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Whitecaps extend D Tristan Blackmon, M Andres Cubas

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MLS: MLS Cup Playoffs-Western Conference Semifinal-LAFC at Vancouver Whitecaps FCNov 22, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Tristan Blackmon (33) controls the ball against Los Angeles FC during the first half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

The Vancouver Whitecaps signed defender Tristan Blackmon and midfielder Andres Cubas to contract extensions.

Blackmon, the 2025 MLS Defender of the Year, is now under contract through the 2029-30 season.

Cubas, who will no longer occupy a designated player spot on the roster, is signed through 2027-28.

Blackmon, 29, also earned All-Star and Best XI selections last season as Vancouver reached the MLS Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup finals.

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Blackmon has seven goals and seven assists in 173 MLS matches with Los Angeles FC (2018-212) and the Whitecaps.

“Since the day he arrived, Tristan has consistently pushed himself and grown into one of the league’s top defenders,” sporting director Axel Schuster said. “He has delivered countless memorable moments for our club, and we are excited to extend his contract and continue building together here in Vancouver.”

Cubas, also 29, has recorded one goal and three assists in 97 MLS games since joining the Whitecaps in 2022.

“Andres embodies everything we value in our group,” Schuster said. “He is driven, relentless in his work ethic, and a true leader in our locker room, setting the standard for our younger players. On the pitch, he has been integral to our success and ranks among the very best in the league at his position.”

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Internationally, Cubas has 32 caps with Paraguay and Blackmon has made two appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team.

–Field Level Media

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Historic Vote Could Give GAA Rounders Seat on Ard Chomhairle

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This weekend’s GAA Annual Congress in Croke Park could mark one of the most significant moments in the modern history of GAA Rounders.

Among the 25 motions set to be debated by delegates, Motion 2 stands out as a landmark proposal — one that would see a GAA Rounders representative formally added to Ard Chomhairle for the first time.

If passed, it would finally give Rounders a seat at the main decision-making table of the GAA.

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For Rounders, this isn’t a symbolic tweak — it’s a voice in the room where the big decisions get made.


A seat long in the making

Submitted by Old Leighlin (Carlow), Motion 2 proposes expanding the composition of Central Council to include representation from GAA Rounders. While modest in wording, the impact would be profound.

Rounders has been part of the GAA for generations, yet unlike football and hurling — and even newer structures within the association — it has operated without direct representation at the highest level of governance.

That absence has often been felt in practical ways. Decisions around facilities, development funding, governance structures and long-term planning have historically been made without a dedicated Rounders voice present in the room.

A successful vote would immediately change that dynamic. More than symbolism, it would provide Rounders with influence and visibility at the highest level of the association.

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Congress agenda: 25 motions, big implications

The GAA’s Annual Congress takes place on Friday and Saturday at Croke Park. A total of 25 motions will be debated and voted on by delegates, submitted from various units including Central Council, the Amateur Status Review Committee, CCCC, the Hurling Development Committee, the Demographics Committee (with the Standing Committee on Playing Rules), Development CCC and the Rules Advisory Committee.

Overall, 23 motions are changes to existing rules (requiring more than 60% approval) and two are new rules (needing more than 50% to pass).

Simplified guide: what each motion is about

    • Motion 1: Changes how the five-year rule for county officers is calculated, including a proposed variation to the rule (Meath).

    • Motion 2: Add a GAA Rounders representative to Ard Chomhairle by amending the composition of Central Council (Old Leighlin, Carlow).

    • Motion 3: Redefines “first club” by lowering the age grade from U12 to U10 (Kilteely-Dromkeen).

    • Motion 4: Alters an exception to the “one county per year” championship rule for U21 and younger where a player’s club has no team, allowing them to play with another club rather than an independent team (Kerry).

    • Motion 5: Proposes an inter-county eligibility restriction: to play senior inter-county championship, a player must have played eight club league/championship games the previous year (Clontarf).

    • Motion 6: Seeks to remove All-Ireland SHC preliminary quarter-finals; also proposes changes to the Joe McDonagh Cup format (Laois). (If this passes, Motion 18 won’t be heard.)

