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Former Arsenal academy prospect Billy Vigar has been placed in an induced coma after suffering a "significant brain injury” while turning out for his current club. The 21-year-old forward, who severed ties with the Gunners when leaving on a permanent basis in 2024, is now on the books of Isthmian League Premier Division side Chichester City.

• Serious injury sustained by Vigar

  Vigar was in action for Chichester, who compete in the seventh tier of English football on Saturday. It was during a match with Wingate & Finchley that he sustained the injury which required urgent medical attention.

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• Support from football community

  Chichester announced on Sunday that one of their players had suffered a “serious injury”, with it revealed on Monday that Vigar was the man in question. Their thoughts, and those of everyone across the wider football community, are now with the Worthing native.

• Statement from Chichester City

  A statement released by Chichester on social media read: “Billy received a significant brain injury and is currently in an induced coma in intensive care receiving the best possible treatment. It is too early to say what the outcome will be and even if things go well, there will be a long road to recovery. Love from the whole CCFC family Billy.”

  Wingate & Finchley said in a message of their own: “Everyone at Wingate & Finchley continues to keep Billy, his loved ones and all at Chichester City in our thoughts. Wishing him strength on the fight to recovery.”

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• Vigar's career history

  Vigar joined the youth ranks at Arsenal as a 14-year-old in December 2017. He made 22 appearances for their U18 side, scoring four times, and also represented the Gunners at U21 level. He left having taken in loan spells with Derby County’s U21 team, National League South side Eastbourne Borough, with Hastings United being joined before linking up with Chichester in August 2025.

As has become customary in Glasgow on a Champions League night, the world-famous anthem is greeted with defending cheers.

However, within a matter of minutes, all those in Govan and Glasgow’s surrounding areas could hear was a cacophony of boos.

The night could hardly have started any worse for Russell Martin’s side, conceding after three minutes and then again from a corner four minutes later, before Club Brugge added a third on the 20 minute mark, this the fastest Rangers have ever found themselves 3-0 down in a home European tie in their 69 years of continental history.

At that stage, the Belgian side appeared set to completely put the tie to bed, although it didn’t entirely turn out that way.

Straight after the break, teenaged debutant Jayden Meghoma’s low cross was tapped home by Danilo before, with 12 minutes to play, Djeidi Gassama thought he’d reduced the arrears further, but his goal was disallowed because referee François Letexier deemed that goalkeeper Simon Mignolet had two hands on the ball; a controversial VAR decision.

Thus, 1-3 it finished at Ibrox, leaving Rangers with a mountain to climb at Jan Breydelstadion next Wednesday, and a couple of Martin’s summer recruits in particular did not impress.

Nasser Djiga's calamitous night

Since joining on loan from Wolves this summer, Nasser Djiga has now started all eight matches this season, forming a centre-back partnership with John Souttar.

The Burkina Faso international arrived in Glasgow with plenty of Champions League experience, starting all ten of Crvena zvezda’s qualifiers and league phase fixtures last season, although you wouldn’t have known it three minutes in to this one.

Brugge’s opener, scored by Romeo Vermant, came about in bizarre circumstances.

Danilo had a shot blocked at one end, before Christos Tzolis’ hopeful ball forward was inexplicably just left by Djiga, running in the complete opposite direction, allowing Vermant to delicately lob the ball over a bemused and confused Jack Butland.

Graeme McGarry of the Herald labelled this the “worst defending I’ve ever seen” while, speaking on Sky Sports News, former Rangers striker Kris Boyd described this as “calamitous”, adding “Rangers just come up with new ways to concede goals…. Champions League football… forget it”.

This is such a concern because, as already alluded to, Martin appeared to have his centre-back partnership in Djiga and Souttar set in stone, albeit, after the former was sent off against Dundee ten days ago, this was not his first costly error.

Nevertheless, he is not one of Martin’s summer recruits coming under the most scrutiny following this damaging defeat.

