Maguire’s late goal salvages a point for Man United against Porto.
Manchester United’s struggles continued in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Porto on Thursday at the Estádio do Dragão. United surged to a 2-0 lead within 20 minutes, thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund. However, Porto’s Pepe quickly responded, and Samu Omorodion equalized before halftime, later scoring again early in the second half. United captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second consecutive game, leaving his side with 10 men. Despite the setback, Harry Maguire headed home from a corner to salvage a point. The result leaves United winless in four games and sitting 21st in the Europa League play-off spots, while Porto, in 24th, earned their first point in the new format. Manager Erik ten Hag urged fans to remain patient, stating, “We will get there… judge us at the end of the season.”
FT: Porto 3-3 Manchester United.
Manchester United draw their SECOND Europa League game in a row and go 20th in the Europa League! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ENppNsPTIm
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) October 3, 2024
Rajon Rondo to join the Milwaukee Bucks coaching staff in an unspecified role.
NBA legend, Rajon Rondo is set to join the Milwaukee Bucks in an unspecified role and is currently serving as a guest coach during training camp, as reported by ESPN’s Baxter Holmes. Bucks coach Doc Rivers hinted at Rondo’s involvement, saying, “You’ll see him a lot.” Rondo last played in 2022 for the Cleveland Cavaliers and has faced legal issues, including a dismissed emergency protective order in 2022 and a January 2024 arrest on drug and gun charges. Despite these challenges, Rondo is enthusiastic about coaching, stating, “There’s a lot to learn… it’s a lot of work.” Rivers, who coached Rondo to the 2008 NBA championship with the Celtics, believes in Rondo’s potential, saying, “I just think there’s certain guys that should be a coach.” Rondo, a four-time All-Star, appears ready for this next phase of his basketball career.
Rajon Rondo is a Buck! pic.twitter.com/IjfFgGNvG7
— Tyler Swish (@MalikThr33sly) October 3, 2024
FIFA set to open a new transfer window for teams in the Club World Cup.
Football body, FIFA has proposed introducing an additional transfer window in June 2025, ahead of the first edition of the expanded Club World Cup in the U.S., the organization announced on October 3. This extra window, alongside the usual January and summer periods, will allow participating teams to strengthen their squads before the tournament, running from June 15 to July 13, 2025. As player contracts traditionally expire on June 30, FIFA will also permit clubs to replace a limited number of players during a brief window from June 27 to July 3. This adjustment aims to encourage clubs and players to find solutions for expiring contracts and ensure player participation. The expanded Club World Cup will feature 32 teams, with 30 already qualified, including Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Al Hilal. Inter Miami’s participation, however, remains unconfirmed.
🚨 OFFICIAL: FIFA confirms it will allow member associations of participating clubs in the new Club World Cup to open their transfer window from 1 to 10 June 2025.
In case it gets approved by the leagues, new signings can be registered before the tournament starts on 15 June. pic.twitter.com/FGuMmCTP0S
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 3, 2024
Dominant Chelsea win their 5th consecutive game after 4-2 win over Gent.
Enzo Maresca’s side began their Europa Conference League campaign with a comfortable 4-2 victory over Belgian side Gent. After advancing past Swiss club Servette in the qualifiers, Enzo Maresca’s team looked assured in their league phase opener. It took just 12 minutes for Renato Veiga to score, heading the ball past Gent’s goalkeeper Davy Roef. Despite some brief pressure from the visitors, Chelsea largely controlled the match. Early in the second half, Pedro Neto smashed home to double Chelsea’s lead. Gent responded with a goal from Tsuyoshi Watanabe, but Chelsea quickly regained control as Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall added two more goals. Gent managed a late consolation, but the Blues cruised to a comfortable win without key players Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson. It was a solid start to their European campaign for Maresca’s side.
Five consecutive wins for Chelsea 🔵✨
17 goals scored in the last five games for the Blues. pic.twitter.com/NVkMfPwCkZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 3, 2024
Karolina Muchová stuns Sabalenka to qualify for the China Open semifinals.
Czech tennis player, Karolina Muchová ended Aryna Sabalenka’s 15-match winning streak with a 7-6 (4), 2-6, 6-4 victory in the China Open quarterfinals on Friday. Ranked 49th, Muchová saved set points in the first set and rallied from 4-2 down in the third set to win in a grueling 2-hour, 46-minute match. This marks the third straight victory for Muchová over Sabalenka, bringing their head-to-head record to 3-1. Sabalenka’s impressive streak began with her Cincinnati title in August, followed by her U.S. Open triumph in September. She also won the Australian Open earlier this year. Muchová, a U.S. Open semifinalist last month, will face either Paris Olympics gold medalist Zheng Qinwen or Russia’s Mirra Andreeva in the semifinals.
A Muchova MASTERCLASS 🎓@karomuchova7 snaps Sabalenka's 15-match win streak to reach the Beijing semifinals!#ChinaOpen pic.twitter.com/Nmk3Ogua47
— wta (@WTA) October 4, 2024