    • Motion 7: Fixes All-Ireland minor finals in Croke Park as curtain-raisers to the respective senior finals (Tempo Maguires).

    • Motion 8 (New Rule): Caps the senior inter-county playing season at 30 competitive weekends (31 if an All-Ireland final replay is required) (GPA).

    • Motion 9: Clarifies that match officials shall not be required to attend hearings or give oral evidence/cross-examination (Abbeylara).

    • Motion 10: Clarifies when an appealed decision takes effect — either after the appeal window ends, or after the appeal outcome is issued (Abbeylara).

    • Motion 11: Changes the threshold to call a club special general meeting to 10% of membership or 25 members (whichever is greater) (Castledaly).

    • Motion 12: Updates wording to allow for at least three female appointments on the Management Committee (Central Council).

    • Motion 13: Extends “Winner on the Day” to provincial football finals (currently All-Ireland finals go to replay after extra-time).

    • Motion 14: Moves All-Ireland finals back by two weeks (to on or before the 32nd Sunday of the year), prevents inter-county competitions before the 4th Sunday, and removes pre-season competitions; includes concessions for counties reaching All-Ireland finals.

    • Motion 15 (New Rule): Introduces a certification concept for counties to participate in senior inter-county competitions (Amateur Status Review Committee).

    • Motion 16: Recasts/rewords an existing Amateur Status rule to state what can be done as well as what cannot be done (Amateur Status Review Committee).

    • Motion 17: Addresses New York’s participation in inter-county championships and how that interacts with hurling groups, promotion and relegation.

    • Motion 18: Removes SHC preliminary quarter-finals (CCCC). (Will fall if Motion 6 passes.)

    • Motion 19: Brings dissent rules from football into hurling, with frees advanced 30 metres (rather than 50).

    • Motion 20: Begins a process to develop policy on the definition of a club, giving county committees scope to determine clubs within their counties.

    • Motion 21: Helps smaller rural clubs by allowing county committees to adjust outfield numbers to not below 11 (enabling 12-a-side).

    • Motion 22: Expands the composition of Development CCC and provides authority for annual operational reviews of U17-and-under competitions.

    • Motion 23: Extends Central Council powers to interpret codes as well as rules.

    • Motion 24: Enables counties to use an online system for club transfers.

    • Motion 25: Introduces Central Council guidelines on permanent residency for transfers/eligibility, allowing counties to apply criteria from those guidelines.

Why Motion 2 matters most for Rounders

For GAA Rounders, this is not just another administrative vote. If Motion 2 passes, it’s a meaningful shift in how the sport is represented and heard within the association — visibility, voice and influence at the highest level.

In years to come, Congress 2026 could be remembered as the weekend Rounders finally took its place at the main table of the GAA.

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James Harden injury: Cavaliers guard suffers thumb fracture, status unclear

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The Cleveland Cavaliers announced that star guard James Harden suffered a fractured right thumb during Cleveland’s 109-94 win over the New York Knicks Tuesday night. Harden played 32 minutes and finished with 20 points, four assists and two rebounds, but a subsequent evaluation of his thumb confirmed the fracture. 

It’s unclear how long Harden will be sidelined — if at all. Rather than already being ruled out, Harden is listed as questionable for Wednesday night’s matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks, the second night of a back-to-back. The team said Harden will continue to undergo treatment and evaluations for the injury. Given it’s Harden’s non-shooting hand, there is a chance he could still play despite any added difficulties the injury may bring.

“A postgame examination by the Cavaliers’ medical staff, followed by X-rays taken [Wednesday], confirmed a non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx,” the team said. “Harden will undergo treatment and continued evaluation. An update on his status will be provided as appropriate.”

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From the initial announcement, it sounds like Cleveland avoided a complete disaster with Harden not being immediately ruled out for a significant amount of time. The Cavs have gone 6-1 since trading for Harden in early February. He has established immediate chemistry with Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt, giving Cleveland someone who can take offensive pressure off Mitchell in a way Darius Garland couldn’t.

Harden is averaging 18.9 points, eight rebounds and 4.6 assists per game as a member of the Cavs. Before the trade, he averaged 25.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 44 games for the Los Angeles Clippers this season.

