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NFL Analyst Claims Vikings’ Locker Room Could Get Ugly

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Kevin O’Connell watches from the Vikings sideline against the Packers.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell watches from the sideline during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Nov 23, 2025. O’Connell monitored Minnesota’s offense and game management in Green Bay as the Vikings battled their NFC North rival during a pivotal late-season divisional road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings will host a quarterback competition at training camp in three weeks, and for the most part, fans are excited. But don’t tell that to CBS Sports‘ Carter Bahns, who claimed last week that the Vikings’ locker room could get “ugly” as a result.

To date, Minnesota has shown no signs of quarterback strife, but it’s on the way, per Bahns.

Kevin O’Connell Evidently Has a Problem to Solve?

J.J. McCarthy chats with Ryan Van Demark and Walter Rouse during Day 3 of Vikings minicamp in Eagan, Minnesota. Vikings QB competition
Minnesota Vikings offensive linemen Ryan Van Demark and Walter Rouse stood alongside quarterback J.J. McCarthy during minicamp practice at TCO Performance Center. On June 11, 2026, in Eagan, Minnesota, the group worked through Day 3 drills as the Vikings continued installing offensive concepts before training camp. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

Bahns: Things Could Get Ugly in MIN

Sizing up possible “fireworks” around the league in the spirit of Independence Day, Bahns landed on the Vikings as one nominee. He explained, “Work in progress: Quarterback competition could get ugly. Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy offered two different accounts of the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback competition when asked this spring about their working relationship.”

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“Murray, who arrived on a minimum contract as the presumptive favorite to win the job, said that he embraced a mentor role and that McCarthy had been ‘overly acceptive’ of that leadership. The incumbent starter, however, made it sound as though they are not on such friendly terms.”

Minnesota signed Murray in March for $1.3 million to compete with McCarthy, a shockingly small contract.

Bahns added, “Neither is owed the No. 1 quarterback role, but whoever loses it will have reason to be discontented. Murray is a seven-year starter who, at his best, produces among the league’s top half of signal-callers. McCarthy is a recent first-round pick who has arguably not received a fair shake due to injuries.”

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How Ugly?

If Bahns is right about locker room disharmony, one must wonder about the magnitude. Will McCarthy just remain disgruntled under the surface, with certain players thinking he should start? Would it be one of those situations? No quarterback likes to be benched, especially not one who is 23 and held the QB1 job a year prior.

Or — would McCarthy rage and demand a ticket out of town? The guy who drafted McCarthy, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, no longer works for the Vikings, so one could argue that the franchise already has a paved off-ramp if it wanted to cut ties and roll with Murray, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer in 2026.

Total locker room chaos would result in a McCarthy trade — if Murray wins the QB1 battle — and there could be a market. The Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets may need a quarterback solution for the long term and, in fact, based on their respective roster constructions, appear to be eyeing the deep 2027 draft for a new passer.

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Roster Competitions Happen All the Time

On the other hand, Bahns’s assessment may be dramatic. Roster competitions happen every summer for every team, at almost every position. The loser of the Vikings’ QB1 battle could accept his fate like a gentleman and assume the QB2 role like a classy athlete. That’s how sports work.

J.J. McCarthy talks with Kevin O’Connell during a Vikings game against Atlanta. Vikings QB competition
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy met with head coach Kevin O’Connell during first-half action against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. On September 14, 2025, in Minneapolis, the quarterback and coach talked between plays as Minnesota continued its home matchup against Atlanta. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

Also remember — Murray and McCarthy have suspect injury resumes. No matter who reigns triumphant at training camp, they will fight to avoid injuries that have already plagued their careers.

Generally speaking, keeping the locker room together will be up to Kevin O’Connell. He’s actually known for building consensus within a locker room. Minnesota has the right man for the job.

Murray as the Favorite

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Murray is the likely Week 1 starter against the Green Bay Packers. Let’s get that out in the open. That’s the most straightforward assessment of the Vikings’ quarterback situation, despite the summer competition providing a talking point for the coming weeks. While Minnesota may frame it as a battle, and perhaps they should — McCarthy deserves an opportunity to prove himself, and O’Connell benefits nothing from making premature promises — the reality is more nuanced.

