Trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr patiently awaited the right Heavy track for La Fracas, and Warrnambool provides it now.
This mudlark is eager to extend his flawless record on the wettest surfaces in Wednesday’s $200,000 Listed Wangoom Handicap (1200m).
The imported speedster’s third and freshest Heavy run was Sandown on July 2 last year, prevailing by 2-3/4 lengths.
Price and Kent commenced the sprinter’s season in Sydney hunting wet conditions, managing only Soft 6 in the Group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m) where he was seventh.
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“I try to have him fit and well for the right races on wet surfaces,” Price said.
“We even had him in Sydney trying to catch the wet tracks but they didn’t come, strangely enough.
“But I’m happy with him, his action is great and I think he’ll run very well.”
For the Wangoom, the track’s Heavy level at Warrnambool’s 3.20pm AEST post time remains the variable.
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Heading into Tuesday’s Day 1, it was Heavy 8, little rain slated then, but 15mm potentially on Wednesday.
Thrilled as Price is for Night Of Thunder gelding’s Heavy return, he knows the Wangoom is the 18th carnival race.
“The difficulty with Warrnambool I’ve found over the years with my horses, albeit we’ve trained some winners there, is that you can have a wet tracker that doesn’t handle that choppy surface,” he said.
“But he’s going very well and I think he’ll be beautifully suited because it’s a tough 1200 there and he’s a tough 1200-metre horse.”
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La Fracas meets 54.5kg in the Wangoom Handicap, Beau Mertens steering from draw three.
By Tuesday, he was $4.20 second elect behind sharp local three-year-old Oliveanotherday ($2.20).
Fixture: Taylor Townsend vs Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva
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Date:Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Tournament: Italian Open 2026
Round: Qualification Round 2
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Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Outdoor clay
Venue: Foro Italico, Rome
Prize Money: $8,312,293 (approx.)
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Live Telecast: USA – Tennis Channel | UK – Sky Sports | Canada – TSN
Taylor Townsend vs Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva preview
Townsend at the BNP Paribas Open 2026 – Day 2 – Source: Getty
Taylor Townsend comes into Rome after a very strong clay swing, mainly in doubles but also with a solid singles rhythm. In the Madrid Open 2026, she lifted the doubles title alongside Katerina Siniakova, beating Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider 7–6(7–2), 6–2 in the final. That run kept her match sharp on clay. In singles, she has been playing a mix of qualifiers and early-round matches across events.
Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva has spent most of her 2026 clay season at the ITF level, building consistency. She has picked up wins in smaller events and stayed active on the surface, which suits her baseline game.
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Over the past year on clay, she reached finals like the W75 Lisboa event, where she beat Guiomar Maristany 6–4, 6–2 to win the title, and also pushed players deep in matches in events like Otočec, where she lost a tight three-set final 6–1, 4–6, 5–7.
Taylor Townsend vs Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva head-to-head
Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva at the Mutua Madrid Open – Day Two – Source: Getty
Townsend and Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva have never faced each other on tour before, so this will be their first career meeting.
Taylor Townsend vs Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva odds
Players
Moneyline
Handicap Bets
Total Games
Taylor Townsend
-275
-3.5 (-155)
Over 20.5 (-130)
Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva
+200
+3.5 (+105)
Under 20.5 (-110)
These odds are sourced via BetMGM.
Taylor Townsend vs Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva prediction
Townsend is coming into this match without much momentum in singles on clay. At the Madrid Open 2026, she lost in the first round to Katie Boulter 6–4, 6–2, where she struggled to control rallies and was broken multiple times. Earlier in the season at the Miami Open, she also went out in three sets to Jasmine Paolini, 6–3, 1–6, 6–2.
Her main success this year has come in doubles, including a title run in Madrid, but in singles, she has not put together back-to-back wins on clay.
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Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva has had a more active run on clay and is getting more matches in. In Madrid, she lost to Petra Marcinko 6–0, 7–5. Earlier in the season, she also beat Katie Boulter in a three-set match 2–6, 7–5, 6–2 during qualifying, which is a useful comparison given Boulter beat Townsend comfortably in Madrid. On top of that, she had a deep run in Merida, where she beat Magda Linette 5–7, 7–6, 7–5 in a long match.
