For JJ Bleday, it was about getting closer to home (“Midwest, east coast, however you want to say it”), about the talent and manager and about an opportunity to perform, and win, he said.For the Cincinnati Reds, it was about this. Everything the former No. 4 overall draft pick and sweet-swinging lefty hitter has done since getting that chance.“Coming into spring training I felt good, I felt like there was some opportunity here, and when I got optioned out of spring I still felt like I was in a good spot mentally and physically,” said Bleday, who signed a $1.4 million free agent deal over the winter after a frustrating season with the Athletics.“I just kept rolling with what I was doing in spring and took advantage of playing every day down there in Triple-A and worked on my approach and continued to get better," he said. “I was able to get the call and be up here, and it’s just about trying to keep on carrying it through.”Nobody has been better at that for the Reds since the kid from western Pennsylvania earned that call April 25 when Eugenio Suárez was forced to the injured list by an oblique injury — so good that Bleday might put himself into consideration for a first All-Star bid if he keeps it up.Meanwhile, two months into the season, he tops our list of the Reds’ best off-season acquisitions for 2026, a list that so far is missing some of the bigger investments.The top 5:1. OF JJ Bleday, 28, free agent ($1.4 million)Bleday homered in his first game in a Reds uniform and hasn’t looked back. Through Saturday he was hitting .295 with a .395 on-base percentage, nine home runs and 1.024 OPS in just 29 games.As struggling Opening Day regulars such as TJ Friedl and Matt McLain have dropped from the top of the order (and alternately out of the lineup), Bleday has taken on larger roles toward the top and middle of the order for a team that has struggled offensively as a group much of the season.If there was a Reds MVP award for May, he’d own it.2. CF Dane Myers, 30, trade from Marlins (for OF prospect)Myers doesn’t earn the elevated spot on the list as much for the numbers he has produced as the valuable fit he has provided.His exceptional fielding in center made him a late-inning replacement when he wasn’t starting early in the season, a valuable platoon piece with lefty-hitting Friedl and eventually an option for more playing time when Friedl struggled so badly the first two months.Myers also has come up with big hits along the way for a team that hasn’t had a lot of them.3. 1B/DH Nathaniel Lowe, 30, free agent ($1.75 million)The hard-hitting lefty with the Gold Glove and World Series-champion credentials didn’t sign until the first week of spring training, looked like a tough roster fit for a team with three regulars capable of playing first base and then started only two of the Reds’ first 12 games.But as his playing time increased out of need for offensive options, Lowe has become one of the most productive bats on the club.From April 24, when he hit his first home run of the season (actually two), through Saturday, when he hit No. 9, Lowe hit .286 with a 1.011 OPS and 20 of his 25 RBIs, in 27 games.4. RHP Pierce Johnson, 35, free agent ($6.5 million)This one hurts. Literally (just ask Johnson).When the veteran stabilizer in a beat-to-hell bullpen landed on the injured list with elbow inflammation over the weekend he took one of the last reliable relievers still standing for a Reds bullpen that has the second-highest walk rate in the league and has been a team weakness for much of May.Johnson’s IL move came one day after the club lost key leverage reliever Graham Ashcraft for what might be the season with an elbow injury and three weeks after closer Emilio Pagán suffered a long-term hamstring injury.Johnson had a 3.27 ERA in 24 appearances, a respectable walk rate and the coveted trust of the manager to get big outs.LHP Brock Burke, 29, 3-team trade (Gavin Lux to Rays)With all due respect to $15 million slugger Eugenio Suárez, who doesn’t make our list (so far) because of a no-show start to the season, Burke has quietly been the closest thing to a workhorse, if not a rock, in the struggling bullpen, leading the league in appearances along the way.Given the otherwise pen-crushing injuries to key late-inning relievers, the moves to bolster that group over the winter look especially valuable now. Burke has walked too many guys but gotten the job done often enough to have a 3.60 ERA at the one-third mark of the season despite his role in the bullpen’s struggles in May.Wait for it? DH/3B Eugenio Suárez, 34, free agent ($15 million)The highest-paid guy on the team has been a protective presence in the middle of the lineup for Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart when he was healthy.But he’s played barely half the Reds’ games because of an oblique injury and through Saturday had as many strikeouts (38) as hits (25) and walks (13) combined. And just three home runs.The Reds don’t need him to slug at the 49-homer pace he produced last year. But they need a reasonable facsimile of the hitter he’s been throughout his career (.462 slugging percentage) over these final four months.This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top 5 offseason moves for Cincinnati Reds, with one big name missing

Denny Hamlin — winner: "The 20 (Christopher Bell) and 19 (Chase Briscoe) were battling so hard in that first corner, it let me get to the inside of the 20 in the first corner there of the restart. And from there, side by side with the 20, and he drove in so deep on that last lap into 1, it allowed me to just barely clear off 2. But man, what an unbelievable day. Starting first, going to last and then back to first. I definitely jumped the start. Looking back at it, just didn’t wait quite long enough. Thank you to this sellout crowd. It’s been an honor."Bubba Wallace — 32nd: “Minding our own business again. Another week our team doesn’t get the finish they deserve. I’m tired, man. It’s hard to be in the same boat constantly every week. You got to figure out how to put it behind you and show up. I somehow become the bad guy the days following this, but I got to figure out how to be better and learn from it. It’s really hard when you are driving your best and trying to just make progress throughout the race, and you get wiped out. On to Michigan.”Brad Keselowski — 34th: "I know I got hit from behind. Can’t really put myself in somebody else’s head. It’s a shame. I felt like we had just made the adjustments on the car that we needed to be competitive. And it’s pretty clear he wrecked me intentionally after seeing that replay. So turnabout is fair play."AJ Allmendinger — 35th: "Felt nothing until it exploded. No warning signs. Brakes weren’t soft or anything like that. I don’t think I overused them. I think it’s more horsepower, low downforce. I guess we’re using more brake than in the past, but yeah, it sucks. We were having a good day."Ross Chastain — 37th: “We had a right-front brake rotor failure. It came apart and I just put it against the fence. You can’t slow down once the rotor is out of it. The car was okay, but it’s a rule that you can’t replace the rotors. It’s a bummer for Trackhouse Racing and our No. 1 Chevrolet team. We had a really good car and that’s something to hang our hats on. We had speed and grip, and we were able to pass cars after starting deep in the field. There’s a lot to take away on the good side.”Connor Zilisch — 38th: “There was no warning at all. No pedal fade. The team was telling me that we had a little bit more glow than we would like, and that went away as the run went on. It just kind of came as a surprise. It’s unfortunate for our No. 88 Chevrolet team. I felt like we were moving in the right direction. We made up around 15 spots in the first few laps of the race. Just hate to cut another night short.”WILL BE UPDATED