Murray’s arrival in Minnesota was not coincidental. He had other options, as players with his pedigree typically do. When the Vikings acquired him, there was likely an implicit understanding regarding the immediate plan: Murray would be the presumptive starter, given the first legitimate shot at QB1, with the potential to extend beyond a one-year deal into 2026.

Minnesota needed a definitive answer at quarterback after a tumultuous offseason, and Murray provided it. He boasts experience in high-stakes games and all the tools required of a QB1, including elite speed not usually found at the quarterback position. For a team focused on immediate contention, that package was an ideal fit, especially for a million or so bucks.

J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray take reps during Vikings minicamp practice. Vikings QB competition
Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray worked through minicamp practice as Minnesota continued shaping its revamped quarterback room. On June 11, 2026, at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, the pair took Day 3 practice reps while building timing before training camp under Kevin O’Connell’s staff. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

However, McCarthy could still make the competition compelling. He should not be underestimated. If he excels in training camp and displays improved mechanics, the Vikings will face a genuine dilemma.

The more probable scenario is clear. McCarthy will push hard, Murray will start, and Minnesota will avoid overcomplicating the decision.

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Then everyone will be on “locker room watch,” according to Bahns.


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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

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Bears’ $40M free-agent signing avoids serious knee injury after scare

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Coby Bryant’s Chicago Bears tenure is not off to the start he wished, as he was emotional after being carted off the training camp field during Monday’s practice.

There is a bright side to Bryant’s situation, though, despite needing to miss time.

Bryant was very upset as he got himself onto the cart after suffering a knee injury, expecting the worst just days into his Bears career one season after winning the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.

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Coby Bryant #2 speaks to media at Halas Hall.

Coby Bryant of the Chicago Bears speaks to media after minicamp at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Ill., on June 10, 2026. (Getty Images)

Bryant was facing tight end Cole Kmet during a 1-on-1 drill where he went down and immediately clutched at his leg. But Bryant’s injury got a better diagnosis than he initially believed.

It won’t be season-ending for Bryant, as ESPN reported the safety will miss eight-to-10 weeks after suffering a hyperextended knee, bone bruise and small fracture.

PANTHERS DEFENSE TAKES MAJOR HIT AS STAR PASS RUSHER SUFFERS MAJOR INJURY ON FIRST DAY OF CAMP: REPORTS

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Bryant signed a three-year, $40 million deal to join the Bears this offseason, bolstering a secondary that was overhauled following multiple departures.

He figured to be a mainstay after proving his worth with the Seahawks during his rookie deal, where he tallied seven interceptions and helped his team win the Super Bowl.

Bryant may not be available during Week 1, but since that’s five weeks away, he shouldn’t be gone for long when the regular season finally kicks off.

Coby Bryant carries the ball during an NFL game between the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears.

Cornerback Coby Bryant of the Seattle Seahawks carries the ball during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Dec. 26, 2024, in Chicago, Ill. (Getty Images)

“It always sucks to see,” second-year tight end Colston Loveland said about Bryant’s injury, per the New York Post. “That’s part of it. You know, he’s tough, he’s a dog. He’s going to be fine.”

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As Bryant will attack rehab, the Bears’ depth chart will be tested. They spent their first-round draft selection on Oregon standout safety Dillon Thieneman, who was always considered the team’s starting free safety next to Bryant. But Cam Lewis, who was at slot cornerback after Kyler Gordon suffered a previous injury, will likely move to safety to fill the gap there.

Lewis is another free agent signee for the Bears, who lost Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Nahshon Wright, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Jonathan Owens this offseason. Lewis spent the past six seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

Coby Bryant stretches during a Bears OTA workout.

Coby Bryant of the Chicago Bears stretches during an OTA offseason workout at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Ill., on June 3, 2026. (Getty Images)

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This is the time of year when teams are hoping for health, but the NFL knows all too well that depth determines just how far a team goes come February.

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The Bears are feeling that early on, but they won’t have to go the entire season without a main free agent addition during the 2026 NFL season.