Taylor Townsend has the bigger serve and more experience, but her recent singles results on clay have not been convincing. Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva is getting more matches, looks more comfortable in long rallies, and has already come through tight three-set matches this season.
Prediction: Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva to win in three sets.
Taylor Townsend vs Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva tips
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 4: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks smiles during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round Two Game One on May 4, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
The NBA Conference Semifinals tipped off Monday night with two Game 1 matchups between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers and in the West, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the San Antonio Spurs.
The New York Knicks opened their series with a commanding 137-98 win over the Philadelphia 76ers to take a 1-0 lead. New York controlled the game from start to finish, with Jalen Brunson leading the way with 35 points. Philadelphia struggled to keep up, with Paul George finishing with 17 points.
The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 104-102 win over the San Antonio Spurs in a close Game 1. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 18 points, while Stephon Castle had 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists for San Antonio.
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Both series are now underway. The Knicks and Timberwolves are now holding early 1-0 leads.
The European import Portland is yet to break his maiden in Australia, but handler Matthew Smith is certain a victory is approaching.
At his two most recent appearances, the horse has laid down markers, with a strong-finishing third to Wootton Verni in the Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m) and a creditable effort trailing Asterix by little more than two lengths in the JRA Plate (2000m).
“I was looking at the sectionals, and he ran 33.89 (seconds) for his last 600 metres, and the winner of the sprint on that day ran 34.14. So he went quicker than the 1200 metre race for his last 600,” Smith said.
“He is going very well, he just needs to draw a gate. When he draws a gate, he’ll be winning.”
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During his maiden Australian campaign, Portland is programmed for the Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2100m) on Saturday.
Smith foresees no issues with the sharp turns at the venue, booking Kerrin McEvoy to partner the import.
“He is banging on the door to win one of these,” Smith said.
“I do think he’ll go further, but I also think he can win a decent race over 2000, so the Gosford Cup will be perfect for him.
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“He’s not a big horse so he’ll get around there like a greyhound.”
Portland joins 26 other horses in the nominations for the $300,000 Gosford Cup, including Asterix and elite Group 1 winners Bois D’argent, Land Legend, Maison Louis and You Wahng.
The trainer has the potential for up to six participants at the meeting, as four-time victor Lyles eyes a 1000m assignment post his Canterbury trial last Friday.
“He is going super. He will be ready first-up,” Smith said.
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Separately, high-class sprinter Headwall has resumed training after a rear leg injury halted his autumn, with reports indicating strong movement and work, targeting a June trial.
“Where he’ll resume, I don’t know at this stage, but it will be early July,” Smith said.
With two Group 1 placings to his name, Headwall was last seen winning the Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick during September.
Discover the best online bookmakers offering markets for the upcoming Gosford Gold Cup.
Eight days ago, brothers Matt Fitzpatrick and Alex Fitzpatrick won the Zurich Classic in New Orleans, although the big winner was Alex, the younger brother to the 2022 U.S. Open champion.
With the Zurich being a team event, both players on the winning squad received the valuable two-year membership on the PGA Tour, not to mention spots in Signature Events. So while the Zurich win was a minor step for Matt, now the No. 4 player in the world, it was a significant moment for Alex, who was 141st entering the week.
Alex Fitzpatrick was in the midst of a good season on the DP World Tour — having tied for sixth at the Joburg Open and winning the Hero Indian Open in March — but last week we got to see him for the first time as a PGA Tour member, and at a Signature Event alongside the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Cameron Young and Collin Morikawa. And how did he fare in just his 12th career PGA Tour start?
He tied for ninth and won half a million dollars.
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“There’s still loads of expectations that I put on myself,” Alex said Friday at the Cadillac Championship, when he was asked if he plays freer now that he secured his Tour card. “It was unbelievable to win, but then you come out here and you’re expected to compete and you expect to play well and there’s always that you want to try and perform every week. For me everything’s a bonus at this stage, which does help, but I’m still a golfer at the end of the day and I’m sure I’ll hit bad shots and I’ll still get annoyed.”
Alex, who at 27 is four years younger than his brother — who took last week off — fired rounds of 72-66-74-67 at Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster course. He finished at nine under, which was 10 behind runaway winner Young but only four back of Scheffler, who was solo second. He also led the field in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee (+4.15) and driving accuracy, finishing 63rd in putting.
