as the first-choice full-backs.
Beyond that, Ten Hag’s United line-up looks set to be more or less what was seen last season when everyone was fit, although it should be said that rarely happened.
There are two big question marks in regard to personnel, in the form of Frenkie de Jong and Cristiano Ronaldo, with the former wanted at United but unwilling to join and the latter at United but wanting to leave.
For now, we’ll take the view that De Jong is unavailable, and Ronaldo is, but that could all change come the opening game of the season against Brighton.
The defensive midfielder
Comfortable in possession and with passing out from the back, Martinez has often been deployed as the No.6 in a midfield when a bit more defensive grit is needed.
With the De Jong transfer stalling, Martinez could operate in this position more frequently, which in turn could allow for a more creative midfielder like Eriksen or Donny van de Beek to come into the team ahead of Fred or Scott McTominay.
Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have excelled in pre-season, as has Antony Martial who could well enjoy a resurgence as United’s alternative striker option to Ronaldo.
The left-side of a back three
Similar to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, Ten Hag’s Ajax often morphed from its 4-2-3-1 formation to one resembling a 3-3-4, with the full-backs pushing high to join the attack, while one midfielder drops deep to reinforce the defence.
But with Chelsea and Tottenham currently employing 3-4-3 formations, Ten Hag may want to start those games with a back three, where he can match them man for man and deploy all three of his star centre-backs.
This would allow the full-backs more freedom to create chances, something they have done frequently in the recent friendlies, and would put less pressure on the defensive output of Fred who has struggled in that department since his move to Old Trafford in 2018.
As mentioned, Martinez can play at left-back but it is a very rare occurrence and will only likely happen at United should Shaw, Malacia and, providing he is not sold, Alex Telles become unavailable.
Christian Eriksen found the back of the net for the first time in a Manchester United shirt (Picture: Getty Images)
Christian Eriksen scored as he and fellow new signing Lisandro Martinez started for Manchester United in a 4-1 pre-season friendly win over Wrexham on Wednesday.
The behind-closed-doors match took place at Carrington, kicking off at 2pm on Wednesday as Erik ten Hag continues to prepare his new team for the forthcoming Premier League season, which starts for United on 7 August at home to Brighton.
Cristiano Ronaldo was in attendance, but the former Real Madrid man was not involved in the contest as his future remains in the balance.
The Portuguese has not been training with his teammates under new manager Ten Hag yet, but that did not stop Eriksen or Martinez from taking part.
The Dane only began training with the rest of the United squad on Tuesday, while Martinez played against Wrexham on the same day he was announced as a new Manchester United player.
The Telegraph report that Ronaldo, who returned to the club for talks on Tuesday, watched the game from the sidelines with Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
Lisandro Martinez has joined Erik ten Hag’s rebuilding project at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty Images)
Details of the training ground match are initially scarce, but it was Eriksen who scored United’s first in the opening half, with Wrexham’s Aaron Hayden equalising before the break.
United went on to win 4-1, with Raphael Varane also featuring in the contest as he looks to build fitness for the start of the campaign.
The Red Devils have two friendlies coming up this weekend as they take on Atletico Madrid in Oslo on Saturday before playing Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford on Sunday.
