Manchester United announce plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium.
Finally, Manchester United has officially announced plans to build a new 100,000-seat stadium, opting for a complete rebuild rather than renovating Old Trafford. The iconic venue, home to the club since 1910, has shown significant signs of aging, with issues like leaking roofs frequently highlighted by fans. The new stadium will be the largest in the U.K., surpassing Wembley, and a key part of a broader redevelopment plan that includes 17,000 new homes. Designed by British architect Norman Foster, the stadium will feature three towering tentpoles visible from 40 kilometers away and an expansive covered public space. Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe envisions it as a global attraction, likening it to the Eiffel Tower. Construction could begin this year and take five years, utilizing innovative “Meccano-style” assembly techniques. The U.K. government has expressed support, with the project estimated to contribute £7.3 billion ($9.4 billion) to the economy. United will continue playing at Old Trafford during construction.
BREAKING: Manchester United have decided to pursue a new 100,000-seater stadium, which will become the largest in the UK 🚨 pic.twitter.com/BpF88NaK2N
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 11, 2025
Paul Pogba now free to play professional football; available as a free agent.
After an 18-month suspension for doping, Paul Pogba is now free to sign with a new club following his contract termination with Juventus last November. Despite training independently to maintain fitness, the French midfielder has not played professionally since September 2023, making clubs hesitant to sign him. Speculation linked Pogba to a move to Ligue 1, particularly Olympique Marseille, but French league rules prevented signings outside the winter transfer window, even for free agents. A four-time Serie A champion, Pogba hopes to return to top-level football and earn a spot in Didier Deschamps’ squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While playing in Europe could boost his chances, N’Golo Kanté’s Euro 2024 selection suggests it isn’t essential. Other options remain open, with MLS clubs able to sign players until April 23 and Japan’s transfer window closing on March 26. Pogba previously made a strong impression in Japan during a 2019 visit.
🚨🔙 Paul Pogba can officially play pro football again from today, still available as free agent.
His ban is definitely over. pic.twitter.com/udmoyBQhEH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 11, 2025
Ahmed Musa listed in Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the upcoming WC Qualifiers.
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has announced his final 23-man squad for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Chelle, who released a provisional 39-player list last week, will lead the team for the first time. The squad includes three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards, blending experience with fresh talent. Notably, captain Ahmed Musa and forward Kelechi Iheanacho were omitted. Musa’s initial inclusion in the provisional squad sparked debate, given his year-long absence from the national team. While he traveled to AFCON 2024, he did not play. Iheanacho was also part of the silver medal-winning squad. Regulars such as Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Wilfred Ndidi made the cut, alongside returning players Nathan Tella and Joe Aribo. Newcomers Tolu Arokodare, Igoh Ogbu, and Papa Mustapha earned their first call-ups. Nigeria faces Rwanda on March 21 in Kigali before hosting Zimbabwe on March 25.
Éric Chelle lists the 23-man squad to face Rwanda and Zimbabwe for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers 🇳🇬⚽️ pic.twitter.com/uisnIuJWyz
— 49th. (@the49thstreet) March 11, 2025
Donnarumma the hero as PSG eliminates Liverpool in penalty shootout.
Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals after defeating Liverpool 4-1 in a penalty shootout, following a 1-0 victory at Anfield on Tuesday. With the tie level at 1-1 on aggregate, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma denied Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones, while the visitors converted all their penalties. Ousmane Dembélé scored the decisive goal in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a defensive scramble after Ibrahima Konaté inadvertently pushed the ball away from goalkeeper Alisson. It was the earliest Champions League goal Liverpool had conceded at Anfield since 2017. Arne Slot’s side showed improvement from the first leg, with Mohamed Salah nearly scoring early on, only to be denied by Nuno Mendes. In the shootout, Vitinha, Gonçalo Ramos, Dembélé, and Désiré Doué kept their composure for PSG. Salah converted Liverpool’s opening penalty but misses from Núñez and Jones proved costly. PSG will face either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the next round.
PSG knock Liverpool out of the Champions League and crash their treble party 😈 pic.twitter.com/bSIWRgWv0F
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 11, 2025
Raphina and Yamal inspire Barcelona to a crucial 3-1 qin over PSG.
Lamine Yamal shined as Barcelona secured a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals with a 3-1 victory over Benfica in the second leg. The 17-year-old dazzled down the right flank, creating numerous chances and proving unstoppable for defender Samuel Dahl. Yamal set up Raphinha’s opener in the 11th minute with a brilliant solo run before crossing for the Brazilian to volley home. Benfica quickly equalized through a Nicolás Otamendi header, but Barcelona continued to press. Yamal restored the lead in the 28th minute with a stunning left-footed strike, becoming the youngest player to both score and assist in a Champions League match. Raphinha extended the lead before halftime, making him the highest-scoring Brazilian in a single Champions League season with 11 goals. Barca controlled the second half as Benfica struggled to respond. Unbeaten in 17 matches across all competitions, they remain in contention for three major titles and will face either Lille or Borussia Dortmund next.
⭐️ FULL TIME! ⭐️@CHAMPIONSLEAGUE QUARTERFINALISTS! pic.twitter.com/S12fj7N8uk
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 11, 2025