“I’m doing the right things with my golf game,” he said Friday. “I’m working towards the right things. It’s exciting. I feel like my game has been good for a while now. I think for a few months it didn’t really translate on the golf course how I would have liked, but it’s really taken a turn the past two months. I feel in control of my ball, which is nice.”
Last Sunday, after winning the Zurich, Alex Fitzpatrick said he had a flight to catch to Turkey for the DP World Tour’s Turkish Airlines Open. He didn’t catch it because he no longer needed to. Mikael Lindberg won that tournament Sunday, earning $466,437. Fitzpatrick took home $500,000 for his T9. And that’s after winning $1.372 million in New Orleans.
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He’s also finally catching up from all the text messages and congratulatory notes received from his victory. Some of those still arrived during the Cadillac Championship, where he was busy proving he fits in just fine.
“The overwhelming feeling of like joy and happiness is yet to go away, so I think for me this year it’s going to be a whirlwind and no matter what happens it will be a success,” he said. “I can’t believe how many people have come up to me and congratulated me and players and caddies and staff, it’s been incredible. So yeah they really made me feel welcome, and that was really nice.”
Even the best players in the world don’t make every short putt, but they do make a much higher percentage than the recreational golfer.
While much of their success can be attributed to solid technique, top golfers also spend a significant amount of time practicing these putts. When was the last time you truly focused on your setup, aim and stroke while hitting short putts? Even 15 minutes of focused practice here and there can make a real difference in your success rate.
It can be a challenge to stay as still as needed when putting — especially on short putts. Looking up too early or making unnecessary body movements can affect both the putter face and stroke path.
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Your head and lower body should remain still throughout the stroke. Ideally, you complete your stroke, hold your finish, and only then turn your head to look at the result. In many cases, the ball will already be in the hole before you look up.
This is something you can practice with putting training aids. Learning to trust your aim and stroke, with proper feedback, can help you avoid the instinct to look too early.
2. Assuming the putt is straight
Many missed short putts come from simply assuming the putt is straight. In reality, most putts (even short ones) have some degree of break.
Take the time to read the green carefully. Even a subtle adjustment in aim, accounting for a slight curve, can be the difference between a miss and a make.
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3. Poor ball position
Incorrect ball position, either too far forward or too far back, can lead to stroke path issues.
A ball positioned too far forward often opens the shoulders, creating an out-to-in path that can cause pulls or cuts. This not only affects direction but also makes distance control more difficult on longer putts. A ball too far back tends to promote an in-to-out path, leading to pushed putts.
Make sure when you practice putting that you are taking time to work on your fundamentals. They can be the difference between a make and a miss.
4. Setting your body before the putter face
Your setup routine is critical in all areas of the game, but especially in putting, where face alignment is crucial.
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The best golfers typically aim the putter face first, then set their body in relation to it. Golfers who set their body first often struggle to aim the face accurately.
5. Extreme grip pressure changes
Consistent grip pressure helps maintain a smooth, repeatable stroke. A putting stroke should feel balanced in both length and rhythm. Sudden changes in grip pressure can make the putter face unstable or create unwanted acceleration, leading to poor direction and distance control.
You can choose the grip pressure that feels best for you. Some golfers prefer a lighter grip, while others are more firm. Either approach can work, but consistency is key.
While Diego Simeone is trying to ratchet up a lot of noise around Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has been quietly repeating the same message over the past few days. He has reminded his players they have a home game to get to a Champions League final. The biggest fixture of their club careers, from the most familiar environment.
“It’s amazing to play this game at home,” Viktor Gyokeres said of the second leg. “We know what’s at stake, and of course, we have an amazing opportunity.” A staff member went even further, stating, “You wouldn’t have it any other way.”
You might have a different opponent, though. If the setting sounds so enticingly simple, Simeone has been doing his best to complicate it.
The belief from insiders at both clubs is that the Atletico manager wants “Arsenal to lose their heads” – to make the game a battle. The great challenge for Arteta and his squad, then, is to stay composed.