Even diehard fans might not know this cool secret about one of the Cincinnati Reds' statues outside Great American Ball Park.The Reds' gallery of bronze player statues features an elite lineup of all-time greats. From Pete Rose to Joe Nuxhall to Joe Morgan and to Johnny Bench, each statue boasts exceptional detail that helps exhibit the player's greatness and legacy.Tony Perez's statue, however, might feature the most unique detail of all, and it's very easy to miss.Unveiled in 2015, Perez's statue captures the moment when the Reds first baseman hit a history-changing home run during Game 7 of the 1975 World Series against the Boston Red Sox. The two-run blast over the Green Monster at Fenway Park helped the Reds rally from behind to a 4-3 victory.The statue's hidden detail, or "Easter egg," isn't found anywhere on the actual statue though. For that, you have to turn around and look at the top of the building located directly across Joe Nuxhall Way.More: Tony Pérez 'alive, well ... stronger than most of us,' per son EduardoYou might have to squint your eyes, but if you look closely enough, you'll notice a bronze-colored baseball mounted on top of the roof of the Current at The Banks apartment building.The ball is meant to simulate Perez's home run ball sailing over the Green Monster, and it was all the idea of Tom Tsuchiya, the local artist and mastermind behind all of the Reds' statues.Tsuchiya thought "it'd be really cool" to emphasize Perez's major role in a pivotal moment in Reds history by including this hidden detail."It is kind of an Easter egg and I did that for that reason," Tsuchiya said. "Some people know about it, but the majority of people have no idea, and that's also kind of the fun part."Tsuchiya also noted the replica ball on the building isn't made of the same material as the actual statue. Instead, he said it's made out of a foam that is coated in plastic. This was done so that it doesn't become a danger in the event that it detaches and falls on a bystander below.The hidden ball is one of Tsuchiya's favorite features on all of the statues he's sculpted.He said another one of his favorites is found on the butt of the Pete Rose statue. In this case, he carved a figure of Rosie Red onto Rose's backside as a tribute to the Rosie Reds, whose members helped Tsuchiya create the statue.So next time you find yourself at Crosley Terrace outside Greater American Ball Park, be sure to look out for Perez's home run ball, as well as other hidden details on any of the other statues.Who is Tony Perez?The Cuban-born Perez, now in his mid 80s, played third and first base for the Cincinnati Reds from 1964 to 1976, and again from 1984 to 1986. He was a seven-time All-Star and was an integral part of the "Big Red Machine," which won back-to-back World Series in 1975 and 1976.He also managed the Reds for 44 games in 1993. In 2000, Perez was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: The hidden detail in the statue of Cincinnati Reds legend Tony Perez

AHMEDABAD: In the end, it had to be him.Virat Kohli fittingly applied the finishing touches as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sealed a second straight IPL title, chasing down 156 to beat Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a one-sided final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday night.'King' Kohli smashed Arshad Khan over long-on for six to finish things off with two overs to spare, capping a dominant performance.— timesofindia (@timesofindia) Unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls (9x4, 3x6), Kohli produced a sparkling knock under pressure, bringing up a 25-ball half-century, the fastest of his IPL career, to ensure RCB's bowlers' earlier brilliance did not go in vain. As chants of his name echoed across a packed stadium of over 90,000, the modern great delivered yet another defining performance on the biggest stage.RCB thus became only the third team after Chennai Super Kings (2010-11) and Mumbai Indians (2019-20) to win back-to-back IPL titles, a remarkable turnaround for a franchise long haunted by near-misses.— TOIBengaluru (@TOIBengaluru) Put in after losing the toss, Gujarat Titans never recovered from early blows and were restricted to a modest 155 for eight. Josh Hazlewood (2-37) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2-29) set the tone in the Powerplay with disciplined hard lengths on a lively surface offering bounce and carry. The prized wickets of Shubman Gill (10) and Sai Sudharsan (12) effectively broke the backbone of GT's batting.Rasikh Salam then ensured there was no respite for the hosts, finishing with an impressive 3-27. The seamer's wickets of Nishant Sindhu, Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan underlined a standout campaign in which he picked up 19 wickets in 12 matches, staking a strong claim for India selection. Krunal Pandya complemented the pacers superbly, returning 1-23 and removing Jos Buttler (19) with a smart piece of bowling.Also read: Virat Kohli seals title with six, Anushka Sharma erupts in wild celebrationIf GT crossed 150, it was largely due to Washington Sundar's fighting 50 off 37 balls. Walking into a precarious situation, the allrounder showed composure and resolve, helping the Titans recover from 63 for two at the halfway mark to add 92 in the final 10 overs. However, the effort was never enough to turn the tide. The Titans' downfall stemmed from poor shot selection and an inability to build partnerships. Gill's ill-judged pull off Hazlewood, resulting in a simple catch to Rajat Patidar, set the tone. Sudharsan soon followed, top-edging a bouncer from Bhuvneshwar. At 26 for two, GT were already on the back foot, exposing an untested middle-order.Also read: Virat Kohli reveals lifelong IPL final wishTheir highest partnership was a mere 29 for the third wicket between Buttler and Sindhu, a reflection of an innings that never gained momentum. There were just three sixes in total, highlighting RCB's control with the ball and GT's lack of intent. RCB's chase was emphatic from the outset. Kohli and Impact Player Venkatesh Iyer (32 off 16) added a brisk 62 in just 27 balls to seize early control. Though Rashid Khan briefly raised hopes with a double strike in the ninth over, when he dismissed Patidar (15) and Krunal (1), there was little doubt about the eventual outcome with Kohli in sublime touch. 131433704Also read: Record shattered! Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer script fastest fifty in IPL final history as RCB storm chase

PROVIDENCE — It will be at least Tuesday before the Division III softball winner’s bracket final is decided. Tiverton and Rogers were suspended due to rain in the bottom of the third inning Sunday night at Rhode Island College. The Tigers held a 6-5 lead on the Vikings and were batting with two outs and nobody on when umpires halted the action. Lia Doster was at the plate with a full count when the call was finally made to stop playing. Both pitchers were starting to have difficulty gripping the ball and some mud was forming around each base. The fans who remained just prior to 10 p.m. headed quickly for their cars at the premature conclusion. Morgan DiManno’s run-scoring triple to center and an RBI groundout by Abby Gilfillen helped Tiverton overcome a 5-3 deficit in the third. Sarah Poland grounded an RBI single up the middle in the first and an error plated two runs in the second to help the Tigers erase an early 4-0 hole. Rogers started quickly in the top of the first, sending all but one of its nine hitters to the plate. Jazelle Ramons whacked a two-run triple to deep right-center to highlight the rally, scoring courtesy runner Catalina Schroder and Charlotte Plowden. Alexandra Brown’s safety squeeze bunt added another run in the second. Inclement weather forced a 40-minute delay in the opening Division I matchup between La Salle and Chariho but largely held off when the Division II meeting between Lincoln and Johnston was decided. The Rams surged to a 7-3 victory over the Chargers and the Lions walked off with a 3-2 triumph over the Panthers. The Tigers and Vikings started about 90 minutes after the initially scheduled 7 p.m. first pitch. Tiverton’s seniors have academic commitments that prevented the game from being continued Monday. Exeter-West Greenwich and Middletown are due to play an elimination game, and the winner will now be forced to wait before battling the loser of this clash between the Tigers and Rogers. Interscholastic League officials are likely to confirm a new starting time for Tiverton and the Vikings sometime Monday morning.Rogers 410 – 5 4 3 Tiverton 123 – 6 5 2 Lila Leys and Nora Gardullo. Lia Doster, Liliana Luis (2) and Abby Gilfillen. bkoch@providencejournal.com On X: @BillKoch25 This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Division III softball winner’s bracket final suspended due to rain

