Thursday, May 22, 2025
Manchester United Back Amorim Despite Europa League Final Loss
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Manchester United remain fully supportive of manager Rúben Amorim and plan to retain him for next season despite the team’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final in Bilbao on Wednesday.
The defeat ended Amorim’s first season without silverware and confirmed that United will miss out on European football next season — only the second time in 35 years.
Board Still Confident in Amorim
Sources have told ESPN that Amorim’s position was never dependent on the Europa League final result. United’s leadership continues to believe that the 40-year-old Portuguese manager is the right long-term choice, despite a poor domestic run that includes 14 defeats in 26 Premier League games since his appointment last November.
Plans to reinforce the squad this summer are already underway. However, failure to qualify for the Champions League is expected to significantly limit the club’s transfer market flexibility. United are set to miss out on up to £100 million ($134m) in potential revenue.
“We have two plans for the market,” Amorim said post-match. “It’s tough for a club like ours not to be in the Champions League. But we’ll use this time to focus on the Premier League and work more during the week.”
He also reiterated that he would leave without compensation if the board decided to part ways.
No Public Vote of Confidence Needed
Despite the setback, United’s board has no intention of issuing a public statement of support. Internally, their stance on Amorim remains firm. The club even plans to proceed with a celebratory BBQ for players, staff, friends, and family — originally intended to mark a Europa League victory — as a show of unity.
The final Premier League match of the season against Aston Villa at Old Trafford is expected to serve as a litmus test of fan support for Amorim.
Financial Implications of the Loss
Champions League absence results in an immediate revenue drop of at least €80m ($90m), with potential losses reaching €150m ($169m) if a deep run had occurred.
United also forfeit the €4m ($4.5m) Super Cup appearance fee awarded to Spurs, who will face either Inter Milan or PSG on August 13.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Spurs Edge Man United in Chaotic Europa League Final to End Trophy Drought
Tottenham Hotspur claimed their first major silverware since 2008 — and their first European title in four decades — with a chaotic 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final at San Mamés. The performance wasn’t pretty, but for Spurs, the result was all that mattered.
Ange Postecoglou, known for his attacking philosophy, abandoned flair in favor of sheer pragmatism — a tactical shift that evoked the Mourinho era more than his own high-pressing legacy. It paid off, as Tottenham battled through a scrappy, disjointed match to lift the trophy.
The match itself was frenetic and messy, with both teams playing like underdogs in disbelief at their place in a European final. Neither side found rhythm, and Tottenham completed just 115 passes — with a staggering 61% pass completion rate. But Spurs stayed compact and committed, grinding out the win in classic cup-final fashion.
The decisive moment came in the second half, when Richarlison’s clever reverse pass unlocked the United defense. Rodrigo Bentancur fed Pape Sarr, whose inswinging cross led to a clumsy own goal as Luke Shaw inadvertently knocked the ball past his own goalkeeper, André Onana, under pressure from Brennan Johnson.
It was a fittingly chaotic goal for a disorganized game, but it marked sweet redemption for Johnson. The winger had been a target of fan frustration earlier in the season, even deactivating his social media after online abuse. Now credited with the winning goal — his 18th of the season — he celebrated a personal triumph amid team glory.
Despite some nervy moments, including a goal-line clearance from Micky van de Ven after a Guglielmo Vicario error, Spurs held firm. The final whistle unleashed unfiltered joy: players in white dancing, fans roaring, and Postecoglou beaming as his “second-season trophy” trend continued.
For now, Spurs won’t care how they won. But looking ahead, a bigger question looms: will Postecoglou’s Tottenham lean into this newfound grit, or return to the expansive football that defined his rise?
Friday, May 9, 2025
UFC 315 Preview & Predictions: Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena Headlines a Stacked Card
UFC 315 is set to deliver a thrilling night of action this Saturday, featuring two high-stakes title fights. In the main event, reigning welterweight champion Belal Muhammad will defend his belt for the first time against the surging Australian contender Jack Della Maddalena. The co-main event sees Valentina Shevchenko looking to retain her women’s flyweight title against France’s Manon Fiorot, who is riding a 12-fight winning streak.