Cleveland (37-22) is tied with the Knicks for third in the East. If Harden has to miss time, they could slip in the standings as the Toronto Raptors (34-24) sit just 2.5 games behind them. Dropping a spot in the standings would be a small price to pay if it means having a fully healthy Harden available for the postseason. 

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Teddy Atlas makes ‘crazy’ pick for Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2: “I’m going to call it”

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Teddy Atlas has offered his prediction for the rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, considering the advantages that each fighter could benefit from.

It was officially announced on Monday that the pair will square off at the Sphere, Las Vegas, on September 19, with their professional contest streamed live on Netflix.

Prior to that, it has been reported that Mayweather is set to face Mike Tyson in an exhibition match, slated for April 25 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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Alongside this, though, it was always speculated that the 49-year-old would also collide with Pacquiao, his old rival, in a professional bout.

While both Hall of Famers have been involved in several exhibitions in recent years, Pacquiao has had five professional outings since Mayweather retired from the sport in 2017.

The most recent of which came against Mario Barrios, the then-WBC world welterweight champion, in July, when the Filipino boxed to a highly-contentious draw.

Before that, ‘Pac Man’ had taken a near four-year layoff following his defeat to Yordenis Ugas, which came after he outpointed Keith Thurman in 2019.

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Mayweather, meanwhile, has not fought professionally since his 10th-round stoppage victory over Conor McGregor, though Hall of Fame trainer Atlas feels as though he may have less miles on the clock than the 47-year-old Pacquiao.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Atlas outlined where both fighters’ advantages might lie.

“Who’s got less miles on the odometer? Because of the defensive style of Mayweather, I gave a check to Mayweather.

“[Even] besides the [Juan Manuel] Marquez fights, Pacquiao’s been in some tough fights.

“[With] reflexes, timing and other boxing elements, I gave the check to Pacquiao. At least he’s had one real fight – Barrios – recently.

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“Mayweather’s fresher, but inactivity could affect his timing.”

In terms of delivering a prediction, many will be surprised by the outcome Atlas has suggested.

“Styles make fights, and the style of Mayweather could still be a problem for Pacquiao. But again, Pacquiao has been in a real fight recently, and I know the boxing business – could [the event organisers] already be thinking about a trilogy?

“Call me crazy, [but] I’m going to call it a draw.”

Mayweather scored a unanimous decision victory over Pacquiao the first time around, in 2015, though a lack of professional rounds since then could represent a point of concern.

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US men’s hockey team faces backlash after MAGA hat at White House

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The U.S. men’s ice hockey team continued their Olympic gold medal celebrations back home with a whirlwind tour on Tuesday that began with an Air Force flight into Washington, D.C., and ended with a standing ovation at the State of the Union address.

But amid the praise, the team has faced some backlash on social media. 

Jack Hughes with his teammates

Jack Hughes poses for a photo with Team USA members, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was among those in the administration to welcome the American hockey players before visiting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. 

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Leavitt shared a photo on social media posing with deputy director of communications, Margo Martin, and several members of Team USA. The photo included Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman, Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, Jack and Quinn Hughes, and Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson.

Both Hughes brothers wore red and white USA hats, while Thompson sported a “Make America Great Again” hat, prompting widespread backlash on social media. 

“How embarrassing,” one person wrote on X in a post sharing the photo. Another person responded, calling Thompson a “scumbag” for wearing the MAGA hat

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“From here to zero in record time,” that person later added in another post. 

Karoline Leavitt Team USA hockey at White House

Karoline Leavitt shared a photo on social media posing with deputy director of communications, Margo Martin, and several members of Team USA. The photo included Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman, Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, Jack and Quinn Hughes, and Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson. Both Hughes brothers wore red and white USA hats, while Thompson sported a “Make America Great Again” hat, prompting widespread backlash on social media. (Karoline Leavitt via Instagram)

Thompson faced special criticism on social media. On his Instagram page, critics flocked to the comments on his recent post to criticize him for wearing the MAGA hat. 

“Your actions spoke louder than any cheap words you’ll invariably post as damage control,” one comment read. “We will remember you as the losers you are.” 