Third-ranked heavyweight contender Sergei Pavlovich went into his UFC Macau main card bout against up-and-comer Tallison Teixeira without a lot to gain. Teixeira was ranked No. 15 in the division.A win for Pavlovich wouldn't have moved the needle unless the win was quick and brutal. He delivered, finishing the Brazilian in just 39 seconds. Following the win, Pavlovich called for a title shot."Remember we talked to you and I said to you, 'First, let me knock him out then we'll talk about the belt,'" Pavlovich told Michael Bisping in his post-fight interview. "This is the time now. I'd like to talk to Dana [White]. Dana, give me the title shot, or at least give me a contender fight." Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall continues to recover from being double eye poked in his UFC 312 title defense against Ciryl Gane last October. In his absence, the fight promotion will crown an interim heavyweight champion on June 14 on the UFC Freedom 250 fight card at the White House. Gane takes on former two-division titleholder Alex Pereira in the fight card's co-main event. Pavlovich doesn't care who wins but he wants to face the winner."It doesn't matter to me who wins. I want to get the winner," said the Russian. "I work hard. I work every single day. I want the belt." UFC Macau Octagon Interview: Sergei Pavlovich

LEBANON – It’s “still tough,” said NASCAR’s Bubba Wallace. Sadly, it’ll continue to be.Thoughts will wander to what happened. To his absent friend. To Kyle Busch’s family. To those “conversations that you wish you had” with Busch when you could, Wallace said.And, also, to advice Wallace once received from racing royalty.“Richard Petty told me this when we were driving for him: ‘It's not work when you get in the car,’” Wallace said. “That's where we come to life and have fun and get to be ourselves. … Throughout all the stuff going on last week, on the racetrack, off the racetrack, you just wish you could hit the fast-forward button to Sundays and to be able to escape it all for a couple of hours.”So it was on the cool, pleasant evening of May 31 at Nashville Superspeedway. This year’s Cracker Barrel 400, ultimately won by polesitter Denny Hamlin, had a cathartic feel.Middle Tennessee welcomed NASCAR back at an especially unfortunate and emotional time. The sport, clearly, was still grieving the tragic death of Busch, one of its most successful and well-known drivers. Busch died suddenly on May 21 from pneumonia that progressed into sepsis.In a world accustomed to the risks drivers take on any track in every race, it was more difficult to wrap minds around an otherwise healthy 41-year-old having that happen.“It just reminds you that there's more life outside of just racing,” Kyle Larson said, “and there’s more risks outside of just racing as well. Enjoy your time on this earth, because you definitely never know when your time is up.”Three days later, the show went on for NASCAR. The Coca-Cola 600 went off as planned in Charlotte, which is what Busch would have wanted, drivers agreed.Had they not run? Wallace imagined Busch’s criticism would've been with words unfit for a family newspaper. “So, yes,” Wallace added, “I think it was good (to race).”“It was really weird not having Kyle there (in Charlotte),” Chase Elliott said. “It's still weird not having him here again this weekend, and moving forward, I think it always will be.”Indeed, there will be few places NASCAR can go without traces of Busch’s racing legacy. Nashville’s revitalized track over in Wilson County certainly held plenty of those memories.This Superspeedway was where Busch famously smashed a Les Paul guitar after a win in 2009. Then, 12 years later, he playfully mimicked like he’d do it again (but didn't) after a NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts win that was his 100th series victory.“I love racing in Nashville,” Busch said in 2019, and that love was tangible at the track all weekend. Reminders of Busch were everywhere, from hats to shirts to decals to the No. 8 near Turn 4 to the paint scheme of Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s No. 47 car to the honorary silence from the track’s public address system during the eighth lap of the NASCAR Cup Series race.On May 30, the two previous race winners Layne Riggs (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) and Justin Allgaier (NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) each bowed to the crowd, a clear nod to Busch’s celebratory style.Even country music’s Gavin Adcock, the honorary pace car rider, noted how he’d been a Busch fan for most of his life.“It’ll be kind of bittersweet going out there,” said Adcock beforehand.He was wearing a black “Rowdy” tank top. Reach Tennessean sports columnist Gentry Estes at gestes@tennessean.com and hang out with him on Bluesky @gentryestes.bsky.socialThis article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: As NASCAR mourns Kyle Busch, the show goes on for Nashville's race

LEBANON – It’s “still tough,” said NASCAR’s Bubba Wallace. Sadly, it’ll continue to be.Thoughts will wander to what happened. To his absent friend. To Kyle Busch’s family. To those “conversations that you wish you had” with Busch when you could, Wallace said.And, also, to advice Wallace once received from racing royalty.“Richard Petty told me this when we were driving for him: ‘It's not work when you get in the car,’” Wallace said. “That's where we come to life and have fun and get to be ourselves. … Throughout all the stuff going on last week, on the racetrack, off the racetrack, you just wish you could hit the fast-forward button to Sundays and to be able to escape it all for a couple of hours.”So it was on the cool, pleasant evening of May 31 at Nashville Superspeedway. This year’s Cracker Barrel 400, ultimately won by polesitter Denny Hamlin, had a cathartic feel.Middle Tennessee welcomed NASCAR back at an especially unfortunate and emotional time. The sport, clearly, was still grieving the tragic death of Busch, one of its most successful and well-known drivers. Busch died suddenly on May 21 from pneumonia that progressed into sepsis.In a world accustomed to the risks drivers take on any track in every race, it was more difficult to wrap minds around an otherwise healthy 41-year-old having that happen.“It just reminds you that there's more life outside of just racing,” Kyle Larson said, “and there’s more risks outside of just racing as well. Enjoy your time on this earth, because you definitely never know when your time is up.”Three days later, the show went on for NASCAR. The Coca-Cola 600 went off as planned in Charlotte, which is what Busch would have wanted, drivers agreed.Had they not run? Wallace imagined Busch’s criticism would've been with words unfit for a family newspaper. “So, yes,” Wallace added, “I think it was good (to race).”“It was really weird not having Kyle there (in Charlotte),” Chase Elliott said. “It's still weird not having him here again this weekend, and moving forward, I think it always will be.”Indeed, there will be few places NASCAR can go without traces of Busch’s racing legacy. Nashville’s revitalized track over in Wilson County certainly held plenty of those memories.This Superspeedway was where Busch famously smashed a Les Paul guitar after a win in 2009. Then, 12 years later, he playfully mimicked like he’d do it again (but didn't) after a NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts win that was his 100th series victory.“I love racing in Nashville,” Busch said in 2019, and that love was tangible at the track all weekend. Reminders of Busch were everywhere, from hats to shirts to decals to the No. 8 near Turn 4 to the paint scheme of Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s No. 47 car to the honorary silence from the track’s public address system during the eighth lap of the NASCAR Cup Series race.On May 30, the two previous race winners Layne Riggs (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) and Justin Allgaier (NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) each bowed to the crowd, a clear nod to Busch’s celebratory style.Even country music’s Gavin Adcock, the honorary pace car rider, noted how he’d been a Busch fan for most of his life.“It’ll be kind of bittersweet going out there,” said Adcock beforehand.He was wearing a black “Rowdy” tank top. Reach Tennessean sports columnist Gentry Estes at gestes@tennessean.com and hang out with him on Bluesky @gentryestes.bsky.socialThis article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: As NASCAR mourns Kyle Busch, the show goes on for Nashville's race

