Football

Mason Greenwood's Marseille debut was a resounding success, as he scored twice in a 5-1 rout of Brest in Ligue 1. The former Manchester United forward opened the scoring within three minutes and added another from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark. Luis Henrique also netted twice for Marseille, while Elye Wahi converted a second penalty to complete the scoring.Greenwood's arrival at Marseille has been met with controversy, as he was suspended by Manchester United in January 2022 following allegations of attempted rape and sexual assault. However, prosecutors dropped the charges in February 2023, and he spent last season on loan at Getafe.Despite the off-field concerns, Greenwood's performance on Saturday was impressive. He was involved in all three of Marseille's first-half goals, winning the penalty for the second and setting up both of Luis Henrique's strikes.Marseille's new manager, Roberto De Zerbi, was delighted with his team's performance. "I'm very happy with everything. I'm very pleased with the result and the attitude of the team," he said. "I don't know if we're really good and I don't know where we'll come, but people must be sure that this is a group of hard-working players, which is important."Brest's third-place finish last season was their best ever, but they got off to a poor start in their first game of the new campaign. They conceded three goals in the first half and were unable to recover."We're certainly going to have to rethink things if we want to get a good result at Lens," said Brest coach Eric Roy. "You can go down heavily as we did today... what's important is to know a bit about this team's ability to react."In another Ligue 1 match, Lille beat Reims 2-0 despite a frightening head injury sustained by Angel Gomes. The former Manchester United midfielder was knocked unconscious by a clash of heads and had to be stretchered off the pitch.Lille coach Bruno Genesio said he was "very, very scared" by the incident and criticized the conduct of Reims midfielder Amadou Kone, who was sent off for the challenge."There are things we shouldn't see on a pitch. There are fouls you can excuse. This one for me is not one," said Genesio.Bafode Diakite put Lille ahead towards the end of 34 minutes of added time in the first half and Jonathan David sealed victory late on.Monaco, last season's runners-up, beat promoted Saint-Etienne 1-0 courtesy of a Takumi Minamino goal.Paris Saint-Germain began their title defense with a 4-1 win at Le Havre on Friday in their first game since the departure of talisman Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid.

Manchester United's talismanic midfielder, Bruno Fernandes, has extended his stay at Old Trafford until June 2027, signaling his unwavering commitment to the club. The Portuguese maestro has been a pivotal figure for the Red Devils since his arrival in January 2020, amassing an impressive tally of 79 goals in 234 appearances.Fernandes' new contract, which includes an option for a further year, is a testament to his exceptional contributions and the club's belief in his abilities. The 29-year-old has played a key role in United's recent resurgence, helping them secure the FA Cup last season and guiding them to a promising start under new manager Erik ten Hag."Everybody knows the passion I have for Manchester United," Fernandes declared. "I understand the responsibility and significance of wearing this shirt, and the levels of dedication and desire required to represent this incredible club."Fernandes' unwavering loyalty to United is evident in his words: "I have had so many special moments here already... But I wouldn't have signed this contract if I didn't believe that my best moments in a United shirt are still to come."The Portuguese international's new deal is a major boost for ten Hag's team, which has already witnessed the arrivals of Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui this summer. United will be hoping to build on their FA Cup triumph and improve upon their eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season.Fernandes' presence in the midfield will be crucial for United's aspirations. His exceptional vision, passing range, and goalscoring prowess make him a formidable force on the pitch. With his leadership and determination, he will undoubtedly continue to inspire his teammates and drive the club towards success.

Manchester United has made a significant move in the transfer market by acquiring two highly-rated defenders from Bayern Munich: Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. The signings are part of a major overhaul of United's defense, which has been a source of concern in recent seasons.De Ligt, a 25-year-old center back from the Netherlands, has signed a five-year deal with the option to extend for another year. He is known for his exceptional defensive abilities, including his physical presence, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game. De Ligt's arrival is expected to bolster United's backline and provide much-needed stability.Mazraoui, a 26-year-old full back from Morocco, has signed a contract until June 2028, also with the option to extend for a further year. He is a versatile defender who can play on either the right or left side. Mazraoui is known for his attacking prowess, including his ability to create chances and deliver crosses. His addition to the squad will provide United with more options in the full-back positions.The transfer fees for De Ligt and Mazraoui were not officially disclosed, but British media outlets have reported that United paid a combined fee of 60 million pounds ($77 million) for the duo.To make way for the new arrivals, United has sold Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham for a reported fee of 15 million pounds ($19 million). Wan-Bissaka, a right-back, had been with United for five years and was known for his exceptional one-on-one defending. His departure opens up a spot for Mazraoui in the starting lineup.The signings of De Ligt and Mazraoui, along with the acquisition of 18-year-old center back Leny Yoro from Lille, represent a significant investment in United's defense. The club is hoping that these new additions will provide the stability and quality needed to challenge for major trophies in the coming seasons.