Main Event: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena
Muhammad captured the title by decisively defeating Leon Edwards and now looks to extend his 12-fight unbeaten streak. Known for his relentless pace, durability, and grappling-heavy approach, Muhammad enters as a -190 favorite. However, he faces a stiff challenge in Della Maddalena (+150), a dangerous striker with 17 straight wins—14 of which came via stoppage.
The matchup presents a classic striker-vs-grappler clash. Muhammad has the cardio and control to neutralize opponents over five rounds, while Della Maddalena has knockout power and sharp boxing that can end fights quickly. Critics have called Muhammad's style dull, but his consistency and pressure make him a tough puzzle to solve.
Co-Main Event: Shevchenko vs. Fiorot
Valentina Shevchenko returns to defend the title she recently regained from Alexa Grasso. Although now 37, she remains a well-rounded threat with elite fight IQ and championship experience. Fiorot, meanwhile, has taken out top contenders with a technical striking game and superb distance control. Despite Shevchenko’s pedigree, Fiorot is the slight favorite (-140), with the champ at +115.
This fight could come down to how well Fiorot handles Shevchenko’s clinch work and takedowns. If Shevchenko can slow the tempo and turn the bout into a tactical battle, her experience could edge out a win on the scorecards.
Full Fight Card & Odds (Select Bouts)
Belal Muhammad (c) -190 vs. Jack Della Maddalena +150 – Welterweight Title
Manon Fiorot -140 vs. Valentina Shevchenko (c) +115 – Women’s Flyweight Title
Jose Aldo -220 vs. Aiemann Zahabi +175 – Featherweight
Natalia Silva -225 vs. Alexa Grasso +175 – Women’s Flyweight
Benoit Saint Denis -1115 vs. Kyle Prepolec +750 – Lightweight
Other exciting names on the card include Joshua Van, Jasmine Jasudavicius, and Mike Malott in action-packed prelims.
CBS Sports Staff Predictions
Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena:
Majority pick: Muhammad
Analysts praise Muhammad's conditioning and grappling edge, though some warn against underestimating Della Maddalena’s striking power and improvement in takedown defense.
Shevchenko vs. Fiorot:
Split opinion, but slight lean toward Shevchenko.
Experts cite Shevchenko’s veteran savvy and adaptability as key to winning a close fight.
Aldo vs. Zahabi:
Unanimous pick: Jose Aldo
Zahabi is respected for his progress and discipline, but Aldo’s superior striking and experience are expected to carry him to victory.
With two championship belts on the line and legends like Jose Aldo on the card, UFC 315 promises a must-watch night of MMA. Whether you're backing the champs or rooting for the hungry challengers, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Lakers Trade Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić in Stunning NBA Blockbuster
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New York Knicks on Saturday, but the real shock came afterward with one of the most stunning trades in NBA history.
In a three-team deal involving the Utah Jazz, the Lakers are sending Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris.
The news was so unexpected that some speculated insider Shams Charania’s account had been hacked. However, reports from the Los Angeles Times and Dallas Morning News quickly confirmed the deal. There had been no prior indication that either team was looking to trade an All-Star.
According to Marc Stein, Dončić did not request a trade—it was actually the Mavericks who initiated talks with the Lakers. The move reportedly caught Dončić off guard. Even LeBron James, often seen as the Lakers' de facto general manager, was reportedly at dinner when the trade was announced and had no idea it was coming.
Monday, January 13, 2025
Tyson Fury Retires from Boxing Following Rematch Defeats to Oleksandr Usyk
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| Fury was beaten twice by Usyk in 2024 which has led to his announcement |
Former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, known as the "Gypsy King," has announced his retirement from boxing after back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, marking the end of a storied career.
Fury’s future had been the subject of speculation since his rematch loss to Usyk last month. The 35-year-old had previously been linked to a blockbuster two-fight deal with Anthony Joshua in 2025, but those plans are now on hold following his decision to step away from the sport.