A first Women’s Super League (WSL) title in a decade. Khadija “Bunny” Shaw secured for four years. And now the Women’s FA Cup. How are you going to celebrate, Manchester City?Great question. But first, let’s sign England left-back Niamh Charles from Chelsea, fill the space vacated by the outgoing Leila Ouahabi.If there is a lesson to be gleaned from City’s domestic double-winning season, it is this tireless pursuit of perfection.City were far from perfect against Brighton at Wembley. For the first half an hour, they were bullied on the ball and dragged around off it, their salvation being some last-ditch defending from Alex Greenwood and Jade Rose and the fact Brighton kept forgetting what to do when they got within six yards of City goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita. After half an hour, Brighton had managed 11 touches in City’s box to City’s one at the other end, unstuck by Brighton’s dynamic high press and relentless running.“In our own attacking way, we didn’t have the starting position that we wanted, so we were making it too easy for them to defend, which was using the width of the field with the right players,” head coach Andree Jeglertz said in his post-match press conference. “We lost the ball three or four times in the first half.“Then the press, they did it a little bit different than we expected, so it took some time for us to identify it and solve it.”In the second half, substitute Aoba Fujino initially didn’t have the space for the right shot after Shaw’s run and Vivianne Miedema’s dummy, so the Japan international conjured it herself. And, eventually, Miedema got on the end of Kerstin Casparij’s cross, because someone always eventually gets on the end of one of them.“Our job is to be better,” Jeglertz added. “That’s the key thing. We work with that every day. Never be pleased, never be comfortable. If we become that, even if we are leading 2-0 (at half-time), then suddenly the next game will be a struggle for us.“I was feeling a little bit upset in some parts in half-time also because I felt that we didn’t do exactly what we talked about before the game, which was leading to our problems. We did much better in the second half.“But I think that has to be our way. No matter if you are leading in half-time, we are here to win, but we also need a performance that we can be proud of.“It’s more like the hunger of being as good as you can.”Dynasty is the word people within City keep using. It’s an easy word to use when you’re already sitting at the top, two trophies in hand and with the world’s best striker not walking out to a direct rival. Actually building one is a different beast, a feat of consistency, of mettle, of mental fortitude.They are intangibles that City have largely come to curate and foster this season under Jeglertz, an appointment that looks all the more prescient by sporting director Therese Sjogran following the decision to part ways with long-time manager Gareth Taylor in March 2025. Sjogran wanted to win silverware, a rationale that is now more than vindicated 14 months on.City were always capable of this. Jeglertz admitted on his arrival that the technical calibre of the squad was already at a title-winning level. But mentally and culturally, work remained to be done to transform a squad full of potential into champions.A lasting through line this season has been the desire to be better, to keep pushing, even when cruise control could be the easy option.“Of course, I’m tired,” Jeglertz quipped at the end of this press conference. “But at the same time, I’m a little bit like, OK, so how do we do when we start in July? I’m already in that mindset, but I can do it hopefully on a beach instead of being in Manchester to do it.“But I always think of how we can do things better in July.”This article originally appeared in The Athletic.Manchester City, Women's Soccer2026 The Athletic Media Company

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander describes Thunder's 2025-26 season with one word originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The 2025-26 NBA season was an eventful one for the Oklahoma City Thunder.Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won his second consecutive NBA MVP award and the Thunder made it all the way to the Western Conference finals before being bested by the San Antonio Spurs in seven games.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says 2025-26 season was a 'failure' for Thunder Ultimately though, the Thunder fell short of their goal of winning a championship, so Gilgeous-Alexander needed just one word to describe the season: Failure. “It was a failure. I failed at my goal," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "I didn’t achieve what I wanted to achieve." But, for Gilgeous-Alexander, the best improvement are often born from failure, and he doesn't expect things to be any different this time around. "But through those experiences, I learn the most about myself and make the greatest amount of increases in my career when I fail at my goal and don’t get what I want, and I look at this no different," Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I didn’t get where I wanted to go this season. There’s a reason for that. I have to look at that reason and try to make sure it never happens again.”This story will be updated. More NBA news: Dallas Mavericks' Kyrie Irving provides major offseason injury updateAnthony Davis reveals which Lakers player he misses the most, and it's not LeBron JamesCleveland Cavaliers' James Harden provides NBA retirement timelineNew Orleans Pelicans new head coach reveals plan for Zion WilliamsonNikola Jokic's backup gets brutally honest about his future with Denver Nuggets

AJ Brown to Patriots seems imminent after two GMs reveal what they know originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The A.J. Brown trade saga is approaching its final act. SportsBoom's Jason La Canfora reported Sunday that two separate NFL general managers, neither involved in the negotiations, told him the same thing about where things stand between the Eagles and Patriots."I hear it's New England for a 2028 first-round pick. He's a good football player, but that's a helluva deal for Howie," one GM said.The second GM was even more direct."It's getting done. Howie is ready to put this behind him."Why the 2028 first-round pick represents a compromise both sides can live withThe compensation figure isn't what Eagles GM Howie Roseman originally sought. Philadelphia entered negotiations wanting a 2027 first-round pick, and New England resisted, largely because the 2027 class is widely regarded as deeper and more valuable than this year's, making the pick worth more. The 2028 pick softens that.“I hear it's New England for a 2028 first-round pick. He's a good football player, but that's a helluva deal for Howie”“It's getting done. Howie is ready to put this behind him.”Two separate NFL general managers not involved in the AJ Brown negotiations on what they are… pic.twitter.com/tzEbFnNXrp— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) May 31, 2026The Eagles have spent the offseason rebuilding their receiver room around this outcome. They drafted Makai Lemon with the 20th pick, added Marquise Brown, Dontayvion Wicks, and Elijah Moore in free agency, and still have DeVonta Smith as the lead target for Jalen Hurts.Philadelphia's willingness to absorb the 2028 pick tracks with Roseman's history. He accepted a 2026 third-round pick from Carolina for Haason Reddick in 2024 and used the Jets' Quinnen Williams trade as his comp framework.The addition fills the biggest need on the roster for the Patriots. Stefon Diggs led the Patriots in receiving yards during their Super Bowl run last season and is now a free agent.Brown is a three-time Pro Bowler. He has topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last four seasons, giving Drake Maye a genuine No. 1 target who changes what New England can do offensively.

The economy is in a terrible mess.

A.I. slop is reconstituting a shared cultural base line.