Maximilian Beier, the German international striker, has joined Borussia Dortmund on a five-year contract. The 21-year-old arrives from Hoffenheim, where he spent the past six years after coming through the Energie Cottbus youth system.Beier's move to Dortmund is a significant step in his career. He has been one of the most promising young strikers in the Bundesliga, scoring 16 goals in 33 games in his first full season. He also received his first senior international call-up in March and was part of Julian Nagelsmann's Germany squad for the European Championship.Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said Beier was the club's "top target" after Niclas Fuellkrug's departure for West Ham. "He's very self-assured on the pitch despite his young age, and he has impressive pace, he never stops running and he poses a real goal threat," said Kehl."On top of that, he has the versatility to play in several positions and in various systems. There's scope for him to develop further, and we'll help him become an even better player. He's a down-to-earth person who's willing to learn, and his hard work and commitment make him the perfect fit for BVB."Beier is excited about the opportunity to join Dortmund. "I'm really excited to take this next major step in my career," he said. "Borussia Dortmund is a great club with a rich history and a passionate fan base. I'm looking forward to playing in front of the Yellow Wall and helping the team achieve success."Beier's arrival is a boost for Dortmund, who are looking to challenge for the Bundesliga title this season. The club has already signed Niklas Sule from Bayern Munich and Karim Adeyemi from RB Salzburg this summer.

Julian Alvarez, the Argentine forward who has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining Manchester City in 2022, is reportedly set to depart the English champions for Atletico Madrid in a deal worth up to 95 million euros.Alvarez, 24, joined City from River Plate for a mere £14 million and has since become an integral part of Pep Guardiola's squad. He played a key role in Argentina's World Cup and Copa America triumphs, and has also won two Premier League titles and the Champions League with City.Despite his impressive contributions, Alvarez has often found himself playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland, who has been City's undisputed starting striker since his arrival last summer. With Alvaro Morata leaving Atletico Madrid for AC Milan, Alvarez is expected to become the main man in the Spanish capital, where he will have the opportunity to work under compatriot Diego Simeone.Atletico Madrid are determined to challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona for the La Liga title after a disappointing fourth-placed finish last season. They have already added Euro 2024 winner Robin Le Normand and Norwegian forward Alexander Sorloth to their squad, and Alvarez's arrival would further bolster their attacking options.For Manchester City, Alvarez's departure will be a significant loss, but it will also provide them with a substantial financial windfall. The club may now be forced to enter the transfer market in the final weeks of the window to find a suitable backup for Haaland.

Arsenal have bolstered their defensive ranks with the acquisition of Italian international Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. The 22-year-old left-back has penned a long-term contract with the Premier League giants, reportedly worth £42 million ($54 million) over five years.Calafiori's arrival at the Emirates Stadium marks Arsenal's second major signing of the summer transfer window, following the permanent acquisition of goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford. The Gunners are eager to improve upon their second-place finish in the 2023/24 Premier League season, where they narrowly missed out on the title to Manchester City by just two points.Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his delight at securing Calafiori's services, hailing him as a "great signing" who will provide "huge strength" to Arsenal's defense. Arteta praised Calafiori's "big personality and character," as well as his "specific skills" that will enhance the team's ability to compete for major trophies.Calafiori has impressed with his performances for both Bologna and Italy in recent seasons, earning a call-up to the Azzurri squad for Euro 2024. His progression and development over the past year have been particularly noteworthy, according to Arteta.The Italian defender is expected to play a key role in Arsenal's quest for silverware in the upcoming campaign. His arrival adds depth and quality to the Gunners' backline, which already includes Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Takehiro Tomiyasu.With Calafiori now on board, Arsenal will be looking to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title and other domestic and European competitions in the 2024/25 season.