It wasn’t for nothing that Simeone said “we noticed their fatigue” after the first leg, adding that “it gets accumulated from so many games, so much pressure, so much responsibility that’s on them to win the Premier League… and the pressure on them to win the Champions League”.
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“It all adds up,” he remarked. Simeone was of course trying to add on even more, to plant more seeds of doubt. He is also trying to play on that perceived tiredness, and make Arsenal tetchy so they lose their way – and potentially lose the tie.
While Simeone would attempt similar with almost any big game, there was already a significant edge to this one from Arsenal’s 4-0 win in October. Some heated moments were made worse by Atletico complaints about cold showers.
So, to an even greater degree than against Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona, the Madrid side wanted to make the Metropolitano intimidating for the first leg. Some at Arsenal felt it went way beyond the atmosphere, to the point the bad feeling arguably shapes this second leg as much as the 1-1 scoreline.
After many Barcelona and Spurs players slipped at the Metropolitano, Arteta’s staff wanted to be vigilant about the pitch. Arsenal sources felt the grass was a few millimetres over the Uefa regulations of 30.
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The Emirates pitch is likely to be a mere 20mm for Tuesday night. There wasn’t just suspicion about the height of the grass at Atletico, though, but also the slickness.
Arsenal players and staff – and even some media – thought that the Atletico sprinklers didn’t seem to be distributing the same amount of water to either half, even though Uefa regulations also dictate that’s exactly what they must do.
Arsenal felt the grass was too long in Madrid last week, and was left dry in patches on purpose (AP)
One figure in the Arsenal camp was even laughing about how there was very little power for one side of the pitch and the sprinklers didn’t rotate. A “token effort” was the description.
If a focus on such details seem absurd before a game of such scale, these are the margins that those involved immerse themselves in.
The details also just served to spike the mood, so that it was inevitable there would be some kind of confrontation like that surrounding Ben White walking on the Atletico crest. The Independent has been told the moment even saw Arteta’s assistant Gabriel Heinze go face to face with his compatriot, Simeone.
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Some at Arsenal were initially perplexed about the controversy. They’d seen people walk on the crest moments beforehand, but there’s since been a feeling that the Atletico side were waiting for exactly to happen so as to rev themselves up. Simeone’s team had been flat in the first half. They came out for the second half roaring. It is a typical Atletico tactic.
Arsenal are now conscious not to fall into such a trap for the second leg.
Arsenal accused Simeone of provoking the referee during the on-pitch review of the Eze penalty incident (AP)
While Arteta’s subsequent focus on the decision was fired by genuine anger, there is understood to have been a calculation, too. Arsenal want to undercut Simeone’s attempts to create any of the sense of grievance he usually tries. They might also frustrate the Argentine’s intent to add to “pressure”.
The mood among Arteta’s squad has been much more relaxed since the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, which many described as a “weight” that hung over the club for months. The manager has also given them more days off, with the admittedly arduous 1-0 win over Newcastle United freeing them so they finally felt released against Fulham at the weekend. That 3-0 victory was their most expansive and assured performance this year, probably since the second half of the 4-1 over Aston Villa.
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It helped that Arsenal did feel they largely controlled the first leg, outside that 20-minute spell from which Atletico did secure a crucial equaliser. Simeone’s camp would respond they had the better chances, and they felt just as confident coming out of the game.
Other details have changed. The return of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Riccardo Calafiori makes Arsenal a different team, while Martin Odegaard is fit again. Arteta will be able to attack with more incisiveness.
A deeply determined Simeone naturally has a plan for that, too, however. These are the sort of games he loves.
Bukayo Saka’s return inspired Arsenal to their best performance in months in the 3-0 win over Fulham (PA Wire)
With the emphasis on Arsenal to take the initiative, Simeone can be perfectly prepared to just sit and wait for that one error. It’s where that pressure can again ratchet up in a different way.
These second legs can take on a life of their own, after all, which is pretty much why the Champions League semi-finals have served up the highest level of club football over the past decade.
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It’s like being so close to the final without actually being the final drives everyone to higher levels, because there isn’t the same gripping tension as when the trophy itself is on the line.
Both teams go in refreshed. Even before Arsenal beat Fulham, Atletico were able to rest their best XI for the 2-0 win away to Valencia at the weekend.