“A damn shame,” another post read.

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“A MAGA hat is disgraceful. You should be ashamed. We will never forget. You’re a red hat. Gross.” 

Team USA with the gold medal

Team USA men’s hockey gold medalists have irked liberal pundits and news organizations despite captivating the nation with their Olympic accomplishment. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

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Trump invited both the men’s and women’s gold medal teams to the White House and extended an invitation to the State of the Union address, but the women’s team declined, citing schedule conflicts.

In a video of the president’s phone call with the men’s team immediately after their win, Trump said he would “have” to invite the women’s team, otherwise he “probably would be impeached.” The players laughed in response to Trump’s joke, causing some backlash on social media. 

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Trump said during Tuesday’s address that the women’s gold medal team would make a trip to the White House, but he did not say when.

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Fascinating video shows how wind affects your putts on the greens

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UCL | Atalanta 4-1 Borussia Dortmund (4-3 agg): Dea miracle in Bergamo

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Atalanta performed a football miracle by overturning the 2-0 Champions League play-off first leg defeat to beat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 on the night with a last-gasp Lazar Samardzic penalty, 4-3 on aggregate.

La Dea had a big task ahead of them after losing the first leg 2-0 in Germany, their third consecutive defeat in the competition. Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori were still out of action, with Ederson only fit for the bench, but Gianluca Scamacca returned to the starting XI. Borussia Dortmund were missing Niklas Sule, Italian Filippo Mane and cup-tied Patrick Drewes, but Emre Can was back after a month out.

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See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

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BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: General view inside the stadium as players of Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund line up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Nicola Zalewski nearly scored in the fourth minute, Gregor Kobel fingertipping the angled drive past the far post, but the breakthrough arrived moments later.

Lorenzo Bernasconi got down the left and rolled across, Ramy Bensebaini sliding in got it wrong and just kept the ball going for Scamacca to tap in from six yards.

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VAR debilitating for referees, says Celtic manager Martin O’Neill

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Martin O’Neill is of the view VAR is “debilitating” for officials on the pitch as he branded the Scottish FA process for appealing against decisions “worthless”.

On Tuesday, Celtic lost their bid to have Auston Trusty’s red card against Hibernian overturned.

A club statement was critical of the ruling and called for an urgent review of VAR use, complaining that “VAR again decided to intervene to ‘re-referee’ an initial decision”.

Trusty was dismissed after a review of his chop on the arm of Jamie McGrath, while the pair tussled at a corner kick, leaving veteran manager O’Neill perplexed.

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“I did the interview after the game and someone asked me if we were going to appeal it and I thought I’m really not sure about it, the appeals in this day and age are seemingly worthless,” he said.

“But when I get the info back from the club at what has been said in VAR I thought yeah, absolutely, because the referee has seen the incident, it’s not like he hasn’t seen it.

“And then you’ve got a very excited man on VAR saying ‘delay, delay, delay’ and they ask him and he says he’s going to have a word with the players.

“Then he has to trot over to change his mind. It’s ridiculous.”

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What Michael Carrick’s permanent Man United contract could look like and what would change

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Manchester United are searching for a new permanent manager and interim head coach Michael Carrick is looking increasingly difficult to ignore

With Michael Carrick making a blistering start to his interim reign at Manchester United, many are inevitably wondering whether he’ll remain in charge beyond the end of the season.

United have won five of their six matches under Carrick, including statement victories over Manchester City and Arsenal. The club are on the hunt for a new long-term appointment, with a new manager expected to be in place before the start of the 2026/27 pre-season.

Carrick wasn’t initially viewed as a contender for the permanent role, but after breathing new life into the 13-time Premier League champions, he’s arguably surged to the front of the queue. Other contenders like Oliver Glasner, Gareth Southgate, Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann remain in frame, but the job increasingly feels like it’s Carrick’s to lose.

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With that in mind, we’ve put our thinking caps on to consider what a long-term Manchester United contract for Carrick could look like. Let’s take a closer look.

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Duration

Carrick would most likely receive a three-year contract. This follows the precedent set for permanent hires like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag.