Cristiano Ronaldo's move to the Saudi Pro League has made him the highest-paid footballer in the world, earning double the salary of Neymar. The Portuguese superstar's astronomical wages have set a new benchmark in the league, which has emerged as a lucrative destination for global stars.Ronaldo's salary dwarfs that of his fellow top earners, Karim Benzema and Neymar. The former Real Madrid captain Benzema earns a significant sum, but it pales in comparison to Ronaldo's earnings. Neymar, despite making only five appearances for Al-Hilal in the 2023-24 season due to injury, still managed to pocket a staggering €20 million per game.The Saudi Pro League's top 10 salaries list reveals a significant disparity between the wages of the global superstars and the rest of the league. Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, N'Golo Kante, and Aymeric Laporte round out the top 10, but their salaries are considerably lower than the top three earners.The influx of global stars to the Saudi Pro League has raised eyebrows, with reports suggesting that English Premier League stars Casemiro, Ederson, Alisson Becker, and Kevin De Bruyne could also make the switch. This influx of talent has transformed the league into a competitive and exciting destination for football fans.Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia has sparked debate about the future of the sport. Some argue that the financial incentives offered by the league could lure top players away from Europe's elite leagues, while others believe that the move could help develop the game in the Middle East.

Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek's tumultuous four-year spell at Manchester United has come to an end, as confirmed by the player himself on July 10. Van de Beek's time at Old Trafford was marked by disappointment and frustration, with the 27-year-old failing to live up to the promise he showed at Ajax.After joining United from the Dutch giants in 2020 for a fee of £34 million ($43 million), Van de Beek struggled to make an impact under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and later Ralf Rangnick. He made just 62 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, scoring only twice.In an attempt to revive his career, Van de Beek was sent on loan to Everton during the 2021-22 campaign. However, his spell at Goodison Park was equally unsuccessful, with the midfielder making just seven Premier League appearances.Last season, Van de Beek was loaned out to German club Eintracht Frankfurt, where he enjoyed a more productive spell. He made 28 appearances for the Bundesliga side, scoring five goals and providing two assists.Despite his improved form in Germany, Van de Beek's future at United remained uncertain. The arrival of Erik ten Hag as manager raised hopes that the Dutchman could be given a fresh start, but it became clear that he was not part of the new boss's plans.Van de Beek's departure from United marks the end of a disappointing chapter in his career. Once considered one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe, he has failed to fulfill his potential at Old Trafford.According to reports, Spanish side Girona are set to sign Van de Beek for a fee of around £4 million. The Catalan club, who will play in next season's Champions League, are believed to be keen on adding the Dutchman to their squad.Van de Beek's move to Girona could provide him with the opportunity to rebuild his career. The Spanish club play an attacking style of football that could suit his strengths, and he will be hoping to rediscover the form that made him a star at Ajax.

Erik ten Hag's future at Manchester United has been secured after a positive post-season review by club chiefs. The Dutchman, who is entering the final year of his contract, is set to extend his stay at Old Trafford.Ten Hag's first season at United was a mixed bag. While he led the team to a League Cup triumph and a third-place finish in the Premier League, they also suffered disappointing exits from the Champions League and FA Cup. However, a stunning 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final has boosted his reputation.Despite United's eighth-place finish in the league, their lowest since 1990, and their early Champions League exit, Ten Hag has impressed the club's hierarchy with his work ethic and commitment to developing the team.The 54-year-old has admitted that he inherited a "mess" when he arrived at United, but he believes that the team is now on the right track. "We are now better but by far not where we want to be," he said after the FA Cup final.Ten Hag's success in his first season has seen him linked with other top clubs, including Bayern Munich and Chelsea. However, he has repeatedly stated his commitment to United and is eager to continue the project he has started.The club's new co-owner, Jim Ratcliffe, is believed to be a supporter of Ten Hag and is keen to keep him at the helm. Ratcliffe has reportedly held talks with Thomas Tuchel, but the former Chelsea boss has ruled himself out of the running.Other managers who have been linked with the United job include Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter, Thomas Frank, Roberto De Zerbi, and Gareth Southgate. However, Ten Hag's strong finish to the season has convinced the club that he is the right man to lead them forward.