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Food poisoning cost me Commonwealth Games 2026 gold, says Selva Prabhu | Other Sports News

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Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Selva Prabhu believes food poisoning denied him a shot at the gold medal in Glasgow, saying a performance close to his personal best would have been enough to top the podium.


Selva won bronze in the men’s triple jump with an effort of 16.52m, finishing behind compatriot Praveen Chithravel (16.58m) and Scotland’s Jordon Scott (16.72m).


“I wish I should have gotten that gold. I was really hoping for gold but what can be done when the competition begins, there is illness and food poisoning. I feel that in the end, there is always a cost to yourself. I am mentally tough so I decided, whatever happens, I will do it. Keep pushing myself,” Selva told PTI after returning from Glasgow on Monday.

 

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The Tamil Nadu athlete said the illness affected his performance and rued missing a golden opportunity, as a jump close to his personal best of 17.05m would have comfortably secured the title.


“I should have stayed healthy, but it’s for the next time I’m always ready. I can compete more, stay healthy. It’s about the stage. I have the consistency. It’s all about that particular day. I just always want to stay healthy. Now, I want to work on my approach. Once I get the hang of it, I can do it,” he said.


Asked about the upcoming Asian Games, Selva said he was not looking too far ahead.


“I live each day. Each day requires a new performance. You just cannot target a gold like that. Yes, I am now looking forward to qualifying for the Asian Games first and then taking it from there,” he said.

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The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is yet to announce the team for the Asian Games in Japan.

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Ex-ICC umpire recalls Kohli-Gambhir’s IPL spat, says ‘there’s a limit that shouldn’t be crossed’ | Cricket News

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Ex-ICC umpire recalls Kohli-Gambhir's IPL spat, says 'there's a limit that shouldn't be crossed'
RCB vs KKR match in Bengaluru (Image: Agencies)

Former Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary has reflected on Virat Kohli‘s fiery on-field personality, recalling the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star’s infamous altercation with Gautam Gambhir during the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL). While praising Kohli’s passion and intensity, Chaudhary stressed that aggression is an essential part of cricket, provided it does not cross the line.Speaking on JioHotstar, Chaudhary, who has officiated Kohli’s matches since his junior cricket days in Delhi, said the former India captain has always been an emotional cricketer but never carries ill intent.

‘I’ve known Virat since childhood’

Chaudhary revealed that his long association with Kohli helped him understand the batter’s personality beyond his aggressive on-field image.“Actually, my advantage with Virat was that I had officiated his matches since childhood, so I have known him for a long time. He doesn’t have any malice,” Chaudhary said on JioHotstar.He added that Kohli’s intensity is often misunderstood, as the star batter is equally appreciative when officials make the right decisions.“He reacts aggressively sometimes, but if you’re right, he’ll give you a thumbs up too. Between overs, he’ll come over and put a hand around your waist. But he is lively throughout. Players like him should be there; otherwise, the game will get boring,” he added.

Chaudhary recalls Kohli-Gambhir’s heated 2013 IPL exchange

The veteran umpire also looked back at the much-talked-about confrontation between Kohli and Gautam Gambhir during an IPL 2013 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders. According to Chaudhary, such incidents were not entirely unexpected given the competitive nature of players from northern India.“I knew something like that would happen because all of them from the North play with aggression. I have played local cricket too, and our players have always played like this. If they don’t play with that aggression, their performances won’t come out as well. The flavour of the game won’t be there if you put too many restrictions on the players. But there’s a limit, and it shouldn’t be crossed,” Ex-umpire concluded. During an IPL 2013 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir were involved in a heated on-field altercation. The incident occurred after Kohli was dismissed for 35 by Laxmipathy Balaji while chasing 155. Instead of walking straight back to the pavilion, Kohli exchanged words near the bowler, prompting Gambhir to confront him. The two captains engaged in a tense face-off before KKR all-rounder Rajat Bhatia intervened and separated them, preventing the situation from escalating further.