Rangers' new signing could be dropped

James Tavernier has been a stalwart since joining Rangers a decade ago, making 521 appearances for the club, only ten men can boast more, among the first names on the team sheet throughout this period – until now that is.

The club captain was left on the bench for the first leg against Viktoria Plzeň in the previous round, with the same true again on Tuesday, with Max Aarons starting at right-back instead, very much a permanent fixture in Martin’s team, but could that be about to change?

Well, the 25-year-old did not impress against Brugge, as the table below documents.

As the table highlights, only four players, namely the aforementioned Souttar and Djiga, as well as Brugge duo Brandon Mechele and Jorne Spileers, accumulated more touches than Aarons, despite the fact he was hooked with 20 minutes remaining, but he did little good with all this time spent in possession.

The full-back was dribbled past once, this when Tzolis came close to adding a fourth in first-half stoppage time, losing possession on seven occasions, while also winning just four of his 11 ground duels, which pretty much sums up his and Rangers’ night.

Journalist Scott Bradley asserted that Aarons “looks like he hasn’t kicked a ball before”, adding that he remains “absolutely baffled” as to why the “best right-back in the league”, namely Tavernier, is once again left watching from the dugout by under-fire Martin.

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All in all, a disastrous night for Rangers, leaving their Champions League dreams hanging by a thread, requiring a miracle when they visit West Flanders next mid-week.

Before then, already four points adrift of Premiership leaders Hearts and Celtic after just two fixtures, Martin can ill-afford yet more dropped points at St Mirren on Sunday, so it would be no surprise if captain Tavernier is restored to the team in Paisley.

Meghoma upgrade: Rangers ready to move for "technically gifted" £9m star

Even after signing Jayden Meghoma on loan from Brentford, Rangers have revived their interest in signing a “technically gifted” star once worth £9m.

By
Ben Gray

Aug 19, 2025

Manchester United are now “very optimistic” they’ll wrap up a deal for an “elite” Manchester City target within the next two days, a journalist has revealed.

Amorim has work to do before transfer deadline

There was a sense of cautious optimism after Man United’s opening game, despite losing 1-0 at home to Arsenal, but the 1-1 draw against Fulham at the weekend was a reality check, with Gary Neville stating he believes there is work to do before the deadline.

“I said this last week and it’s a little bit worrying: Fulham got a lot stronger when they made their substitutions, I actually thought United got worse when they made theirs,”

“Sesko, at the moment, let’s just say it, he’s nowhere near in terms of fitness or just getting up to speed. I love Mbeumo, I love Cunha, Bruno had a bad game today, but my biggest worry is the goalkeeper situation isn’t addressed and the striker situation isn’t addressed.”

Goalkeeper has been a problem position for quite some time, with Ruben Amorim alternating between Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana at times last season, and the former received widespread criticism for failing to deal with Declan Rice’s corner, which led to Arsenal’s goal.

Amorim defended the Turkish shot-stopper in the wake of the performance against the Gunners, but former scout Mick Brown believes the manager is “raging” because he “can’t rely on his current options” in goal.

As such, Man United have recently stepped up their pursuit of a new goalkeeper, with Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens, who is thought to be valued at £22m by the Belgian club, emerging as a major target.

He'd revive Fernandes: Man Utd chasing the "best English CM since Scholes"

Manchester United want to sign a midfielder before the end of the transfer window.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 27, 2025

There has now been a promising update on United’s pursuit of Lammens, with journalist Christopher Michel revealing they are now “very optimistic” about finalising a deal “in the next two days”.

The Royal Antwerp goalkeeper has also been targeted by Man City, but it appears as though the Red Devils are set to win the race, with Pep Guardiola’s side focusing on Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.

"Elite" Lammens could be solution to Man Utd's problems

It would be a risk to bring the Belgian shot-stopper in as the new number one straight from the off, given that he is just 23-years-old and unproven in a major league, but there are indications he could be an upgrade on Onana and Bayindir.

Amorim simply cannot persist with Bayindir, who has already made one high-profile error this season, while Nemanja Matic infamously dubbed Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers” in Manchester United’s history last season.