There is certain to be some key tactical moves, too, of the type that really elevate these games. Simeone can keep Arsenal guessing about his formation after the success of the second-half switch to five at the back. Arteta can now completely change the emphasis of his midfield by bringing in a resurgent Myles Lewis-Skelly, to go with how Havertz gives a different dimension to the attack than Gyokeres.
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Both sides also know that Arsenal have a much stronger bench, that can make a difference late on.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta challenged his team to play like ‘beasts’ (PA)
All around, though, you can just sense why the Champions League is what it is – especially for the two biggest clubs that haven’t yet won it.
“I want it so much,” said Antoine Griezmann, who is hoping the actual final will be his last in the competition, rather than this. “I have so much excitement, to live it, to play it, and hopefully we can succeed.”
Arteta’s words were similar.
“I can’t wait, I feel the energy in and amongst the team,” the Arsenal manager said. “They have been waiting a long time to have this kind of night. Something amazing can happen.”
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That anticipation is really all the emotion you need. And yet this one has even more.
The challenge might actually be not giving into it, to take that final step.
NEW DELHI: Mumbai Indians received a timely boost on the field with a crucial win in IPL 2026, but concerns around captain Hardik Pandya continue to linger after he missed the clash against Lucknow Super Giants due to a back spasm. MI opener Ryan Rickelton offered the latest update, admitting uncertainty over the severity of the issue while remaining hopeful of a quick return.Speaking after the match at the Wankhede Stadium, Rickelton revealed he had only recently become aware of Pandya’s condition. “I don’t know when he’s expected to be back. I found out this afternoon that he had back spasms, so I’m unaware of the extent of it. I don’t want to call it an injury; I’m unaware of the extent of how bad it is or what he’s feeling. But I’m sure he’ll be with the group again as we head to Raipur this week,” he said.In Pandya’s absence, Suryakumar Yadav stepped in as stand-in captain, confirming the situation at the toss. “Hardik’s not well tonight, so I’m going to step into his shoes,” he said.The franchise had earlier issued a brief statement: “Hardik Pandya is unwell with back spasm, hence Suryakumar Yadav is captain for today’s game.” The development added to a challenging season for Pandya, who has struggled both as captain and all-rounder.Despite the off-field concern, MI delivered a commanding performance. Chasing a daunting 229, Rickelton led from the front with a blistering 83 off 32 balls, while Rohit Sharma’s 84 powered the side to victory in just 18.4 overs. The dominant chase kept MI’s slim playoff hopes alive.Earlier, Lucknow Super Giants posted 228/5, courtesy of explosive knocks from Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh. However, MI’s batting firepower proved too strong on the night.While the result offered relief, the focus now shifts back to Pandya’s fitness. With the team set to travel to Raipur, Rickelton’s update suggests cautious optimism — but no clear timeline yet.
Manchester United are set to revamp their squad in the summer transfer window
Manchester United are set for a summer of change as the end of the season approaches. The team’s win over Liverpool ensured Champions League qualification and attention will soon turn to revamping their squad.
While Michael Carrick waits to see if he will remain United manager next season, there are several players who could leave in the summer. With just three matches remaining, it is possible some have already played their final game for the club.
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The transfer window will provide an opportunity for those already on the fringes to seek moves elsewhere as the United hierarchy focuses on bringing in new signings. Here is a look at nine players who could be set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the campaign.
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Marcus Rashford
The forward has been the subject of transfer speculation since joining Barcelona on loan last season. The Catalan club have the option to make his move permanent for around £26million and Rashford has been clear about his desire to stay at the Camp Nou.
If Barcelona decide against making his move permanent, there will be plenty of other suitors for the England international, who has scored 13 goals and provided 14 assists during his loan spell. While it is still possible he could remain at United, it feels inevitable that Rashford is set to finally part ways with his boyhood club.
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Manuel Ugarte
The midfielder has not had the desired impact since joining from PSG in 2024. The 25-year-old should be primed to take Casemiro’s spot next season but has struggled to show his best form during his time in English football.
Ugarte has already been linked with a move to AC Milan and would only fall further down the pecking order if he stays at Old Trafford. He has started eight league games this term and could benefit from a fresh start elsewhere to rejuvenate his career.
Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee has failed to establish himself as a first team regular in his two years at United. The Netherlands international has scored nine goals in 72 appearances and has seen several forwards leapfrog him in the pecking order.
The 25-year-old previously attracted interest during the January transfer window and has continued to struggle for minutes during Carrick’s reign. A return to Italy could help the former Bologna star regain form.
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Altay Bayindir
The former Fenerbahce goalkeeper would have had ambitions of becoming United’s first-choice. However, Senne Lammens’ subsequent success has delivered a major blow to those aims this season.
The 28-year-old has not featured since Lammens was snapped up from Royal Antwerp. While next season could offer more opportunities for Bayindir, the experienced shot-stopper may wish to prove himself as the number one for another club.
Rasmus Hojlund
The young striker is set to leave United on a permanent basis in the summer. Hojlund joined Napoli on loan, who have an obligation to sign him for £38m if the club secure a Champions League place.
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Antonio Conte’s side are second in Serie A and eight points ahead of fifth-placed Como, meaning qualification is virtually guaranteed with three games to go. The Denmark international, who completed a big-money move to United in 2023, has scored 14 goals this term.
Jadon Sancho
The winger was a marquee signing when joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2021. Sancho has played just 81 games for United and is currently on loan at Aston Villa, his third spell away from the club.
He is set to become a free agent in the summer and has been linked with a return to Dortmund. The 26-year-old flourished for the German side early in his career and briefly returned on loan in 2024.
Andre Onana
The former United number one is unlikely to regain his place next season. Lammens has thrived after being brought in as Onana’s replacement last year.
The Cameroon international has since impressed on loan at Trabzonspor as he looks to get his career back on track. The former Ajax and Inter Milan should not be short of offers, given his vast experience.
Tyrell Malacia
The full-back is set to leave United at the end of his contract this summer. The 26-year-old, who has been at the club since 2022, has featured just twice this term.
Tom Heaton
The veteran goalkeeper is another whose deal is up at the end of the season. The 40-year-old has been third choice since rejoining United in 2021, last featuring in February 2023.
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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Pro wrestling stars Steve Maclin and Deonna Purrazzo are set to bring the pain for a live viewing audience in New Jersey next month – for a good cause.
Maclin, who performs for TNA Wrestling (TNA), and Purrazzo, Ring of Honor (ROH)’s current women’s pure champion, will host the Battle for the Brave: Wrestling Showcase for Heroes, which will benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
The bell will ring at 7 p.m. ET at the Rahway Rec Center in Rahway on June 6. Purrazzo said she and Maclin got the idea to put on a wrestling benefit show after working with Josh Lentin of the Heroes Cup Hockey Tournament. Being wrestlers for over a decade, Purrazzo told Fox News Digital she wasn’t sure if promoting an event would really be their cup of tea but took the challenge head on especially for a great cause.
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Purrazzo said she wasn’t exactly sure how the pro wrestling world would respond to the event, but added the support has been tremendous.
Pro wrestling stars Steve Maclin and Deonna Purrazzo will throw an event to benefit the Tunnels 2 Towers foundation.(Provided to Fox News Digital)
“It’s a great cause just because that entire New York/New Jersey area, the Tri-State area, has really been affected by 9/11. It affected both of our lives,” Maclin told Fox News Digital. “I enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2005. It just affected everyone. So, especially a lot of the talent that’s on the card as well, everybody has some type of story or link toward 9/11.
“And with Tunnel to Towers, a lot of people in that area love the cause and love what Tunnel to Towers does for the community by giving back to first responders’ families, paying off mortgages, smart homes for veterans who have been wounded and now paying off college tuitions for first responders’ and veterans’ families who have lost some loved ones.”
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Maclin shed light on his service as a U.S. Marine. He served in the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines Weapons Company as a machine gunner. From 2007-2011, he did tours in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
“Like I said before, 9/11 was a big part of my life as a kid growing up,” he explained. “I grew up just outside of New York City. So, when 9/11 happened, I was in home room. It just pulled me in that direction. It changed a lot of people’s lives. And for me, for the better, because it instilled what I always knew I needed to do and that was to go serve and fight for my country no matter what.