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Kohli’s focus now firmly on ODI cricket

Virat Kohli’s most recent international appearance came in the ODI series against England at Lord’s on July 19, 2026. Having already retired from T20 Internationals and stepped away from Test cricket, Kohli is now exclusively focused on the 50-over format as India prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup.The batting great heads into the upcoming season on the back of another outstanding IPL campaign. Kohli played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning run in IPL 2026, scoring 675 runs. He also produced a match-winning unbeaten 75 off 42 balls in the final against Gujarat Titans.Kohli’s next international assignment will be India’s three-match ODI series against the West Indies, beginning on September 27, 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram.

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Brazil game can’t mask Indian football’s crisis: Bhutia says ‘timing of the match is a problem’ | Football News

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Brazil game can't mask Indian football's crisis: Bhutia says 'timing of the match is a problem'
Bhaichung Bhutia (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: The announcement of a glamour friendly between India and Brazil should have been a moment of celebration for Indian football. Instead, it has exposed the widening gap between spectacle and substance, prompting former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia to question both the timing and the purpose of the high-profile fixture.“The timing of the Brazil friendly is a problem for me,” Bhutia said, pointing out that India will be involved in the FIFA ASEAN Cup around the same period. “The FIFA ASEAN Cup will be taking place at that time and we don’t know how the national team will be formed.” His concerns are difficult to dismiss. India, ranked 138th in the world, have been drawn alongside Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore in the ASEAN Cup, a tournament where only the group winner advances.With qualification already a challenging prospect, diverting attention towards an exhibition match raises legitimate questions about priorities. Bhutia’s criticism goes beyond scheduling. For him, the Brazil match has become a symbol of a football ecosystem struggling to address its fundamental problems.“I was wondering about the purpose of the friendly match against Brazil. Is Indian football going to gain anything out of it?” he asked.The question strikes at the heart of the debate. A match against five-time world champions Brazil will undoubtedly generate excitement, television audiences and commercial interest. But can a single evening against one of football’s global giants compensate for years of structural decline? The former captain believes it cannot. “A big corporate group like the Tatas have declared shutting down of Jamshedpur FC. It goes to show the health of Indian football,” he said.The uncertainty surrounding Jamshedpur FC has only amplified concerns about the financial sustainability of Indian football. At a time when clubs are struggling, developmental pathways remain weak and investment is shrinking, a marquee international fixture risks appearing disconnected from the realities on the ground.Bhutia painted an even bleaker picture of the current state of the game. “The focus of the football federation should be getting the house in order. Let alone the seniors, even the U-17s are failing to earn qualification in continental tournaments,” he said. “The national league is in disarray, the junior programme is rudderless and there is no money to develop the grassroots game.”His views have found support within the playing community. India full-back Nikhil Poojary echoed similar concerns on social media, noting the contrast between celebrating Brazil’s visit and waking up to news of another club shutting down operations.India has hosted football royalty before. Uruguay and Argentina played in the Nehru Cup during the 1980s, while Lionel Messi’s Argentina visited in 2011 and again in 2025. Those occasions generated excitement and memories, but they did little to alter the trajectory of Indian football.

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Manchester United have a big decision to make once the transfer window closes

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Man Utd defender Luke Shaw has entered the final year of his contract, and there is no option to extend the deal.

Luke Shaw was described as “one of the best defenders in the world” by John Murtough when he was handed a new contract in 2023.

Manchester United’s former football director added that everyone at the club was looking forward to Shaw representing the club for years to come.

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Shaw is now the longest-serving player at United, having reached the 12-year anniversary of his £30million transfer from Southampton in June, which made him one of the most expensive teenagers in the world.

The deal Shaw signed four years ago expires next summer, meaning he is in the final year of his contract, and United do not have the option of a 12-month extension, which they now include in many deals.

There will be serious conversations around whether to offer Shaw a new contract once the summer transfer window closes, as United will then turn their attention to what the squad will look like in a year’s time.

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There are plenty of reasons in favour of giving Shaw a new contract, most of all the fact that he did not show any signs of decline last season, consistently performing to a high standard across 38 starts in the Premier League.

Shaw became the fifth outfield player to start every top-flight game for United during a campaign. Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister, Denis Irwin and Harry Maguire are the other four players to have achieved the feat.

