Man United’s Sporting Director, Dan Ashworth exits the role after just five months.
Dan Ashworth has left his role as Manchester United’s sporting director after just five months, the club confirmed on Sunday. Ashworth joined United after a £3 million move from Newcastle, where he had been on gardening leave. While heavily involved in United’s summer recruitment, reports suggest the club instigated his departure, though both parties claim it was mutual. Chief executive Omar Berrada has overseen Ashworth’s exit, with the search for a replacement now in question as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS take charge of football operations. Ashworth played a key role in appointing Ruben Amorim as manager and securing five major summer signings, including Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte, costing over £180 million. His departure comes after United’s 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest, leaving them 13th in the Premier League with their worst start since 1986.
🚨❗️ Dan Ashworth left his role at Manchester United after 5 months, it’s over with the sporting director as revealed by @TheAthleticFC.
Tense situation with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, not happy at all with last summer strategy.
United spent around £3m to get Ashworth from Newcastle. pic.twitter.com/klfc9sQ5jb
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 8, 2024
Franz Beckenbauer’s number 5 jersey retired by Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich have retired Franz Beckenbauer’s iconic No. 5 jersey in honor of the late German football legend. Beckenbauer, widely regarded as Germany’s greatest-ever player, passed away earlier this year at the age of 78. He famously captained Germany to victory in the 1972 European Championship and the 1974 World Cup while enjoying immense success at Bayern, winning three consecutive league titles and European Cups. The announcement came during Bayern’s annual general meeting, just weeks before the first anniversary of his death. “Franz Beckenbauer will forever be our Kaiser,” said club president Herbert Hainer, highlighting Beckenbauer’s impact on the club and its history. A tribute video celebrated his achievements, followed by emotional remarks from his widow Heidi and son Joel. Known as “Der Kaiser,” Beckenbauer also coached Bayern to Bundesliga and UEFA Cup victories and later served as club president.
❤️5️⃣ Bayern have retired the legendary #5 shirt, memory of Franz Beckenbauer.
No other player will wear number 5 in the future, to remember Der Kaiser. pic.twitter.com/YXRKMxviPP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 8, 2024
Arsenal drops two points against Fulham in their PL title chase.
Arteta’s men stumbled in the Premier League title race after a 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday. With Liverpool’s Merseyside derby postponed, the Gunners had a chance to close the gap on the leaders to four points but failed to capitalize. Fulham struck early as Raúl Jiménez broke through Arsenal’s defense and calmly finished past David Raya. Arsenal struggled in the first half, frustrated by Fulham’s deep defensive setup. After the break, William Saliba levelled the score, heading in from a set piece to ignite hopes of a turnaround. However, late drama saw Bukayo Saka’s 88th-minute goal disallowed after Gabriel Martinelli was ruled offside in the buildup. Arsenal now sit third in the league, two points behind Chelsea and six behind Liverpool, who still have a game in hand.
Who was your Man of the Match? 📉📈 pic.twitter.com/x9A1JV6c1E
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 8, 2024
Griezmann’s brace inspires Atlético to a crucial comeback win over Sevilla.
Atlético Madrid showcased their resilience with a thrilling 4-3 comeback win over Sevilla at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, keeping their La Liga title hopes alive. Rodrigo De Paul opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a powerful strike, capitalizing on Antoine Griezmann’s relentless pressing. Sevilla responded swiftly through Dodi Lukebakio’s near-post rocket before Isaac Romero’s first league goal of the season made it 2-1 following a clinical counter-attack. Sevilla extended their lead after halftime with Juanlu Sánchez volleying in at the back post, but Griezmann reignited Atlético’s fight with a composed finish set up by Pablo Barrios. Substitute Samuel Lino leveled the score in the 80th minute with a stunning long-range effort. In stoppage time, Griezmann sealed the dramatic victory with a thunderous strike, completing his brace. Atlético now sits one point behind Real Madrid and three off leaders Barcelona.
4-3 Atlético Madrid.
GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL ANTOINE GRIEZMANN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE FRENCH STRIKER HAS WON IT FOR ATLETICO MADRID AFTER BEING 3-1 DOWN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🇫🇷🌟 pic.twitter.com/T8i5Wj4GoU
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) December 8, 2024
Michail Antonio to be out for a year after undergoing surgery on his broken leg.
West Ham has confirmed that Michail Antonio underwent surgery after a serious car accident on Saturday. The Jamaica international was airlifted to a London hospital after being rescued from the wreckage and has been diagnosed with a “lower limb fracture.” Reports suggest Antonio could be sidelined for at least a year, ruling him out of the 2024/25 season. The 34-year-old forward, a key player for the Hammers, faces a long rehabilitation process, with fears he may be forced to retire. Antonio, who has featured in every Premier League game this season, will remain under close supervision in the hospital as he begins his recovery. Meanwhile, West Ham prepares to face their next league fixture on Monday evening at the London Stadium, where the team is expected to pay tribute to their teammate as they rally around him during this challenging time.
NEW: Michail Antonio is expected to be out for at least a year after the West Ham striker underwent an operation on a broken leg sustained in a horrific car accident on Saturday afternoon.
It remains unclear if his injuries will force him to retire.@JacobSteinberg pic.twitter.com/SKgLbPi41V
— Central (@WestHam_Central) December 8, 2024