“I chose the Marines because the Marines are the best. And that’s just how I’ve always been. I just try to work hard and put one foot forward and keep moving forward and it’s been a roller coaster ever since. Now, here we are, almost 25 years later, and we’re running a wrestling show in honor of 9/11 and our first responders”
The Battle for the Brave will coincide with America’s 250th birthday and America 250 celebrations across the U.S. The UFC is hosting an event at the White House in June, while IndyCar is set to race on the streets of Washington, D.C., in August.
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Purrazzo and Maclin shared what being an American meant to them as pride in the U.S. starts to come into full focus.
“Growing up in New Jersey as well, 9/11 was such a big deal. For me, I was in second grade. I didn’t understand what was going on but in the days after, I felt a sense of unity in that everyone came together, everyone was proud to be an American, and we were going to fight back and stand together and be one, united country. And I think that, that feeling has always stuck with me but being a veteran’s wife, it’s taken on a completely different role.
“Steve opening up about his service and things he’s seen and experienced with me has given me a new passion to let veterans know that, yes, war will always come home with you but it doesn’t have to define you. Steve was so lucky that he was able to find wrestling right after he got out of the Marine Corps and it saved him, in a way, from falling down the unknown path of ‘What am I? Who am I next?’
Pro wrestling stars Steve Maclin and Deonna Purrazzo stare at each other.(Provided to Fox News Digital)
“And I think that’s something that our veterans deal with unbeknownst to the rest of the public. It’s not talked about enough. They say 22 veterans but right now the math is leading toward 44 veterans a day lose their lives to that battle – an identity crisis of who am I after service. So, that’s what it means to be American for me now, is showing that support for our veterans, showing that our country is here for them and we’re here to support them and we’re here to give them the resources that they need to live healthy and successful lives after service.”
Maclin recalled working at some of the Tunnel to Towers events earlier this year, which underscored what he had fought for in Afghanistan.
“No matter who it was, male, female, Black, White, it didn’t matter the race, gender, nothing. It was everybody praising our country, waving the American flag – that red, white and blue,” he said. “I know there’s an animosity toward certain views nowadays, and for me, that’s what I fight for, that’s what I still fight for.
“And once we do have children in this world, however, we can pass knowledge onto others, I always, no matter what, want to keep that pride in our country and fight for what we’re actually fighting for and that’s for our brothers and our neighbors.”
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Americans’ pride in their country is declining, a Gallup poll revealed last June, while a Fox News poll showed that about six in 10 are proud of the U.S. today.
Pro wrestling stars Steve Maclin and Deonna Purrazzo were champions at TNA.(Provided to Fox News Digital)
Fox News Digital asked Purrazzo and Maclin how can Americans get that pride back.
“I think like Steve said, the connotation of having American pride is so negative in our country right now. And I think that having patriots who stand up and say, no I believe in our country, I believe in the ideals of it, I believe in the foundation of what we were built on – fighting for our freedom, fighting for what we believe in, fighting for our neighbors, fighting to support one another. I think just being able to be comfortable and vocal in that is the first step.
“We shouldn’t be ashamed to be American. We shouldn’t be ashamed to support our military, to support the ideals of this country and what it was founded on.”
Maclin told Fox News Digital exclusively that he will be a part of the Battle for the Brave Cup Gauntlet Match. He said he will be the first competitor in the match, which will also feature Richard Holliday, Megan Bayne, BDE and others.
“Everybody’s been asking me, ‘Why would you not want to wrestle on your own show, especially for such a great cause?’ So, as of now, officially, I am entering as the No. 1 entrant in the Battle for the Brave Memorial Cup,” he said. “I’ll be taking on 12 other competitors. It’s an over-the-top battle royal and the final two competitors turns into a match.
“I’m going to take the tough road and the hard road of going No. 1 and trying to make my way all the way through to be the (last) one.”
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Purrazzo said she, as of now, isn’t in a match. But didn’t rule out getting involved in commentary in some way.
Legendary pro wrestling tag team Jeff and Matt Hardy, known as the Hardy Boyz, will also be a part of the event.