That’s without mentioning the leadership and experience Shaw provides in the dressing room, and how he acts around the club’s young players, serving as a sounding board at Carrington.

The problem is Shaw’s injury record, though. He demonstrated durability last term, but United played their fewest games in a season for 115 years due to their failure to qualify for Europe.

There is enough evidence from Shaw’s time at the club to conclusively say he cannot play two games per week without picking up an injury, which is why United are looking at signing a left-back in this transfer window.

The new campaign will bring a different challenge for Shaw. United expect to play more than 60 games throughout the season, competing in the Premier League, Champions League, the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.

United are aware they need to strengthen and they are considering left-backs who could be signed as the heir to Shaw, a long-term successor.

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Lewis Hall would be the perfect signing, but there has been acknowledgement since the window opened that it would be a difficult deal to do, and that feeling has only intensified given the sales Newcastle have already made.

Whether United sign a left-back this summer, and who that possible signing is, will be a factor when club chiefs weigh up a new contract for Shaw, who will want clarity on where he stands sooner rather than later.

In some ways, the situation would be more straightforward if United had a one-year extension in his contract to trigger, because the can could be kicked down the road without too much thought, but new terms must be negotiated with Shaw to keep him.

What would that contract look like? Maguire is two years older and was given a one-year deal on a wage reduction with the option of a 12-month extension, which feels about right for Shaw.

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Ineos have leaned toward signing players in their early 20s since gaining control of football operations, but retaining experienced players in the dressing room is important for the group’s health.

Shaw has bags of experience, and United should be exploring how to keep him under the right offer.

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Ibom Angels Appoint Emmanuel Ntuk as New Chief Coach

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Ibom Angels Football Club have appointed Mr Emmanuel Ntuk as the club’s new Chief Coach, SportsRation reports on Monday August 3, 2026.

The club announced the appointment in a statement dated August 3, 2026, describing Ntuk as an experienced coach with a strong professional background.

Ntuk has worked with several football clubs and academies in Akwa Ibom and beyond. His coaching career includes a spell as Technical Adviser of the defunct Akwa Starlets Football Club.

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Emmanuel Ntuk of Ibom AngelsEmmanuel Ntuk of Ibom Angels
Emmanuel Ntuk

He has also served as Head Coach of Dakkada Football Club and Ibom Youth Football Club.

In addition, Ntuk previously worked as Head Coach and Chief Executive Officer of Greater Tomorrow Academy. He has also coached Police Machine Football Club and Emlo FC, Uyo.

Ibom Angels said his experience and technical knowledge made him a strong addition to the club’s coaching team.

“The management, players, and entire family of Ibom Angels Football Club warmly welcome Mr Ntuk and wish him every success as he embarks on this new assignment,” the club said.

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The club added that it was confident Ntuk’s leadership and coaching experience would help drive its continued growth and success.

Emmanuel Ntuk of Ibom AngelsEmmanuel Ntuk of Ibom Angels

“We are confident that his experience, leadership, and technical expertise will make a significant contribution to the continued growth and success of the Club,” the statement added.

Ntuk now begins his new role as Ibom Angels prepare for the next stage of their football development.

He will work alongside former Super Falcons head coach Edwin Okon, who heads the club’s technical crew.

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Man United should take advantage of contract situation to solve squad dilemma

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Manchester United have a golden opportunity to resolve one of Michael Carrick’s last remaining squad options in this transfer window by capitalising on the contract situation of one serial winner

Michael Carrick has an expiring opportunity to solve one of Manchester United‘s major squad dilemmas before the transfer window shuts. However, it would mean acting quickly and potentially giving up on one of the club’s main targets this summer.

United are being linked with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall as a long-term successor to Luke Shaw at left-back. It’s a position that has plagued the club for some years now, with Patrick Dorgu failing to prove he’s the solution to replace the injury-prone incumbent.

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Reports have suggested United will look to take advantage of Eddie Howe’s recent resignation by going after 21-year-old Hall. However, Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco represents a much more budget-friendly option compared to the £70million-rated Englishman.