Lammens, on the other hand, is very highly regarded by scout Ben Mattinson, who lauded him for his “elite shot-stopping”, while also praising the 6-foot-4 colossus for his “composure” in possession.

The Antwerp star is still relatively inexperienced, having made 64 appearances for his current club at senior level, but with Donnarumma seemingly heading to Man City, there aren’t a great deal of options for Man United, who desperately need a new goalkeeper before the deadline.

Eddie Howe has admitted he would “love” to bring Elliot Anderson back to Newcastle United after the midfielder’s impressive rise at Nottingham Forest. The England international returns to St James’ Park this weekend, almost one and a half year after leaving his boyhood club in a £35 million ($47m) deal forced by the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

• Why Newcastle had to sell Anderson in 2024…

  Newcastle were compelled to sell Anderson in June last year to avoid a potential points deduction under the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations. Despite being valued far higher, the Magpies accepted a cut-price deal as part of a swap arrangement involving goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos. The 22-year-old has since flourished at Nottingham Forest, becoming a key player and earning senior England recognition.

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  Howe would 'love' to re-sign Anderson

  Speaking ahead of Anderson’s return to Tyneside, Howe was full of admiration for his former player. “I don’t know (if the move will happen), but certainly from my perspective I would love him to,” he said. “It is very regretful a player from the academy who had given so much — and the club had given so much to — for him not to be utilised here is a real shame. We had no choice but to make the sale, but it was not one we wanted to do. It didn’t sit right with me then and doesn’t sit right with me today.”

  Howe also described Anderson as a very versatile player: "It is very difficult to define one position for him," he said. "There are not many players I can say that about. He has got unique strengths. He is very good deeper, but I can definitely see him playing higher up as an 8 or a 10, because he is very good in central areas.  But he's also good wide, like he was for us at wide left. He's a very talented technical player and can do anything he wants with the ball. Those players are very precious."

• Howe opens up on Anderson's sale to Nottingham

  Howe reflected on the difficult decision, explaining the context behind Anderson's sale. “We knew the minute it was going to happen, or likely to happen, that we were massively selling him at a big discount,” he said. “It was that or a points deduction. We had no choice but to make the sale.”

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  Anderson set to face emotional St. James' Park return

  Anderson has adapted brilliantly at Forest, often featuring in a deeper role but also showcasing his creativity further forward. The midfielder has also received a call-up to the England national team from Thomas Tuchel. The return to St. James' Park will no doubt be an emotional moment for the 22-year-old; however, three points and potentially, Ange Postecoglou's future could be on the line.

Whisper it quietly, but there are some promising signs at this early stage of the season for Tottenham Hotspur.

Whisper it quietly, because there have been false dawns before. But then, in Thomas Frank, Spurs have appointed a calculated and composed manager whose experience and success in the Premier League with Brentford speaks for itself.

Wins against Burnley and Manchester City have placed Tottenham in a good position for the league season ahead, and having kept clean sheets in both, a new degree of defensive solidity may have returned to the club.

But it hasn’t all been sunshine and rainbows. Tottenham lost James Maddison to an ACL injury during a pre-season clash against Newcastle United in July, and he is expected to be out for much of the campaign.

Moreover, efforts for a new number ten have thus far proved fruitless: Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze both came close to one-way trips down N17, but alas, external forces have wreaked their will against Spurs’ plans.

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Could that happen once more with RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons?

The latest on Xavi Simons to Spurs

Simons has been on Tottenham’s radar for a while, but much of the summer transfer window has pointed toward Chelsea being the team primed to sign the Netherlands international.

A talented playmaker, the 22-year-old has agitated to leave the Bundesliga club after last season’s struggles shut the door on any hopes of playing European football this season.

And while Chelsea remain interested, transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano revealed on X on Thursday that the 22-year-old has flown to London ahead of crunch talks with the respective outfits.

Recent rejections will be stamped fresh in the minds of the Lilywhite faithful, and given that Chelsea have been working on a move for many months, it would be worthwhile for chairman Daniel Levy to identify a fallback.