For INEOS, a three-year window provides enough security to implement a philosophy without the “lame duck” risk of a shorter deal, while avoiding the astronomical payout liabilities that hamstrung the club following the dismissals of Jose Mourinho and Ruben Amorim.

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Staffing

Carrick would almost certainly be allowed to retain members of his current coaching staff. Steve Holland, in particularly, would stand out as a must-keep given his impressive record at Chelsea and with the England national team.

Holland is also viewed as the secret sauce behind the team’s tactical stability and newfound defensive rigidity. Retaining the blend of Holland’s elite experience with the club DNA represented by the likes of Jonny Evans creates a bridge between the first team and the academy that the hierarchy is desperate to preserve.

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Focus

Unlike previous regimes that prioritised “ready-made” stars, Carrick’s contract would likely contain a clear mandate to promote from within – placing renewed emphasis on the academy. That approach would align with the cost-conscious vision of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is keen to streamline spending while reconnecting United with the values that underpinned the most successful, youth-driven eras in the club’s history.

Last week, Carrick embarked on a 300-mile round trip to Oxford to support the FA Youth Cup team, a move that is reportedly being cited internally as proof of a manager who lives and breathes the club’s values.

Performance clauses

Expect hefty bonuses and incentives tied to Champions League qualification. Having dragged United back into the top four during his interim spell, the hierarchy will likely view UCL football as the club’s number one priority both competitively and financially.

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The contract would also be expected to include safeguards – potentially even performance-related break clauses – should Carrick fail to meet expectations.

When hiring David Moyes back in 2013 for example, Manchester United structured the deal to protect the club from a costly pay-off if results deteriorated significantly, which they did. Given Carrick’s relative inexperience at the highest level, it is unlikely those protections would be relaxed.

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Salary

A significant raise from his interim salary is expected, likely positioned in the £5million-£7m bracket. This keeps him below the Galactico wages previously commanded by Mourinho or Louis van Gaal (£10m+).

It aligns with Ratcliffe’s broader mission to right-size the club’s wage bill while rewarding Carrick for his lower-maintenance, high-output approach.

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Cole Palmer and Bruno Fernandes double transfer theory at Man United – ‘I’ve seen the rumours’

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Cole Palmer has been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer despite Liam Rosenior insisting that he is happy with Chelsea, and one Reds legend sees him as a superb signing

Lee Sharpe believes that Cole Palmer would be the perfect replacement for Bruno Fernandes, should the Portuguese playmaker opt to leave Manchester United this summer. The Wythenshawe-born 23-year-old has thrived with Chelsea since making the move from Manchester City in 2023.

And when rumours that Palmer was homesick in the English capital started to emerge earlier this year, United quickly found themselves linked with a sensational swoop for the attacking-midfielder. However, Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior was quick to downplay any suggestions that Palmer was unsettled at Stamford Bridge.

Should Palmer’s stance change in the near future, then Sharpe believes that he could excel with the Reds. However, he can’t see the talent getting into the United first-team while Fernandes is still with the club.

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Speaking to BetBrain, the Manchester United legend said: “I’ve seen the rumours about Cole Palmer returning to Manchester United, that he’s a boyhood fan of the club. Maybe if Bruno Fernandes leaves Old Trafford, then Palmer could be an option to replace him, but if he stays then I don’t see how Palmer gets into the team.

“Palmer is a really exciting player and I’d love to see him in a United shirt, but there are a lot of boxes that need to be ticked before they go and get a player of his calibre.”

It comes as Fernandes’ future beyond 2025/26 has also been cast into doubt, despite the club captain devoting his allegiance to the Reds time and time again. The 31-year-old’s current contract expires next summer, although there is an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.

However, with a wealth of interest from the Saudi Pro League last summer, it remains unknown whether his head would be turned should a lucrative deal come knocking again. It is understood that Fernandes will only hold talks with his agent regarding his future after this summer’s World Cup in North America.

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Elsewhere, United are also yet to make a decision on a new deal for Fernandes, given that they are still yet to appoint a permanent manager. Regardless of whether he stays or goes, United would be wise to invest in their engine room this summer.

