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Managing Man United as £155m transfer raid launched after Champions League qualification

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Manchester United have secured qualification to the Champions League for 2026/27 but have a wealth of work to do this summer transfer window

Manchester United officially secured their spot in the Champions League next season with a 3-2 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday. But the club have work to do this summer should they hope to compete for European glory.

Michael Carrick has instilled confidence in the club since stepping in on an interim basis in January following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal. They are sitting pretty in third in the Premier League standings as they head into their final three against Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton.

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However, major improvement is needed in the centre of the park as well as defence, should the Reds hope to continue to grow in 2026/27. Casemiro is set to leave the club when his contract expires in the coming months, while Luke Shaw is in need of replacement, considering he is entering the twilight years of his career.

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Here’s how MEN Sport would approach things if we were in the United hot seat this summer…

A £155million Newcastle United transfer raid

It’s clear that United need to strengthen two positions: left-back and the engine room. While Shaw has been a key player in 2025/26, making 35 appearances in the Premier League alone, the Englishman is out of contract at 31 next summer.

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Heading into the latter stages of his career, the Reds would be wise to source reinforcements in the coming months and integrate a new full-back into their first-team.

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Lewis Hall has been a standout in an otherwise lacklustre Newcastle United side this season, providing reliable performances on the left-hand side against stiff domestic and European competition. Given that Newcastle are unlikely to contend in any form of European football next season, and a wealth of interest from bigger clubs, Hall may look for the door in the coming months.

The crux is that any deal will not come cheap and that the Magpies will likely command a fee of around £55m for him. That figure could also soar further, depending on interest from other parties. Like Hall, Sandro Tonali’s future with his current club is also in doubt. The central midfielder has frequently been one of the first names on Eddie Howe’s team sheet when fit.

Too good to be limited to just domestic competition, Tonali could also be headed for the exit in the coming months if recent speculation is anything to go off. But with Arsenal and Manchester City also said to be interested in the 25-year-old, who is under contract until 2028, United may have to pay an inflated price to strip Newcastle of their most prized player.

A recent valuation of around £100m has been put on Tonali by the Magpies, according to reports. And while there may be far cheaper alternatives on the market, United would be wise to pay whatever Newcastle are asking for if they’re serious about finding the best-quality successor to Casemiro.

Marcus Rashford issue resolved

Despite a highly successful season-long loan with Barcelona, Marcus Rashford’s future away from United is still nowhere near certain. While the La Liga giants have an option to make his move permanent in a matter of weeks for around £26m, it is thought that Barca could use those funds to secure an out-and-out striker as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

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While Rashford has proven that he can operate through the middle, his favoured position is on the left-hand side, which is largely occupied by Raphinha. It’s a long shot, and ultimately all down to Rashford, but there could be no harm in integrating him back into the first team this summer.

The 28-year-old has shown United what they are missing on the left flank time and time again in sunny Spain this season, Matheus Cunha arguably more suited to a traditional No. 10 role or as a second striker. With Amorim out of the picture, Rashford could once again thrive at Old Trafford.

An ambitious swoop for Cole Palmer

One could easily ignore Paul Merson’s claims that Cole Palmer will not want to play for Chelsea should they miss out on Champions League football. The attacking midfielder is the heartbeat of the club and appears incredibly settled in west London.

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But with Chelsea losing their last six Premier League games and making a U-turn on their faith in Liam Rosenior, a number of key players may have one eye on the door, Palmer included.

The Englishman was linked with a shock move to United in the January window before Rosenior branded him untouchable. But similarly to Tonali, he will want to consistently challenge himself at the highest levels in his career.

Of course, should United be fruitful in their endeavours of securing Hall and Tonali or players of a similar fee this summer, splashing out on Palmer may be too rich for the board’s blood. That’s especially considering Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s notoriety for cutting costs and saving cash coupled with a valuation of around £150m at present.

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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.