Denny Hamlin shaved a little bit off of Tyler Reddick's NASCAR Cup Series points lead after winning the Cracker Barrel 400 on May 31 at Nashville Superspeedway.Reddick remains the points leader after another solid day, finishing in 6th despite crashing at the finish.Chase Briscoe made up a lot of ground ahead the Chase cutoff with a third-place finish combined with DNFs by Brad Keselowski, Bubba Wallace and Ryan Preece.Here's the updated NASCAR Cup Series points standings:CUP RESULTS IN NASHVILLE: Who won NASCAR Nashville race? Winner is Denny Hamlin, plus full resultsNASCAR points standings, Cup Series points update after Nashville raceUnofficial after NashvilleTyler Reddick 657 points, +353 to 17th placeDenny Hamlin +255Ryan Blaney +179Chase Elliott +156Ty Gibbs +145Kyle Larson +105Christopher Bell +95Chris Buescher +89Carson Hocevar +79Daniel Suarez +74William Byron +48Shane van Gisbergen +44Brad Keselowski +43Chase Briscoe +39Bubba Wallace +34Austin Cindric +2Ryan Preece -2 behind 16thJoey Logano -9Michael McDowell -31Zane Smith -34Erik Jones -36AJ Allmendinger -40Ricky Stenhouse Jr. -43Austin Dillon -62Todd Gilliland -66Ross Chastain -67Riley Herbst -82John Hunter Nemechek -93Noah Gragson -104Ty Dillon -129Josh Berry -132Alex Bowman -146Cole Custer -156Connor Zilisch -159Cody Ware -189This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR points standings, Cup Series points update after Nashville race

Denny Hamlin shaved a little bit off of Tyler Reddick's NASCAR Cup Series points lead after winning the Cracker Barrel 400 on May 31 at Nashville Superspeedway.Reddick remains the points leader after another solid day, finishing in 6th despite crashing at the finish.Chase Briscoe made up a lot of ground near the Chase cutoff with a third-place finish combined with DNFs by Brad Keselowski, Bubba Wallace and Ryan Preece.Here's the updated NASCAR Cup Series points standings:CUP RESULTS IN NASHVILLE: Who won NASCAR Nashville race? Winner is Denny Hamlin, plus full resultsNASCAR points standings, Cup Series points update after Nashville raceUnofficial after NashvilleTyler Reddick 657 points, +353 to 17th placeDenny Hamlin +255Ryan Blaney +179Chase Elliott +156Ty Gibbs +145Kyle Larson +105Christopher Bell +95Chris Buescher +89Carson Hocevar +79Daniel Suarez +74William Byron +48Shane van Gisbergen +44Brad Keselowski +43Chase Briscoe +39Bubba Wallace +34Austin Cindric +2Ryan Preece -2 behind 16thJoey Logano -9Michael McDowell -31Zane Smith -34Erik Jones -36AJ Allmendinger -40Ricky Stenhouse Jr. -43Austin Dillon -62Todd Gilliland -66Ross Chastain -67Riley Herbst -82John Hunter Nemechek -93Noah Gragson -104Ty Dillon -129Josh Berry -132Alex Bowman -146Cole Custer -156Connor Zilisch -159Cody Ware -189This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR points standings, Cup Series points update after Nashville race

It was big weekend for Oregon State as the Beavers landed three commitments including talented Lehi (Utah) linebacker Brody Downs. We had a commitment prediction in for Oregon State to land Downs prior to the visit and he said going in to the trip, his plan was to make it official.“I was pretty confident coming in I was going to commit,” Downs said. “I’ve been to Oregon State before, for a spring practice and also the Spring Game. “After meeting all the coaches and seeing their belief in me, I knew Oregon State was a great fit so I’m really excited about my decision.”Downs said there were several reasons why he committed to Oregon State. “The biggest factors for me were the opportunity they agave me and how strong the culture is out there,” Downs said. “Cort Dennison is my main recruiter and he did a phenomenal job.“I’m really close with all the coaches and have a strong connection with everyone. I feel like I have the same beliefs as the team and that’s part of the culture I was talking about.”We had a chance to see Downs at the Under Armour Next Camp in Utah and he’s one of the more athletic ‘backers in the region. He’s a solid 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, can run and his 4.2 shuttle time and 32” vertical jump were among the best marks for any of the linebackers. “I think I’m going to fit in really well in their defense,” Downs said. “They see me as a mike (middle) or jack (hyrbrid) linebacker that can move around and I like the fit. “I just feel really blessed with this opportunity. Oregon State feels like home and I’m very excited to have my decision locked in and I think the Beavs are going to turn some heads this year.”

After a long and busy offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers are set to kick off their first mandatory workouts on Tuesday. A new era has begun with head coach Mike McCarthy coming in and bringing an entirely new philosophy and approach to practice and workouts. Here are the storylines we will be watching.The continued evolution of the offensive linePittsburgh is making a radical change on the offensive line by moving last year's starting right tackle and right guard to the left and starting over on the right. We really want to see where rookie offensive linemen Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker fit in the rotation.Allar vs Howard round 2Round 1 of Drew Allar versus Will Howard at OTAs went to Howard and we want to see if Allar can bounce back and show growth as the team searches for their next franchise quarterback.Backup wide receiver battleDK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. are locked in but the battle between veteran Roman Wilson and rookie Germie Bernard is going to be must-watch TV.Hold ins for defensive starsThe Steelers have two star defenders, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and edge Nick Herbig, waiting patiently for massive new contracts. Porter has already hinted at a hold in but we want to see if he and Herbig join each other on the sidelines next week.This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers storylines at the start of mandatory OTAs