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Dimarco, 28, admittedly doesn’t yield the same long-term benefits. However, United’s move for Youri Tielemans is a sign of United’s strengthened desire to recruit squad options capable of making a more immediate impact.

And after entering the final 12 months of his contract at the San Siro, a rare opening has presented itself to sign the Italian. Dimarco is coming off the back of a historic season for Inter, during which he set a new Serie A record for assists in a single season (18).

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The left-sided star won his second Serie A title in the space of three seasons as a critical piece of Cristian Chivu’s puzzle in Milan. Dimarco, who was named the league’s Most Valuable Player for his efforts last season, is supposedly being lined up for an extension at the San Siro but could be swayed by a potential move to Old Trafford under his current terms.

Reports emerged in Italy toward the end of the last campaign suggesting Dimarco has a 12-month extension clause in his contract. It was suggested the Nerazzurri will first trigger that option before prolonging the player’s stay by a further two years.

It hasn’t come to pass as of yet, however, and a club of United’s standing can expect to throw a spanner in the works as long as that’s the case. Reports also indicate Dimarco earns around £125,000 a week in Milan, terms United wouldn’t struggle to match (or slightly improve) in their bid to sign one of the most valuable left-sided assets on the current market.

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One potential obstacle that could hamper Dimarco at Old Trafford would be the tactical transition required on the player’s part. Chivu’s preferred three-at-the-back system permitted the Italy international to roam with freedom down the left flank, similar to the Ruben Amorim regime Carrick has succeeded in veering away from.

The United icon has prospered by moving back to a more traditional four-man defence. Shaw, 31, has still been given licence to advance in that system, albeit through more central channels and less so by hugging the touchline as Dimarco often prefers.

However, Dimarco’s obvious technical advantages suggest he has the traits to adapt to a more regimented role if required. And the potential bargain opportunity for a more experienced asset in the final 12 months of his contract could outweigh any negatives.

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Magpies star Hall has been touted as United’s left-back for potentially the next decade should the club splurge to take him from St. James’ Park. However, Dimarco is the much cheaper summer option for that role more readily available to take over the position here and now.

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CWG 2026 stars receive heroes’ welcome after memorable Glasgow campaign | Other Sports News

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The first batch of Indian athletes, including ace weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and Lovepreet Singh, returned home to a heroes’ welcome after a successful Commonwealth Games campaign with hundreds of fans lining up to receive them at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here on Sunday.


Olympic medallist Mirabai clinched her third successive Commonwealth Games gold medal in the women’s 49kg event.


“Coming from Manipur, I feel really proud that I have done something good for my country,” Mirabai told PTI at the airport.


Lovepreet, who settled for silver in the men’s +110kg category after narrowly missing the gold by just one kilogram, said his next target is the Asian Games in Japan.

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“I would like to thank my Indian Navy staff and captain Vijay Kumar, and all who have come,” said the 28-year-old from Punjab, who lifted a total of 388kg, including a Commonwealth Games record of 176kg in the snatch.


“It happens (missing on gold), but I did my hard work and I have got the result for that and when two players fight one has to lose. Up next, I will prepare well for Asian Games.” 
Happy with the warm welcome on their return, Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam, who claimed bronze in the women’s 58kg category, said she would work even harder ahead of the upcoming competitions.


“Everyone has welcomed us like this so it feels great, thankyou all for making feel like home,” she said.

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“I’ll train even harder than I have so far for the upcoming competitions.” 
Rishikanta Singh, who won silver in the men’s 60kg category, said he would strive for gold the next time.


“Feeling good that I have got a medal for India. I’ve already spoken about my performance, but I’ll come back stronger and perform even better,” Rishikanta said.


The Imphal-born Indian Army weightlifter also appealed for peace in his home state, saying it would help produce more sporting talent.


“For me both Navy and Meitei are equal. I would want to say this that we need peace in Manipur so that Manipur could produce more athletes even better than me,” he said.

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Indian weightlifters concluded their campaign with eight medals — one gold, six silver and one bronze.


Chief National Coach of the Indian weightlifting team coach, Vijay Sharma said: “We feel very proud as we have received this reception here. Everybody is very happy. I am really very happy with the performance of my players.