“My brother and I are both very excited to be headlining Steve Maclin and Deonna Purrazzo’s very special Tunnel to Towers event. Tunnel to Towers is a very special organization that helps take care of people who have been injured on the job protecting us – people like the military, first responders and police,” the Hardys said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “We are very grateful for all of these people’s services and efforts in keeping us all safe and healthy. We look forward to raising as much money as we possibly can.”
Floor seats for the event are completely sold out. There are still general admission tickets and meet-and-greet tickets with the Hardy’s still available.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
As Manchester City’s Under-18 players wheeled away celebrating a second successive title, manager Oli Reiss stood smiling. He wanted the youngsters to enjoy the moment. It didn’t stop his players spraying him with water but the affable Reiss had no complaints. This was their time.
The German coach is proud of what his squad has achieved but perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the class of 2026 is the camaraderie. The youngsters are friends first and footballers second.
That formula is not easy to cultivate but City have managed it. Their talent and ability is clear to see but the togetherness and spirit is what many inside the Etihad believe has yielded their success at this level. For the second successive season they have won the league title and so reached the national final. They are in the Youth Cup final for a third straight year. It is a consistent success story.
But the players and staff know there is much more to it than putting in performances on a weekend. The environment at the CFA gives them the best chance to succeed, they have their own analysts, their own chef, a bespoke training and education schedule. It’s an elite environment but no amount of money or facilities can forge a strong group. That comes down to the players themselves. And this bunch of City youngsters are a tight-knit group.
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“It helps a lot,” forward Kylan Midwood, who scored a hat-trick in the weekend win over Derby, told the Manchester Evening News. “It builds trust and if you can do that off the pitch then it naturally comes on the pitch. We are always there for each other and as a team you need togetherness. A football team is not full of individuals and I think that is important.”
In this day and age, young footballers can be bombarded with information, offers, incentives and off-the-pitch temptations. They have to navigate far more than their progress as a footballer. City strive to ensure they grow and mature as people, while also accepting that social media and image play much more of a role in the modern world.
For boss Reiss, it is important that he and his staff strike a balance between instilling the standards required to make it in the game, and understanding the pressures that come to any teenager.
“I think the development in academies at the moment, with social media, agents, everything around the players, they are starting earlier thinking more about themselves and their career. This is just part of development,” he said, speaking to the MEN moments after winning the league title.
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“And that is why it is something special, I think that I can see a team where I have the feeling that we are not just a group of high-potential players where everyone is thinking about themselves. We are not just a team, we are mates and friends who celebrate together.
“We had to find the balance, you can take everything seriously but we had some sessions where it was a bit more fun or silly sometimes and that should be normal. That is exactly what you need as a group to come together as friends.
“We did well as a staff to find the balance between when is the moment to be really focused and serious and how much do we accept that they are friends and 16 and 17 years old.”
That approach has yielded success. City won the league a year ago and plenty of this year’s title winners were part of that group. There was a drive towards ensuring they could go again.
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“This is one thing: not getting complacent in terms of playing more EDS (Under-21 football) and less in the Under 18s,” added Reiss. “We have kept the hunger of winning titles and there are also two or three players who were not so much on the pitch last season – for example Tyrone Samba – and for them it was a chance to say last season was not my season but this season I want to be part of a successful team and this combination, this was the result.”
City were able to celebrate their title triumph on Saturday afternoon with each other on the pitches at the CFA. Then it was off for food as a group and back to it. They play again today in their final home game of the season and have one more league match, a national play-off final and an FA Youth Cup final to come. It’s a daunting and exciting schedule but even with those massive matches on the horizon, Reiss wants to allow the squad to enjoy their league-winning campaign, insisting just because success is expected at City, that doesn’t make it easy.
“I think it is important to mention that yes, we are Man City and, along with other big clubs and academies, everyone is expecting the title or at least fighting for the title,” he said. “So when it happens then sometimes the feeling is ‘okay’ but no, this was a tough season.
“There were phases where we struggled, we came back, we had to be strong. There were tough games in the first half of the season where we won games at the end so it was not easy. From outside sometimes it looks easy but it wasn’t because of the opponents, strong opponents and tough games so at the end it is not just ‘oh carry on,’ it is well deserved in terms of the performances and I am really happy.”
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City are happy now, they could be delighted if they add two more trophies to the collection in the coming weeks.
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