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Omar Alderete, Granit Xhaka and Nordi Mukiele of Sunderland celebrate the goal during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Newcastle United at Stadium of Light on December 14, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) | Visionhaus/Getty Images In practice, all it took was one accurate cross from Nordi Mukiele and for Newcastle United’s Nick Woltemade to temporarily forget how to execute a defensive header as he thundered the ball into the roof of his own net, but if the first staging of the 2025/2026 Wear-Tyne derby was defined by a single moment, its wider ramifications were far more reaching.On the day Eddie Howe brought his team to Wearside and Newcastle and Sunderland reignited their inter-regional rivalry in front of the eyes of the footballing world, everyone in red and white rose to the occasion magnificently.Although not the greatest game of football to watch, with both teams arguably relying on grit and tenacity to try and emerge victorious, it was a hugely symbolic occasion, the game being played twenty four hours after the passing of the legendary Gary Rowell and everyone tapping into the sheer emotional energy that crackled inside the stadium from the first whistle.Months later, it was the turn of the Lads to storm St James’ Park.A duff first twenty minutes was followed by a much improved subsequent seventy, and after Chemsdine Talbi hauled us level and Enzo Le Fée did what he does better than anyone in the build up, Brian Brobbey took centre stage for the final flourish (“All you Geordies…” as the song goes) stabbing the ball home in front of the Leazes End as we stunned the Mags once again.Two games. Two wins. Six points. One memorable campaign and one thoroughly underwhelming one. One club and set of supporters with a European campaign to look forward to; the other wallowing in rancour, bitterness, and the fact that their one-time starboy winger is evidently far more proficient in Spanish than anyone knew about — “Mes Que Mid-Table Mediocrity”, indeed.Suffice it to say, we’re all loving this. And rightly so. Because after the years of misery, mockery and seeming hopelessness, Sunderland fired an almighty shot across the bows of Newcastle United in 2025/2026, serving notice of our intentions and proving that Saudi petro-dollars and grandiose statements alone aren’t enough to secure local bragging rights.Something to savour? You’re damn right.Why shouldn’t we bask in the glory of finishing as the North East’s leading top flight side for the first time since 2016? Why should we slip humbly away for the summer and exude an air of false modesty when in reality, a seventh-place finish versus the Mags’ twelfth was fully merited over the course of thirty eight games?For years, they revelled in our misfortune, insulting, mocking, and belittling us, as well as claiming that they’d heard of none of our players and referencing that godawful FA Cup tie on a regular basis — and we had to attempt to grin and bear it.Now, it’s different. For once, this was our time, and boy, should we take a tremendous amount of pride in what’s happened recently. Sunderland’s 2025/2026 season was memorable for any number of reasons, but this was right up there.Perhaps the divergence between the two clubs really began last summer after we secured a berth in the Premier League in the most thrilling fashion possible.At the time, various Newcastle-affiliated social media pages, perhaps giddy on the sugar rush of their League Cup triumph and Champions League qualification, gleefully joined the chorus, proclaiming that we were doomed to fail, that we wouldn’t have the pull to attract players of the requisite quality and that the race for North East supremacy was surely going to end with Howe’s side on top.Thankfully, Florent Ghisolfi, Kristjaan Speakman, Régis Le Bris and the players didn’t read that memo. Lost in the post, it seemed. Or maybe they just didn’t give a stuff what others thought and got on with the job anyway, driven by the goal of making sure that the gloomy predictions weren’t going to come true.As we searched the European markets for signings that could add leadership, the dynamism of youth, excitement, skill, experience and durability to the ranks without needing to pay way over the odds, our black and white neighbours were purchasing status symbols, shiny new toys without the batteries included and half of the pages of the instruction manual missing.Our strike rate when it comes to recent transfer business has been hugely impressive. Theirs? Not so much, with mega-money additions not yielding the return they hoped and grumblings that often veered into outright abuse based on Howe’s supposed ceiling as a head coach — that’s gratitude for you, isn’t it?Our new additions slotted in seamlessly, immediately getting on board with how we do things at Sunderland, buying into Le Bris’ vision and ingratiating themselves with the fans with wholehearted performances. Granit Xhaka led, and others followed, with a diverse squad quickly gelling and setting about the league in impressive style.Throughout the campaign, we were hard to beat; resilient, ferociously committed and organised. Twenty two points gained from losing positions hinted at a cast-iron mentality, whereas Newcastle losing almost thirty from winning positions hinted at a major frailty — a frailty that came back to haunt them during the second half in their own backyard.Twenty years ago, Sunderland went down with fifteen points, with a Stadium of Light derby thrashing inflicting one of the final blows as we sank into the Championship in ignominious fashion and Newcastle eventually snuck into Europe for 2006/2007.However, there was a wonderful sense of reverse symmetry to how this season unfolded and how we went about our business when up against the supposed might of those from Tyneside. Back then, there was nothing but apathy; now there’s a real sense of purpose, belief and incredible pride. It wasn’t supposed to be this way, if you believed the black and white content creators and often-dismissive journalists, but it is. As to the future, perhaps Newcastle will bounce back next season.Maybe they’ll learn from the litany of screw-ups that torpedoed their chances during 2025/2026 and will be stronger for the experience, but you can bet your life that we’ll be just as fired up and just as prepared for the challenge ahead.It’s obvious that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Ghisolfi, Le Bris and the players are determined to ensure that we’re here to stay, and after throwing a major scare into our nearest and not-so-dearest during an unforgettable campaign, the challenge will be to ensure that this isn’t just a flash in the pan but a period during which we can equal and surpass our state-funded neighbours during the league campaign, give them two damn good games a season, and emerge triumphant.Robin Roefs, Xhaka, Mukiele, Omar Alderete, Chris Rigg, Talbi, Brian Brobbey…Newcastle fans will remember those names. Ignorance can no longer be used as a half-baked excuse, and they’ve certainly heard of them now.

Mick Robinson said they would just like some information from the council [BBC]Officials at an athletics club in Nottingham feel they are being ignored over much-needed repairs and maintenance at its facilities.Notts Athletics Club said the track at the Harvey Hadden Stadium needed to be relaid and the throwing cage either repaired or replaced.Mick Robinson, chairman of the club, added that the main stand at the site had also now been fenced off and floodlights padlocked.Nottingham City Council said the stands had been closed due to "health and safety concerns" and that it was looking for "viable funding options" for renovations. It added it had been keeping the club informed of progressThe main stand at the stadium has been fenced off [BBC]Robinson said the main issue was the track, as without it being relaid, they may have to consider moving."We have a lot of dilapidated equipment, but it's pointless replacing the equipment if we don't know for a fact we've got a future, and the surface of the track is obviously a major expense and we need to know that's going to be done," he added.Notts AC welfare officer, Fiona Palmer, said: "It really is in a bad state. We have anywhere from 50 to 100 kids on a Wednesday night. It's just not fit for purpose."Notts AC says the track is not fit for purpose [BBC]The stadium was built in the 1950s and was partly funded by Harvey Hadden, a Nottingham textile merchant and philanthropist.A High Court order created the Harvey Hadden Stadium Trust, a charity with the city council as the sole trustee. Under the order, the council is required to maintain the stadium.Robinson added in recent months, there had been no access to the stand at the stadium, with a health and safety notice put up."They [Nottingham City Council] fenced it off and padlocked it and we've got no idea why that's been done, we've had no communication from the council," he said."During the summer months it won't be an issue because people are out and about on the grass bank, but during the winter months, when it's obviously poor weather, the mums and dads go and sit under there to watch their kids training."Fencing is preventing use of the stand during competitions [BBC]Notts AC said it spent about £80,000 per year on facility hire and currently had about 350 members.The stadium and track are also used by the athletics clubs at Nottingham's universities.David Mellen, executive member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: "Due to a range of health and safety concerns relating to the stand structure, use of the stand was paused."However, as unauthorised access persisted, fencing was installed as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. Use of the track itself has not been interrupted."Some elements of the facility are now simply old and, as would be expected over time, have naturally reached the point where replacement is needed."We have been working for some time to identify an appropriate programme of works alongside viable funding options, and we plan to provide an update later this year."While we recognise the concerns raised, officers have continued to engage constructively and are working to incorporate the club's needs in balance with the wider programme of usage of Harvey Hadden stadium, including schools, clubs and colleges."As the main stakeholder for the facility, we continue to work with Notts AC and are keeping the club informed of progress."Listen to BBC Radio Nottingham on Sounds and follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. More on this story Race against time to save athletics trackCommunity group bids to take over athletics trackRunning clubs restore 'forgotten' athletics track Related internet links Notts ACNottingham City Council