Luckily, he has, and this England international might even work out to be a better signing.

Spurs prepare offer for Simons alternative

According to Spanish newspaper AS – as translated by Sport Witness – Tottenham are preparing a late-window offer for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who has been pursued by the Londoners several times when Ange Postecoglou was at the helm.

However, several other Premier League clubs are interested too, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and West Ham United vying for the 26-year-old’s signature.

The Spaniards only welcomed Gallagher from Chelsea one year ago, but might be willing to talk business if their €40m (£35m) valuation is met.

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Palace have already made an official approach, but the pointers suggest Tottenham are getting ready to do the same, with a bid set to be lodged ‘in the coming hours’.

What Conor Gallagher would bring to Spurs

Gallagher was fashioned in the furnaces of Chelsea’s Cobham youth academy, bringing to the Premier League a robust, athletic and durable playing style.

Gallagher made 95 appearances for Chelsea before being sold, actually featuring 135 times in the Premier League all told due to successful loan stints at Selhurst Park and with West Bromwich Albion.

There may well be a vested interest in Simons, but the diminutive star hasn’t actually played Premier League football before, whereas Gallagher has, with his ex-Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo once hailing him being “like a machine”, adding so much energy and tenacity to the engine room.

He’s not quite so attack-minded as a player like Simons, but might his dynamism and multi-positional skill within the midfield game not prove worthwhile for Frank’s Tottenham?

After all, there have been suggestions that Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur might both leave the club before the market slams shut.

Simons is prolific, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists across 33 matches in all competitions last season. Moreover, he boasts an interesting defensive profile. His aggressive personality on the pitch, plus a high success rate in the duel, often beating his man and coming out on top during tussles.

However, Gallagher is truly the complete package, and has showcased as much across several years in his homeland and a recent foray into La Liga, where time spent under Diego Simeone’s wing will have fashioned an even steelier base to his combative side.

FBref reveal that Brentford ranked 15th in the Premier League for average possession held (47.9%) last season, with an emphasis on transitional play and applied pressure on opponents.

Gallagher, who was viewed by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca to have been at tactical odds with his ball-playing vision, may well thrive in an environment at Tottenham that is not reliant on having the ball every moment, for his athleticism, fitness levels and ability to cover ground could add an impactful dimension to the squad.

And it’s not like he can’t contribute from an offensive standpoint, with FBref’s data also revealing that Gallagher ranks among the top 12% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goal involvements per 90.

Given that Maddison will be desperate to return to form when he is given the green light after the New Year, it might be shrewder and more prudent for Tottenham to sign a profile like Gallagher’s, especially with Dejan Kulusevski also readying himself to return from a muscular injury sustained toward the backend of the 2024/25 campaign.

Simons, who can play centrally and out wide, would be a fantastic buy regardless, but Chelsea lurk in the background of that race, and when considering the myriad facets, Gallagher might better fit the bill.

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The new Dele: Spurs have "been offered" chance to sign £73m English talent

Tottenham Hotspur could secure a late move for a Premier League talent.

2

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 28, 2025

León confirmed Ignacio Ambriz as their new head coach after Eduardo Berizzo resigned Saturday morning in the wake of a 2-0 loss to Juárez. The Mexican manager begins his second spell with La Fiera, the club he guided to the Guardianes 2020 title. León, who are led by Colombian star James Rodriguez, are winless in four and sit 11th in the Apertura 2025 with 12 points.

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  A familiar face returns

  Ambriz returns to Liga MX after last managing Santos Laguna in the Apertura 2024, a campaign in which the Guerreros finished at the bottom of the standings with only 10 points. Despite having Rodriguez on their roster, Leon have scored just 10 goals and conceded 18. 

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  Previous success with Leon

  This marks a homecoming for Ambriz, who guided León to the 2020 Guardianes title during his first tenure between 2018 and 2021. Over three seasons with the Esmeraldas, he recorded 61 wins, 23 draws and 29 losses in 113 matches, with his teams scoring 204 goals while conceding 136.