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NBA player prop picks, odds: Model reveals three best 2026 NBA Playoffs prop bets for Sunday, May 10

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The Timberwolves have lost two straight after upsetting the Spurs in Game 1, and forward Julius Randle has struggled on the offensive end of the floor, posting 12 points in each of his past two games. Randle’s recent performances mean he could be a focal point for NBA prop picks on Sunday. Randle finished with 21 points in Minnesota’s victory on May 4, and his over/under for total points scored against San Antonio in Game 4 is 17.5. The SportsLine Projection Model projects he’ll exceed that total against the Spurs, predicting he’ll finish with 20.1 points, and identifies it as one of Sunday’s top NBA player props and NBA best bets today. 

For Game 4 of Knicks vs. 76ers, SportsLine NBA expert Doug Kralstein is high on Knicks forward Mikal Bridges to be an effective scorer. Bridges finished with 23 points in his last outing against Philadelphia, and his over/under for points in Game 4 is 15.5. Before locking in Sunday’s NBA prop picks and other NBA bets on betting sites like FanDuel, be sure to check out top picks from the proven computer model and team of experts at SportsLine.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past eight-plus seasons. The model entered the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 26-9 roll (74%) on top-rated NBA spread picks this season. Anyone following its NBA betting advice at online betting sites and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

Top NBA player prop picks on Sunday

  • Mikal Bridges, Knicks, Over 15.5 points
  • Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks, Over 5.5 assists
  • Julius Randle, Timberwolves, Over 17.5 points

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Mikal Bridges, Knicks, Over 15.5 points

“Mikal Bridges looks like himself, and has been thrust into a role where his touches and shot attempts are up significantly for the Knicks,” SportsLine NBA expert Doug Kralstein said. “With New York leading 3-0, I doubt they have OG Anunoby play, and Karl-Anthony Towns has struggled to stay on the floor due to foul trouble. Bridges has served as the scoring complement to Jalen Brunson, the latter of whom will undoubtedly be the focal point of the Sixers defensive adjustments in Game 4.”

Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks, Over 5.5 assists

“We are going to continue riding Karl-Anthony Towns’ assist prop as he is hitting it even in games in which he plays limited minutes due to foul trouble,” SportsLine expert David Bearman said. “KAT has 46 assists over the last six games, an average of 7.7 per game. He has 20 in 3 games in this series, not playing more than 27 minutes in any of the games, due to one blowout and two games with foul issues. Dating back to April 1 (13 games), he is averaging 6.3 a game, hitting 5+ in 9 of the 13 games.”

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Julius Randle, Timberwolves, Over 17.5 points

Randle is coming off back-to-back disappointing performances on offense, scoring 12 points in each of his past two outings against San Antonio. Randle made just 25% of his field goals in the Game 3 loss, but the SportsLine Projection Model is expecting a bounce-back performance on Sunday. Randle averaged 21.1 points per game during the regular season, and scored 21.2 points per game at home. SportsLine’s model projects he’ll finish with 20.1 points on Sunday, easily exceeding the posted total of 17.5. 

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Pride Of Jenni storms to victory in 2026 Hollindale Stakes at Gold Coast

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Two jockeys sprint toward the finish on galloping horses, the leading horse wearing a green saddlecloth with number 9; bright screens and flower barriers rise in the background.

Echoing the excitement of her remarkable 2024 Queen Elizabeth Stakes victory, Pride Of Jenni produced a frontrunning masterclass to dismantle her Hollindale Stakes foes and notch up a superb win.

In Saturday’s premier event at the Gold Coast, the mare unleashed her signature bold style, opening up to roughly 16 lengths clear entering the final 800m and fending off the chasers.

Birdman ($4.20) rallied strongly from midfield to go down by three-quarters of a length to the favourite Pride Of Jenni ($3.30), with She’s A Hustler ($4.60) 2-1/4 lengths adrift in third.

Half Yours ($3.80), winner of the Melbourne Cup, closed well for fourth and ran with plenty of promise.

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Ciaron Maher, the mare’s victorious trainer, was full of praise for Pride Of Jenni after opting to freshen her following fifth in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick a month ago, building on her Melbourne near-misses in the All-Star Mile (1600m) and Australian Cup (2000m).