A new documentary follows the adventures of a group of Wolves fans who went to the Mexico World Cup in 1986 and never came back to the UK [Gary Allen]They were a group of Wolves fans who had lost their jobs and wanted the adventure of attending a World Cup, flying 5,000 miles to experience the 1986 tournament in Mexico .But instead of coming back to the Black Country afterwards, the place they had lived for all their lives, they decided not to return home to Stourbridge and Lye, and embarked on new lives in the US. These men are the focus of a new documentary, Lost Down Mexico Way, bringing the extraordinary story of these football fans to life, 40 years after it all started.The stars of the documentary are referred to by their nicknames: Adder (Gary Allen), Rabbithead (Garry Hardwicke), Batesy (Stuart Bates), Arnie (David Arnold), and Texas Steve (Steve Dawson)Jack Leigh, the director of the documentary, joked: "None of them ever get called by their first name for the duration of the film, but they all have about 20 different nicknames, so it's really hard to edit."The gang experienced a whole new world when they flew out to Mexico [Gary Allen]Leigh, who works for production company Eight Engines, said he could not ignore an email pitching the documentary, sent by Gary Allen."We get tons of people inquiring about stories, and normally we kind of fob them off a bit," he said."But this one sort of stuck with me and I just emailed him back and said, 'it's very hard to get documentaries made but I think it's a great story and if it did ever get made, I'd watch it'."Three months later, they were filming a taster for the documentary on location in Mexico.The pitch for a documentary about the group's exploits in Mexico and the US stood out to director Jack Leigh [Eight Engines]Gary Allen now lives in Atlanta, having retired from running his own company last year."In 1986, Margaret Thatcher was in power, a few of us had lost our jobs, so we planned to go to the World Cup in Mexico," Allen told the BBC.The group flew over to Houston, Texas, making their way down to Monterrey in Mexico, where Allen said the group was hit by "insane" heat.In the documentary, David Arnold said: "Mexico was one of those countries I had to look up on the map, it sounded so exotic. "We thought it would be the ultimate cool thing to go to a World Cup on the other side of the world."Arnold joked that the group did not even know which language was spoken in Mexico, with none of them speaking Spanish.The group had to adjust to the rules of the new country, getting arrested at one stage for being shirtless, having also drunk beer in the streets.The men thought it would be the "ultimate cool thing" to go to the World Cup in Mexico [Gary Allen]"It was the best thing we'd ever seen," Allen said."At this point, we're all thinking 'this is the life, this is a lot better than what we were doing back in England'."After the World Cup and a brief jaunt to Belize, the gang flew to Dallas, Texas."America was a different kettle of fish – the opportunity was the biggest thing for us," Allen said."You could get a job anywhere. I had three jobs in the first three or four weeks. "Your accents got you the women, you played on that. We didn't want to leave."In the documentary, Dawson said: "It was the funnest summer of my life."The men found new lives abroad, setting up businesses and meeting their wives in the US [Gary Allen]The documentary follows the men's adventures over the years, and their friendship that has endured through four decades."Batesy lives in Houston and Steve in Dallas, I go see them once or twice a year and we still talk on the landlines," Allen said.While he admitted he had periods of feeling homesick over the first few years, he never regretted the move."The jobs were here, the money was here, we all got wives here," he said."Everything here was 10 times better than we had in Stourbridge, but I miss Stourbridge like I wouldn't believe."When asked what attracted him to Allen's email out of all the documentary pitches he received, Leigh said there was a genuine kindness to the group, who were all good storytellers."I just think there's such a level of charm to the guys, and they're so relatable," he told the BBC."They're just working-class lads, going on this truly incredible adventure."Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. More like this story Football Ultras: A menace or a force for good?The footballer setting record straight after 46 yearsKevin Bridges explores state of football in 'heartfelt' World Cup documentary Related internet links Lost Down Mexico WayEight Engines

‘World-class’ winger heading to World Cup has privately green-lit MUFC move after announcing he’s leaving his clubRafael Leao has set his sights on a move to the Premier League this summer, with Manchester United said to be his preferred destination, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.It comes after the winger confirmed his desire to leave AC Milan and embark on a new challenge, having spent seven years at the club.What has Rafael Leao said about his future?Speaking to Sport TV over the weekend, Leao said: “I think I’ve given Milan everything I could give. It’s been a club that helped me grow a lot, that supported me in the tough moments. I’m happy to have managed to write my name in the club’s history.”Everyone has their dreams, their challenges, the things they desire, [and] the goals they want to reach. And I, too, want to try a new challenge in a new league.”It’s thought the attacker went public with his wishes in order to invite as many suitors as possible to make their approaches for him.In addition, it puts Milan in a situation where they have little to no choice but to facilitate his exit, given that everybody now knows his head is elsewhere.What’s more, Leao also seemingly hinted at a preference for the Red Devils, adding: “I often watch the Premier League. I like Manchester United, especially because of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is my idol, but also Arsenal is a team I follow on TV.”United keeping tabs on Leao ahead of the window openingAny potential transfer will likely have to wait until Portugal have finished their World Cup campaign.The 26-year-old was called up to Roberto Martinez’s squad last month and, after the team has played out two friendlies against Chile and Nigeria, will jet off with his teammates to kick off their group stage journey against DR Congo on June 17.Leao, hailed as‘world-class’by former Red Nani, hasn’t overseen his most prolific club season by any means, returning only 10 goals and three assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. His best term for I Rossoneri came in 2022/2023 when Milan were reigning Scudetto winners, and he notched a hugely impressive 15 goals and 10 assists in 35 Serie A matches.Leao’s complete record for MilanMore Stories / Latest News‘World-class’ winger heading to World Cup has privately green-lit MUFC move after announcing he’s leaving his club Jun 1 2026, 6:15Man United chase 22-year-old La Liga ace, Liverpool and Chelsea watching closely May 31 2026, 8:30Man United to battle PL rivals for 29-year-old “true professional” from Bundesliga May 31 2026, 8:00

TOPSHOT - Germany's forward #26 Deniz Undav celebrates scoring his team's first goal during a friendly match between Germany and Finland ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament, in Mainz, western Germany on May 31, 2026. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images After Germany’s 4-0 win against Finland on Sunday, Deniz Undav was asked if he gave a good argument to be in the starting lineup for the upcoming World Cup. His response (as recorded @iMiaSanMia), “That’s for the coach to decide. I did my job well today and last time.”Against Finland, Undav opened the scoring for Germany in the 34th minute and assisted Wirtz shortly after halftime to double the lead. He added a second goal to make it 3-0 in the 57th minute. He left the match moments later with a minor knock. The two goals and assist was a great follow up to his last Germany appearance where scored the late winning goal against Ghana. Undav had a great season with VfB Stuttgart. He scored 25 goals and recorded 14 assists across all competitions, helping his team make it to a second consecutive DFB-Pokal final and a fourth place Bundesliga finish, qualifying for next season’s Champions League. If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor… Join the conversation!Sign up for a user account and get:New, improved notifications system!Fewer adsCreate community postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community posts