  Ambriz’s second debut on the León sideline is set for Saturday, Oct. 4, when La Fiera will host league leaders Toluca on Matchday 12 of the Apertura 2025.

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  Fighting for Play-In qualification

  After 11 rounds of the current tournament, León occupy 11th place in the table with 12 points, the product of three wins, three draws and five defeats.

  The coaching change came swiftly after Berizzo’s departure, as the club immediately began searching for a replacement before settling on Ambriz. The Mexican coach now has less than a week to prepare his team for the crucial home clash against the high-flying Diablos Rojos.

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  James on his way out?

  Rodríguez’s contract with León expires this December, and so far, there are no signs that the Mexican club plans to offer the Colombian a renewal.

After missing Argentina’s first friendly of the October window, Lionel Messi has rejoined the national team and could feature against Puerto Rico on Tuesday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The captain skipped the Venezuela match to play for Inter Miami but is now back in full training with Lionel Scaloni’s squad.

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  Quick turnaround

  Messi returned to Argentina training on Sunday, just one day before the world champions face Puerto Rico in Miami. The 37-year-old missed the first friendly of the international break – a narrow 1–0 win over Venezuela – to play for Inter Miami, where he scored twice in MLS action.

  Now back under Scaloni’s command, Messi took part in full training as the team prepared for their final friendly of the window. Argentina’s coaching staff will evaluate whether he plays from the start or comes off the bench, given the quick turnaround between matches.

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  'It will be a special night'

  The Argentine Football Association confirmed his availability in a statement from its U.S. press office: 

  “Leo has rejoined the world champions and will be available for Tuesday’s match against Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium. It will be a special night for local fans, who will see La Albiceleste in the same venue where Messi stars week after week. This game is part of the team’s ongoing preparation and gives the coaching staff a chance to make adjustments. Messi’s return brings great excitement and promises a memorable atmosphere for this international friendly.”

  This match was originally supposed to be played in Chicago, but was moved due to an immigration crackdown in the city. 

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  Argentina attend Herons match

  Messi was joined by several of his Argentina teammates on Saturday night as they watched Inter Miami’s MLS clash, a game that helped Javier Mascherano’s side climb to third place in the Western Conference with 62 points – still trailing the Philadelphia Union, who sit top with 66. The 37-year-old forward has now scored 26 goals in 27 league appearances in the 2025 season.

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  Updates to the squad

  With 194 international appearances and 114 goals, Messi could extend his scoring record in what should be a festive atmosphere in Miami.

  Scaloni, meanwhile, continues to shape his lineup amid some absences. Franco Mastantuono and Enzo Fernández have both been released from the squad, while the coach confirmed that Lautaro Rivero and José Manuel López will start.

Crystal Palace are in the market for late signings and are now in surprise talks over a deal to bring a rival star to Selhurst Park, according to reports.

Crystal Palace set to welcome Christantus Uche

The Eagles have been involved in some high-stakes negotiations today and they could be set to welcome a number of arrivals before the close of play.

Eberechi Eze is gone and Crystal Palace may now have found his replacement in the form of Christantus Uche, who will arrive from Getafe after Wolverhampton Wanderers saw their move break down for the Nigeria international.

Bobby Manzi confirmed the latest on his situation this morning via X, stating: “Christantus Uche closing in on a move to Crystal Palace. Versatile forward capable of playing as a striker, left-sided attacker and advanced midfielder. Boosts forward ranks with Odsonne Edouard set to leave. Uche has started all three games for Getafe this season, picking up a goal and an assist.”

Putting that aside, Crystal Palace are set to complete a shock loan move for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Igor Julio in the form of a straight loan, in a surprise development given both sides are fierce rivals.

That may be a pivotal step in Marc Guehi’s situation, which is subject to change at any moment, but it appears that Oliver Glasner wants backline cover regardless of circumstance.

Time is running out and supporters are waiting on baited breath for announcements, which could help to shape the campaign Crystal Palace can have moving forward after their FA Community Shield victory.