“I was mindful she had three very tough runs and given how well she went first-up, the only thing you can do is over-train her,” Maher said.

“We’ve just kept her fresh and when she stepped well, you know pretty quick whether you’re on. I thought, oh, that was nice, we might be on today.

“The track – you’d think the Gold Coast would suit her style – and it certainly did.”

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The trainer also lauded jockey Declan Bates for his expert navigation of the eight-year-old, establishing rhythm upfront and preserving her well.

“She is sprinting flat out from the 1000. She is used to doing that, being off the bridle a long way out, but super from ‘Dec’ (Bates),” Maher said.

“She is just a marvel. Have a look at her, she is just a beautiful mare, and she’s got a great constitution.”

During last winter’s Queensland campaign, Pride Of Jenni competed once, fading in the Doomben Cup (2000m).

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According to Maher, that Group 1 is targeted once more, with sharper condition anticipated.

“She looks in better form this year,” he said.

The Hollindale Stakes (1800m) continues to signal Doomben Cup prospects effectively, evidenced by Antino’s double last year and Zaaki’s in 2021.

Discover competitive racing odds on betting sites for the Hollindale Stakes and future events.

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Was Wardley vs Dubois stopped too late? Bloody duel reveals controversial truth

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In rare heavyweight fights like Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois, all the traditional safety measures can get lost in the drama and savagery of the night.

The corner, the referee and the doctors are ringside in boxing to make sure the fighters leave the ring healthy. But on Saturday night on the outskirts of Manchester, close to midnight at the Co-op Live arena, 18,212 fanatics played their part in an unforgettable fight that crossed several of the sport’s boundaries.

It was a bloodthirsty Saturday-night crowd, and they packed the new arena in anticipation of something special, something memorable, and something brutal – they got all three. The WBO heavyweight title was just a trinket attraction.

Wardley was rescued after 28 seconds of the 11th round, and Dubois was hauled away to celebrate the win; it was the end of a fight that took both men to the very extremes in a boxing business where total sacrifice does happen. Wardley against Dubois on Saturday had that feeling very early. It was not always easy to watch, but it was also impossible to look away.

The raw statistics are impressive enough, but they fail to tell the whole story; Dubois was down after 12 seconds of the first round, and again in the third. He survived on stiff legs and with petrified eyes. Wardley started to take a beating from about round six; the referee, Howard Foster, called the doctors up onto the ring canvas to inspect him at the start of the ninth and 10th rounds.

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Wardley dropped Daniel Dubois twice in the first three rounds
Wardley dropped Daniel Dubois twice in the first three rounds (Reuters)

Wardley’s corner looked worried, but still he walked out at the start of each round for more. Wardley was cut, hurt, staggered repeatedly, and both eyes were closing – and still he kept swinging; Wardley has come back in fights he was losing before. That is his trademark, his signature in the boxing rings.

Saturday, however, was different. It was a lost cause and he was too damaged for a fairytale finish. Dubois was smart, accurate and hurtful. And still the crowd roared louder when the medics gave Wardley a clear to continue sign. That is raw, that is fanatical. Yes, it did feel Iike a barbaric fight to the end.

It is far too easy and convenient from the safe side of the ropes to condemn the brutality, too easy to find flaws with the outcome. In the boxing business, the fighters make those ridiculous sacrifices and people get dragged in – the corner, the ref, the doctors, the opposite team, and the wild-eyed paying public.

A ringside doctor (left) and referee Howard Foster checked on Wardley before rounds nine and 10
A ringside doctor (left) and referee Howard Foster checked on Wardley before rounds nine and 10 (Getty)
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On a calmer night, with less at stake, the fight would have ended earlier. On Saturday night, it finished only when Wardley was close to collapse, helpless in defence and still resisting. It was a stunning last stand and that is how some of our greatest fights end.

Nobody in boxing needs to make apologies for what they signed up for; this business is total. In the ideal world of sport, Wardley would have been rescued earlier, but Saturday’s glorious fight was not part of that “ideal” world; it was part of our heartless, savage, addictive and crazy sport.