“There are some areas where we fell short, and we can work on them to change the colour of our medal from silver to gold. But that happens in sports. Overall, the results are good. We are happy.” 
He also lavished praise on Mirabai for her third gold.


“Mirabai is an exceptional player. With her discipline, she is able to deliver these results. We are preparing for the Asian Games, and I think we will win that medal as well,” Sharma said.

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India are currently fourth in the medal standings with 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze medals for an overall tally of 39.

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Glasgow done, all eyes on ‘Amdavad 2030’: India’s campaign offers both promise and warning signs | Commonwealth Games News

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Glasgow done, all eyes on 'Amdavad 2030': India's campaign offers both promise and warning signs
Indian boxer Jaismine Lamboria and other athletes during the closing ceremony of the CWG 2026. (PTI Photo)

PUNE: The Glasgow Commonwealth Games are over. The baton passes to India for the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, dubbed ‘Amdavad 2030’. With the event returning home after 20 years, India will be aiming not only to stage a better Games than Delhi 2010 but also to improve on its best-ever medal haul. At the 2010 Delhi Games, India won a record 101 medals to finish second in the overall standings.For Indian sport, Glasgow offered a mixed picture. The 39 medals collected this time were fewer than the 61 in Birmingham 2022, 66 in Gold Coast 2018 and 64 in Glasgow 2014. More importantly, those medals came from just six sports. By contrast, India’s medals had come from 17 sports in 2010, 11 in 2014, 15 in 2018 and 13 in 2022.The explanation lies partly in the programme itself. Glasgow did not include sports where India has traditionally been strong. India has won 135 medals in shooting between 1966 and 2018, excluding the 1970 Edinburgh edition. Wrestling has fetched India 114 medals across 18 editions since 1934. Yet Glasgow had no shooting, wrestling, hockey, badminton, archery or table tennis, which together had contributed 67 medals for India in Delhi 2010.As India prepares to host in 2030, the focus will be on retaining the positives from Glasgow while also bringing back its strongest disciplines.

Athletics leads the way

Athletics emerged as the biggest winner for India, with medals in the men’s 10,000m and 5,000m long jump, decathlon, high jump, triple jump and para-athletics adding up to 16 medals. What stood out most was the history made by Gulveer Singh, who won silver in the 10,000m and bronze in the 5,000m and Tejaswin Shankar, who claimed decathlon bronze.Yash Vir Singh also broke new ground by winning a javelin bronze in a field featuring Olympic and world champions, as well as world leaders and record holders. The para-athletes contributed three gold, two silver and one bronze, even as the 4x400m relay team had to settle for sixth place.“The performance was way better than expected. This has been a good result and it will only improve in the years to come. The result reflects the policies that the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has adopted in the past few years,” former World Championships bronze medallist and current AFI senior vice-president Anju Bobby George told TOI.“Now we plan the training programme according to individual athletes’ requirements rather than designing a blanket programme for everyone. Some athletes train in the USA, some in Europe, because that is what best suits their future. The results are definitely going to improve in 2030 and beyond, as we also plan to host the Olympics,” she added.

Boxers make a statement

Boxing also delivered strongly, with seven gold among the 13 medals won. While the level of competition at the Commonwealth Games is not as demanding as at the Asian Games or Olympics, the performances will still provide a valuable confidence boost.“It is not as if these were the only medals our boxers have won so far. We had world champions, an Olympic medallist and Asian Games and Asian Championships winners at the Glasgow CWG. The field may not have been as strong as the Asiad, but it was not weak either. A good show at a competition like this gives a boost to the boxers,” 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medallist Vijender Singh told TOI.

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Judokas earn their place in the spotlight

With two historic gold and three medals overall, Indian judokas Asmita Dey, Harsh Singh and Yamini Mourya also deserve special mention. A sport that has often struggled for attention in the past appears to be finding its footing.If judo can continue on this trajectory, the possibilities are immense. With 15 medal events at the Olympics and proper investment and a cleaner administrative setup, India has genuine medal potential at the world level too.

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