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SHEFFIELD, England — There was a time when Arsenal struggled to justify favouritism on nights like this, but it is a measure of their transformation under manager Mikel Arteta that Sheffield United were cowering in fear before kick-off. Empty seats were dotted around Bramall Lane at kick-off with many home fans presumably fearing the worst after a torrid campaign to date. They weren’t wrong. Within 15 minutes, Martin Ødegaard, a…

Manchester United have been approached by representatives of several managers believing that Erik ten Hag could be removed from his post before the start of next season, sources have told ESPN. Ten Hag is under pressure following the 3-1 derby defeat to Manchester City on Sunday which left his team sixth on the Premier League table. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) The Dutchman has been told that…

Lionel Messi had just won his fourth FIFA Ballon d’Or in Jan. 2013 in Switzerland when the son of Eduardo Aparecido Ney da Silva was born a few days later in Campinas, in the countryside of São Paulo, Brazil. Two events that, although seemingly distant, are related. This relationship became even more curious in Feb. 2013 when the 11-year-old boy appeared on the Daily Informative Bulletin (BID) of the Brazilian…

It’s been another action-packed weekend in European soccer, so let’s review. Sunday brought the Manchester derby and with it, a fresh reminder as to how far back Man United are from Pep Guardiola and Man City. Real Madrid returned to Valencia, where Vinicius was racially abused last season, and the 2-2 draw came with plenty of controversy on and off the pitch. Premier League leaders Liverpool got a late, late…

MANCHESTER, England — By the end, the 192nd Manchester derby had provided a fair idea of where the city’s two biggest clubs are. Manchester City, dominant for so much of the afternoon at the Etihad Stadium, won 3-1 to stay in the hunt for a record fourth successive Premier League title. Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, meanwhile, decided the only way his team could match their neighbours was to…

The summer transfer window is still a way from reopening in Europe, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals! Barcelona have joined a swathe of European giants tracking FC Copenhagen starlet Roony Bardghji, according to Mundo Deportivo. Manchester United, Juventus, Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen, Paris Saint-Germain and Real…

Another weekend of European football action is underway, and there was no shortage of drama — particularly in Spain. There was more referee drama with Real Madrid, there were protests in Valencia, and there was vindication for Vinícius Júnior. Elsewhere on the continent, Luis Enrique stirred the pot quite considerably in Kylian Mbappé’s Paris Saint-Germain swan song, while Bayern Munich took another step toward coronating Bayer Leverkusen as Bundesliga champions.…

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) on Saturday decided against introducing a new blue card as part of trials of sin bins. Football’s lawmakers announced in November measures to improve player behaviour and increase respect for match officials, which included temporary dismissals for dissent and specific tactical offences, and only allowing team captains to speak to the referee. In addition, The IFAB also approved trials of “cooling-off periods,” whereby if…

Brazil boss Dorival Junior has named uncapped teenagers Sávio and Lucas Beraldo in his first squad since taking over as head coach in January. Sávio, 19, and Beraldo, 20, have been rewarded for their performances at Girona and Paris Saint-Germain, respectively, and are included in the 26-man group for Brazil’s upcoming international friendlies. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) “I have no doubt that they are players ready…

Saudi Arabia launched its formal campaign to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup in a race that basically became a formality last October when the Gulf nation was the only candidate to enter the contest. The Saudi football federation revealed the bid slogan “Growing. Together” and a campaign logo of two multi-colored ribbons forming the number 34. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) The logo “is designed to…