Wardley was ultimately stopped in round 11
Wardley was ultimately stopped in round 11 (Getty)

The Independent’s Alex Pattle – also ringside in Manchester – admitted to feeling equal amounts of intrigue and discomfort in the later rounds. “The boxing fan in me wanted to see more action; the human side wanted an earlier, merciful end for Wardley.”

Working six feet from the canvas for Five Live with Richie Woodhall, we both wanted it stopped in about round nine, but we still urged the pair on as they fought for six more minutes and 28 unforgettable seconds. At 2am, I found Wardley’s blood splatters on my shirt; boxing is like no other bloody business.

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Paul Lee gets form back in Magnolia win ahead of playoffs

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Paul Lee Magnolia vs Meralco PBA

Magnolia guard Paul Lee is being guarded by Meralco guard Aaron Black during their PBA Commissioner’s Cup game.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—After playing sparingly in Magnolia’s crucial win over TNT the last time out, Paul Lee got his rhythm back after helping the Hotshots handle the Meralco Bolts on Sunday.

Lee has coach LA Tenorio to thank for reminding him to take all the rest he needed before Magnolia’s final game in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round.

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“I just took some rest and it was a big thing that after last game, we had a couple days of rest so I just took advantage,” he said after the 93-76 rout of Meralco.  “I give credit to coach LA because he always reminded me to rest.”

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Lee was shaken up during a rebound play against the Tropang 5G, exiting the game after just 23 minutes of action and finishing with only four points.

Against Meralco, the veteran guard posted 13 points, three rebounds and three assists as Magnolia extended its winning streak to three games.

Thanks to Lee’s efforts, Magnolia locked up the fifth seed and will face either Meralco or Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinals.



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Warriors NBA Draft Lottery Odds Ahead of Potential Franchise-Altering Night Revealed

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The NBA Draft Lottery will be held at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago on Sunday, as the Golden State Warriors hope for some good fortune. With the team in need of change, their draft position could significantly shape the franchise’s future, making this a crucial night for Golden State.

An X (formerly Twitter) user deliberated over their position in the draft on Saturday, claiming the Warriors would likely receive the first four picks.

“They’re so obviously getting a top 4 pick tmrw,” the handle wrote.

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The remark came in response to Steve Kerr signing a two-year extension, as the franchise aims to complete a quick rebuild and contend for another title during Stephen Curry’s tenure.

However, while the fan suggested Kerr’s extension could coincide with favorable lottery luck, the reality is not that straightforward.

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Having qualified for the play-in tournament, the Warriors were part of the postseason picture, which limits their lottery odds. They hold just 14 combinations, giving them a 2% chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick.

Their odds increase only marginally for the next three selections, resulting in a maximum 2.8% chance of securing a top-four pick.

Based on the probabilities, the Warriors are most likely to receive the 11th pick, with a 77.6% chance. However, the Dallas Mavericks landed the No. 1 overall pick last year despite having just a 1.8% chance, proving that while the odds are slim, it is not impossible.

The draft lottery will begin at 2:00 p.m. CT and will be televised on ABC, while viewers can also livestream the event on the FUBO TV app.

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Warriors could trade lottery pick if they land a top-four selection per reports

The Golden State Warriors’ failure to reach the playoffs earned them a spot in this year’s Draft Lottery, as the team hopes for favorable odds. While landing a top-four pick would be the best-case scenario for Golden State, reports on Saturday suggested the team could trade the pick to secure a stronger deal elsewhere.

Danny Emerman was the first to raise this possibility, explaining the Warriors’ plans to make an aggressive push to build around Steph Curry.

“Golden State could consider flipping the pick in a blockbuster trade for a proven star,” Emerman wrote. “A top-four pick would instantly become both the franchise’s juiciest trade asset and its best chance at bridging the end of this era with whatever comes next.”

The Warriors are in desperate need of a rebuild, but will require some luck in the lottery for things to go according to plan.