Christian Eriksen expected to leave Man United at the end of the season.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly planning to part ways with Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen next summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Eriksen, who joined United as a free agent in 2022 after a successful spell at Brentford, is expected to leave when his contract expires in June 2025. Romano confirmed that no talks are underway for a contract extension, stating, “Manchester United and Christian Eriksen are still expected to part ways at the end of the season. Ruben Amorim’s opinion will also be considered, but Eriksen’s expected to leave.” The 32-year-old has struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford under Amorim, whose high-intensity style and 3-4-3 formation do not suit Eriksen’s skill set. He is also unlikely to displace players like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, or Alejandro Garnacho in attacking roles. Eriksen can begin negotiations with foreign clubs from January, though his next move remains uncertain.
🚨🇩🇰 Manchester United and Christian Eriksen are still expected to part ways at the end of the season.
No negotiations taking place over new deal, while Rúben Amorim’s opinion will also be considered — but Eriksen’s expected to leave. pic.twitter.com/HJALrKh3Fl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 18, 2024
Rodrigo Bentancur handed a 7-game ban for slur words towards teammate.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been banned for seven games and fined £100,000 by the English Football Association (FA) for using abusive language in a Spanish-language interview on Uruguayan television in June. The ban applies only to English domestic competitions, allowing Bentancur to continue playing in the Europa League against Roma and Rangers. The incident occurred during an interview on Por La Camiseta, where Bentancur made a remark about teammate Son Heung-Min, saying, “It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.” The FA deemed the comment an aggravated breach, referencing race or ethnicity. Bentancur apologized on Instagram on June 20, calling it a “very bad joke.” Son later publicly accepted the apology. As part of the sanction, Bentancur must attend face-to-face Education sessions by March 2025. The midfielder plans to appeal the decision.
🚨⛔️ Rodrigo Bentancur has been given a 7 game ban for using a racial slur about Son!
Plus a £100,000 fine for a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a media interview.
He can still play in the Europa League for Tottenham — NO domestic games allowed. pic.twitter.com/yWV65x8goS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 18, 2024
Rwanda stuns Nigeria with a 2-1 comeback win in the final AFCON qualifiers.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in their final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D qualifier on Monday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Despite the loss, Nigeria had already secured their spot in AFCON 2025 in Morocco, finishing as group leaders with 11 points. Samuel Chukwueze opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 59th minute, energizing the home crowd. However, Rwanda responded swiftly, with Aimable Mutinzi equalizing in the 72nd minute and Imanishimwe Nshuti completing the comeback three minutes later. The first half ended goalless, with both teams squandering opportunities. In the second half, Nigeria’s defensive lapses allowed Rwanda to turn the tide. Nigeria concluded the qualifiers with three wins, two draws, and one loss. Benin finished second on goal difference to join Nigeria in the tournament, leaving Rwanda to celebrate a memorable victory.
FT: Nigeria 1 – Rwanda 2 pic.twitter.com/u0uRf8cs1M
— 49th. (@the49thstreet) November 18, 2024
Ademola Lookman, Nwabali make top 5 at the African best awards.
Atalanta and Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman has been named among the final five nominees for the African Men’s Best Player Award. The dynamic forward, in exceptional form over the past year, is shortlisted alongside Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund), Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), South Africa’s Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), and Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra (Brighton). The award is currently held by Lookman’s compatriot, Victor Osimhen. Meanwhile, Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United in South Africa, is in contention for the Best Goalkeeper Award after his vital role in Nigeria’s second-place finish at the last AFCON. Lookman has been pivotal for Atalanta, excelling in Serie A and the Champions League, and guiding Nigeria to AFCON 2025 in Morocco. A strong contender, he is favored to claim the prestigious title on December 16 in Marrakesh.
🌍✨ The official 5 finalists for African Ballon d’Or 2024! pic.twitter.com/w4w7RpHbt1
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 19, 2024
Genoa to appoint Patrick Vieira as new head coach after sacking Gilardino.
Serie A side, Genoa is reportedly set to sack head coach Alberto Gilardino following a poor start to the 2024-25 Serie A campaign. The Rossoblu have secured only two wins in their first 12 matches, leaving them just one point above the relegation zone. According to reports, Genoa has already lined up Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira as Gilardino’s replacement. Vieira, who previously played in Italy with Juventus and Inter, will return to the country after 14 years for his first managerial stint in Serie A. The Frenchman is also set to reunite with former teammate Mario Balotelli, who joined Genoa as a free agent last month. Vieira and Balotelli played together at Inter for three years and again at Manchester City during the 2010-11 season. It remains unclear if Genoa will confirm Gilardino’s departure before their upcoming clash with Cagliari on Sunday.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Genoa appoint Patrick Vieira as new head coach to replace Alberto Gilardino.
Agreement done as Vieira will start work at Genoa this week. 🇫🇷🤝🏻 @MatteMoretto pic.twitter.com/w0WyvRjlDh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 19, 2024