Retirement Announcement
Fury was beaten twice by Usyk in 2024 which has led to his announcement
Fury revealed his retirement via social media, prompting reactions from prominent figures in the boxing world. Speaking at a press conference for the upcoming rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, shared his thoughts.
“My take on it is that he is retired,” Warren told talkSPORT. “I’m not going to try to debate or persuade him. After the Usyk rematch, I told him, ‘Go away, spend time with your family, and think about your future. You’ve had an extraordinary career—two-time heavyweight champion, financially secure—and boxing will miss you.’”
Warren dismissed speculation that Fury’s announcement might be a negotiating tactic for a potential Joshua fight. “Negotiating tactic? For what? He’s the A-side in any fight card. AJ needs him, not the other way around,” he said, referencing Joshua’s recent knockout loss to Daniel Dubois.
Mixed Reactions
Eddie Hearn, promoter for Anthony Joshua, also weighed in. “If this is really it for Fury, we wish him the best,” Hearn said. “It’s a disappointment for British boxing, especially now when it’s the perfect time to make the Fury-Joshua fight. But if his decision is genuine, good luck to him.”
A History of Retirements
This isn’t the first time Fury has announced his retirement. In 2013, he stepped away after a proposed fight with David Haye fell through but returned to claim the heavyweight title twice.
In April 2022, Fury declared his retirement after defeating Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium in front of a sold-out crowd, only to make a comeback later that year to fight Derek Chisora.
A Legacy Sealed
Fury retires with a legacy as one of the most charismatic and accomplished heavyweights in boxing history. Despite the recent losses to Usyk, his career highlights include dethroning Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 and his iconic trilogy with Deontay Wilder.
While questions remain about whether this retirement will stick, one thing is certain: Tyson Fury’s impact on boxing will be felt for generations to come.
Sunday, January 5, 2025
When do Detroit Lions play another? NFL playoffs plan set
That's extraordinary news for a Lions squad that has earned the 1-seed in the NFC and homefield advantage all through the postseason until the Super Bowl with a colossal win with everything on the line.
Had the Lions misplaced, they would've been on the street for a Monday Night Football amusement vs. the Rams. Presently, that will be the Vikings instep after getting cleared by Dan Campbell's squad.
NBC's Mike Tirico declared the playoff plan in the to begin with quarter of the Lions-Vikings game.
Without getting the 1-seed, the Lions would miss out on the first-round bye and begin their street to the Super Bowl on the street in Los Angeles in the wild-card round.
It would've been the moment straight year the Lions have played previous quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams in the to begin with circular and the third time they've played them in the final 12 months after the Lions beat the Rams in the playoffs final year, 24-23, and at that point beat them once more in Week 1, 26-20, in overtime.
But for presently, fans do not have to stress approximately Stafford and McVay. At slightest for a week.
LIVE UPDATES:Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings live score: Overhauls, highlights from 1 seed battle
Here's what we do know around when the Lions will be on the field next:
When do Detroit Lions play next?
The Lions will be off for a week and will get a few much required rest and recuperation some time recently returning to the field either Jan. 18 or Jan. 19, depending on what the NFL plans.
Thursday, January 2, 2025
College Football Playoff scores:
Notre Lady handles Georgia in Sugar Bowl, propels to confront Penn State in semifinal
The College Football Playoff elimination rounds are set.
Notre Lady adjusted out the quartet on Thursday with a overwhelming win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl in Modern Orleans. The Irish will play Penn State in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9 at 7:30 ET.
Texas will meet Ohio State in the other elimination round in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10 at 7:30 ET.
The Sugar Bowl was postponed a day after a fear based oppressor assault on Bourbon Road in Modern Orleans in the early hours of Jan. 1 cleared out 15 dead and handfuls harmed. But the amusement carried on without issue on Thursday, but with a more somber tone and a lighter swarm
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Keenan Allen: Shane Waldron was "just excessively pleasant of a person"
Keenan Allen: Shane Waldron was "just excessively pleasant of a person"