Managers are always hungry for more options to fit their tactical mode of operation, and Glasner appears to have made a late play to bring a winger to Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace in talks over loan move for Manor Solomon

According to Mailsport, Crystal Palace are in discussions over a loan swoop for Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon that could include a buy option.

Speaking about the deal, reporter Matt Barlow stated: “Crystal Palace are among those interested in Manor Solomon. They had an approach flatly rejected over the weekend.

Crystal Palace make late approach to sign 19-cap defender alongside Canvot

The Eagles are ready to try and land his signature.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Aug 30, 2025

“Maybe Daniel Levy was not keen to deal with Palace after the embarrassment he suffered when the Eberechi Eze deal was hijacked by rivals Arsenal. And Thomas Frank does not want to lose firepower unless it can be replaced. But Palace have returned today and there are discussions about a possible loan with an option.”

Labelled “brilliant” by Adam Pope, the former Fulham man was a smash-hit on loan at Leeds United last term, registering ten goals and 13 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions as they claimed promotion.

Nevertheless, there may be a late opening for him to leave North London, and a move across the city could be on the cards if all parties can come to an agreement before this evening’s cut-off point.

Thibaut Courtois has come to the defence of his Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Junior, stating that "it's not always easy when an entire stadium is after" the Brazilian. The Belgian goalkeeper believes that the opponents keep trying to take the Brazilian out of the game, but he has been "improving" by taking a leaf out of the books of Diego Costa and Eden Hazard.

• Vinicius Jr.'s cameo helps Madrid beat Getafe

  Real Madrid faced their neighbours Getafe at the Estadio Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Sunday in what was their first game upon the resumption of club football after the international break. Xabi Alonso's men ground out a nervy 1-0 win against Jose Bordalas' troops, with Kylian Mbappe scoring the game's only goal in the 80th minute after an assist from Arda Guler.

  Vini Jr. was not named in the starting lineup by Alonso, who opted to play Rodrygo in the left wing role as part of his rotational scheme, along with an eye on the crucial midweek Champions League game against Juventus and the weekend El Clasico clash against Barcelona. The Brazilian was introduced in the 55th minute in place of Franco Mastantuono.  

  After coming off the bench, Vini failed to get himself involved in the game enough to create damage in the final third. The turning point, however, came courtesy of the 25-year-old. In the 76th minute, with the score still 0-0, Bordalas decided to sub out Kiko Femenia, already on a yellow, for Allan Nyom. Just a minute later, Nyom was shown a straight red by referee Jose Munuera Montero after the former Cameroon international flung out his arm, catching Vini's face while the forward was making an offensive run. Three minutes later, Mbappe fired home his 10th league goal of the season, before Alex Sancris, who had already been cautioned earlier in the game, was shown a second yellow card in the 84th minute following a rash challenge on Vini.  

  The decisions in officiating evoked outrage from both Bordalas and several Getafe players. Winger Adrian Liso said, "He doesn't even want to talk to us," referring to the referee. "Not even the VAR saw it. He didn't want to. I don't even want to look at it, such an early red card. None of them are red cards, none. If they give me a yellow card, it already ruins the game for me; they have to substitute me. Then Nyom gives him a tackle that could have easily been a yellow card. Every decision went his way, so very bad." 

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  Vinicius has always been unfairly targeted by opponents

  Ever since Vini Jr. stepped foot in Spain following his move from Flamengo in the summer of 2018, he has been subjected to inappropriate treatment from both the opposition fans and players. In a game against Atletico Madrid's reserve team, Vini, who was playing for Real Madrid Castilla, was bitten on the head by an opponent. 

  Over the years, he has not been protected enough by the referees, who have allowed opposition players to foul the winger at will and without facing any consequences. What's more, he has faced racial abuse on numerous occasions. 