Casemiro is set to part ways with Old Trafford this summer when his own contract expires, with United lacking depth outside of the Brazilian, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte – who has struggled to find his footing in the Premier League.

As a result, the Reds have been linked with a number of talents ahead of the summer transfer window, including but not limited to Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson. Elsewhere, Omar Berrada has hinted that the club’s transfer spending is not over as they take a ‘football-first approach’.

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The Chief Executive Officer said: “We are now seeing the positive financial impact of our off-pitch transformation materialise both in our costs and profitability. We continue to take a football-first approach and invest in both our men’s and women’s first teams.

“On the pitch our men’s team sits 4th in the Premier League and our women’s team are 2nd in the Women’s Super League, as well as reaching the League Cup Final and the quarter final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

“Today’s results demonstrate the underlying strength of our business as we continue to push for the best football results possible for our Men’s and Women’s teams.”

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Whether that investment will cover the £100m price tag that many see Wharton’s, Baleba’s and Anderson’s services to be worth, remains to be seen.

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Real Madrid vs Benfica live: Team news and line-ups from Champions League play-off

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Real Madrid’s starting XI

Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Ascenio, Rudiger, Carreras; Valverde, Guler, Tchouameni; Camavinga, Gonzalo, Vinicius Jr

Mike Jones25 February 2026 18:46

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Team news

The line-ups will be released any time now, so here’s a reminder of the early team news for both sides…

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is suspended, while Alvaro Arbeloa is also without the injured Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao and Dani Ceballos. Dean Huijsen is a doubt.

Manager Jose Mourinho will not be in the touchline on his return to the Bernabeu having been sent off during the first leg. Dodi Lukebakio could replace the suspended Gianluca Prestianni.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 18:40

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Match stats

This is the sixth meeting between Real Madrid and Benfica in the European Cup/Champions League – although Madrid won the first leg of this tie, Benfica are one of two sides they have faced 5+ times in the competition and lost more games (3) than they’ve won (2), along with Milan (P16 W6 D3 L7).

These two sides will meet in the Champions League for a third consecutive game (MD8 of the group phase, first/second leg of the play-offs). It’s the first fixture in competition history to be played three times in a row in the same season.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 18:30

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Kylian Mbappe ruled out of Real Madrid’s crunch reunion with Benfica in Champions League

Kylian Mbappe will miss Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off second leg with Benfica with injury.

Madrid are leading 1-0 after a fractious first leg in Lisbon which saw goalscorer Vinicius Jr accused Benfica’s Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni of racist abuse.

Prestianni has been suspended for one game – the second leg – pending an investigation by Uefa. The 20-year-old has denied racially abusing Vinicius and claimed to have been misheard.

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Chris Wilson25 February 2026 18:20

Will Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni play against Real Madrid tonight?

Prestianni was seen holding his shirt over his mouth during a heated exchange with Madrid players following Vinicius’s second-half goal in Lisbon. The Brazilian winger rushed to the referee to report what he claimed was racist abuse.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 18:10

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‘A disgrace to football’: Vinicius Jr reports racist abuse as Real Madrid match halted

Vinicius had an altercation with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni after scoring the only goal of the game and told the referee that he had been the subject of racist abuse. The match was then paused following Uefa’s three-step racism protocol.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 18:00

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When is Real Madrid vs Benfica?

The second leg of the Champions League knockout play-off tie is due to kick off at 8pm GMT on Wednesday 25 February at the Estadio Bernabeu in Madrid.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 7.30pm GMT. A live stream will be available via discovery+.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 17:52

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Predicted line-ups

Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rudiger, Carreras; Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Guler; Vinicius, Mbappe.

Benfica XI: Trubin; Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl; Rios, Aursnes; Lukebakio, Rafa, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 17:46

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Team news

Manager Jose Mourinho will not be in the touchline on his return to the Bernabeu having been sent off during the first leg. Dodi Lukebakio could replace the suspended Gianluca Prestianni.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 17:41

Team news

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is suspended, while Alvaro Arbeloa is also without the injured Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao and Dani Ceballos. Dean Huijsen is a doubt.

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Chris Wilson25 February 2026 17:37

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