  In December 2022, five Real Valladolid fans hurled racial slurs at Vini. In January 2023, ahead of a Copa del Rey quarter-final clash between Madrid and rivals Atletico, Vini was subjected to more hate. Frente Atletico, a radical group of Atletico Madrid supporters, hung an effigy – dressed in a Real Madrid shirt with Vini's name and the No.20 on the back – from a bridge near Madrid's Valdebebas training facility along with a banner that read, "Madrid hates Real."  

  On Sunday, Getafe supporters sang "Balon de playa, Vinicius balon de playa" (Beach ball, Vinicius beach ball – a chant to mock him for finishing second in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings) for long spells in the second half. These are just some of the many instances which highlight that Vini has been unfairly asked to improve his own behaviour despite substantial evidence suggesting that he's often the victim, and not the perpetrator. 

• Courtois comes to Vinicius' defence

  Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Courtois said, “Many of you have made fun of him. He arrived as a child… the other day, without provocation, but they're trying to unhinge him. His entry was very good. His response was also good. He has to keep doing what he does.

  “It's not always easy when an entire stadium is after you, when players are hitting you… He's been improving. They're trying to take you out of the game. I think he's learned to live with it and even unnerve opponents. I think that's fine. It's what Diego Costa did when I was at Atleti, or Hazard did at Chelsea.” 

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  Vinicius in line for a start against Juventus in the Champions League

  After playing for just over half an hour at the weekend, Vinicius will be expected to return to the starting lineup on Wednesday when Los Blancos welcome an underperforming Juventus side at the Santiago Bernabeu in matchday three of the Champions League. Buoyed by the support of the Madrid faithful, the former Flamengo prodigy will be aiming to add to his tally of five goals and four assists to help Madrid maintain the momentum ahead of the monumental clash against arch-rivals Barcelona this weekend.    

Sir Alex Ferguson was rarely afraid to spend big to improve his historic Manchester United sides, from welcoming Rio Ferdinand to splashing the cash on Robin Van Persie. But there was one player that he decided against spending big on, going on to dub his transfer “ridiculous”.

Whilst the modern Man United have often got things wrong in the transfer market, there was a time when they got almost every incoming spot on. The same club that recently spent big on Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and others previously secured transfer coups such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Dimitar Berbatov. It was the well-oiled machine that those at Old Trafford can only dream of in 2025.

Out of his five most-expensive arrivals, only Anderson failed to impress under Ferguson. The legendary manager got the best out of Ferdinand, Veron, Berbatov and Rooney, who are all now Old Trafford legends.

Those deals also highlighting just how much the market has changed. The five most expensive signings in that era total just over £150m, which is less than Man United spent this summer to welcome Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens.

Whether those four arrivals signal a change in fortune for Old Trafford arrivals is the big question. If they get any near the legacies of Berbatov, Rooney, Veron and Ferdinand then Ruben Amorim’s side may finally find themselves back in European contention and more.

Of course, though, that’s not to say that Ferguson always got things right. Looking back, he may have at least one transfer regret after he dubbed one deal “ridiculous”.

Ferguson slammed "ridiculous" £6m agent fee

As the tide was changing around 2012, the Red Devils had the chance to sign what proved to be a game-changing signing for Chelsea in none other than Eden Hazard, only for Ferguson to slam the transfer as “ridiculous”. Hazard’s agent, John Bico, demanded a larger than usual payment of £6m, seperate from Hazard’s roughly £30m club-to-club fee, to which Fergie refused. The Red Devils signed Shinji Kagawa instead.

Of course, as we now know, Hazard went on to become a Premier League legend and one of the most exciting players that Stamford Bridge has ever seen.

Moreover, if there were any concerns that the Belgian was not worth the £6m agent fee, then the fact that Chelsea sold him to Real Madrid for as much as £89m should put those to bed, albeit that fee is one of the transactions the Blues may yet face punishment for after a recent FA charge.

It's not Mbeumo: Man Utd sensation is now their best signing since Bruno

Manchester United conducted excellent business by landing the signature of one talent.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 13, 2025

Indeed, Chelsea have been hit with 74 charges related to agent payments, and whether the legality of the siutation was the reason United did not match Chelsea in the race to sign Hazard will now be a prominent question.