Aurelian Tchouameni: Real Madrid’s stance comes to light Manchester United’s hunt for Casemiro’s ideal replacement is not going according to plan.Manuel Ugarte has been a major disappointment and is set to leave, which leaves INEOS with a massive hole to fill in the middle of the park.Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest was identified as the perfect fit but, as things stand, Manchester City are in the lead despite the gap in valuation between both clubs.Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali was the next best option, but his asking price coupled with his wage demands makes a move difficult to complete.United have moved on to Aurélien TchouaméniThe Red Devils are close to sealing a move for Ederson of Atalanta, and while the Brazilian can play in the role previously occupied by his compatriot, the simple truth is he is more of an Ugarte replacement.After being unable to unlock a deal for a Premier League-proven performer, INEOS have been forced to cast their net wider, and they have zeroed in on Aurélien Tchouaméni of Real Madrid.The Frenchman’s recent bust-up with Fede Valverde gave credence to the idea that the former Monaco ace might want a change of scenery.Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the 20-time English league champions consider the 26-year-old their dream target.Aurélien Tchouaméni is a dream targetHowever, his wage demands and the Spanish giants’ unwillingness to sell are proving to be major stumbling blocks.“For Manchester United, Aurélien Tchouaméni is kind of a dream target. United believe Tchouaméni could be the perfect player in midfield to replace Casemiro, coming from the same club, Real Madrid, with a winning mentality. International, who can defend, who can score some goals.”“Two problems, the first is the salary, which is huge. Second, Real Madrid keep saying in public and also in private that their intention is to keep Tchouaméni.”Los Blancos president Florentino Perez also confirmed that the club would not entertain the idea of a sale this summer.Real president and Aurélien Tchouaméni reveal summer stance“Valverde and Tchouaméni will stay? For me, yes, of course.”The player himself clarified his desire to stay, playing down talks of his personal rift with Valverde.“Life goes on. With Fede, we have a common goal: winning titles with Real Madrid. There’s no problem. And if I face him in the World Cup, we’ll want to win with the French national team. On a personal level, there’s no issue with Valverde right now.”Whether both the midfielder and Real Madrid will change their stance once Jose Mourinho takes over remains to be seen. For now, United are better served looking elsewhere.Feature image Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey via Getty Imagesonline pollsThe Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

This is a locator map for the Gulf Cooperation Council member states: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo)2026-06-01T04:23:47Z DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United States bombed Iranian radar and drone control sites in Iran after Tehran shot down an American MQ-1 Predator drone this weekend, the American military said Monday. Iran acknowledged launching a retaliatory strike, while Kuwait said it was intercepting incoming drone and missile fire. The dueling attacks reflect the fragility of a weekslong ceasefire in the Iran war, which has seen repeated attacks even as American and Iranian officials try to negotiate a deal to extend it. Iran has maintained its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz in the meantime, disrupting global energy supplies as a fifth of all oil and natural gas traded once passed through the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf. Meanwhile, fighting continues to escalate as Israel extends its occupation of Lebanon beyond the Litani River and as the militant group Hezbollah continues to launch drones into Israel. US military attacks IranThe U.S. military’s Central Command said it carried out the strikes in Iran on Saturday and Sunday around the city of Geruk and on Qeshm Island. “The measured and deliberate strikes occurred ... in response to aggressive Iranian actions that included the shootdown of a U.S. MQ-1 drone that was operating over international waters,” Central Command said. “U.S. fighter aircraft swiftly responded by eliminating Iranian air defenses, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones that posed clear threats to ships transiting regional waters.”The Predator has been phased out of service by the U.S. Air Force, which now flies the MQ-9 Reaper, though the U.S. Army still flies the Predator. The U.S. military said no American troops were hurt in the attacks. Kuwait reports incoming fireKuwait meanwhile said its air defenses had opened fire early Monday morning to intercept incoming drone and missile fire. Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in a statement carried by the state-run IRNA news agency that U.S. forces had targeted a telecommunications tower on an island. The Guard said it responded with an attack without saying where, likely referring to the attack on Kuwait. The country is home to U.S. Army Central, the Mideast forward command for the Army. Read More Attacks rattle ceasefire talksThe attacks represent the latest escalation between the U.S. and Iran, even as both have insisted they are continuing to negotiate, particularly over Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Over the weekend, the U.S. fired a missile into the engine room of a Gambia-flagged cargo ship trying to break its blockade of Iranian ports.A trickle of ships have made it out of the strait, but pressure continues on global energy supplies, as well as chemical fertilizer which has led to fears of food shortages. The Gulf region produces 30% of globally traded chemical fertilizers. U.S. President Donald Trump met with advisers on Friday but has yet to decide on whether to move ahead with a deal to extend the ceasefire and reopen the strait. Iran has said the deal had not been finalized. Trump expressed optimism about the talks in a post on his Truth Social platform early Monday in Washington, mocking critics without addressing the ongoing crossfire. “Iran really wants to make a deal, and it will be a good one for the U.S.A. and those that are with us,” he wrote. “Just sit back and relax, it will all work out well in the end — It always does!” JON GAMBRELL Gambrell is the news director for the Gulf and Iran for The Associated Press. He has reported from each of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Iran and other locations across the world since joining the AP in 2006. twitter instagram mailto

The world’s most valuable company is chasing Intel and Apple as it tries to bring A.I. agents to laptops and desktops.

Liverpool star to make shock Anfield exitLiverpool are going to have an entirely new-look team by the start of the 2026-27 season. Most people thought it would just be the players changing but now that Arne Slot has been relieved of his duties, the Reds' fanbase can actually start to look forward to their upcoming campaign.It was clear that things were coming to an end between Liverpool and Slot as, no matter what the Dutchman tried to do, nothing seemed to work.Whether it was starting five defenders or playing with two strikers, the Dutchman just couldn't get the best out of his team.So, now that he's left, change is already afoot and, with the amount of players they've already been linked to, it's clear to see why some of the Reds' first-team squad are already rumoured to be on their way out.Fenerbahce want to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili this summerLiverpool's goalkeeper for the 2026-27 season has been regularly brought up over the last few months.Alisson's future has been under a magnifying glass with Juventus interested in bringing the 33-year-old back to Italy.However, before Slot was sent packing, a move for the Brazilian was ruled out with the Dutchman believing that he'd already lost enough experience with Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson exiting.But, now he's no longer at the helm, there's no knowing what could happen with Turkish outlet Fanatik even claiming that Fenerbahce now want to sign Alisson's understudy, Giorgi Mamardashvili."Safi and his team have begun negotiations for Liverpool's Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili," they wrote."With talk of potential changes to Fenerbahçe's current goalkeeper rotation, it's stated that the club aims to strengthen its goalkeeping position with a top-tier player."In this context, it has been claimed that contact has been made with the English team regarding Mamardashvili, who is high on their list."Liverpool must decide who they want between their sticks this seasonIf you asked any Liverpool fan, most of them would say that they want Alisson as their starting 'keeper.Although the Brazilian has been rather injury prone this term, there's no denying that he's still one of the best goalkeepers in the world.Liverpool may see Mamardashvili as their successor to the 33-year-old but, with the number of games he's been given this term, he's failed to impress and has left a lot to be desired.Granted, selling the Georgian would probably be a step too far as he's only 25 years old but, if the Reds want him to improve and get better, he needs regular game time each week and a loan deal could help him achieve that.Despite Juventus' interest in Alisson being one of the main stories of the summer so far, the Old Lady and Fenerbahce have both been mentioned as potential destinations for Mamardashvili.And, if he wants regular game time, it doesn't really feel like there's a better way for him to do that than by going on loan for a season and coming back upon the expiry of the Brazilian's current deal.Here's hoping that the Reds come to their senses and actually choose to move Mamardashvili on rather than Alisson, otherwise, they could end up in a whole world of trouble.

🤔 Here's why: Germany play Finland again today!After the German national team won the official dress rehearsal against Finland 4-0 thanks to goals from Undav, Wirtz, and Musiala, Nagelsmann’s men have to face the Scandinavians once again today!Yesterday, after the final whistle, the national coach revealed to the ‘ZDF’ microphone that the players would have to play again: “We’re playing Finland again. Basically a training match, but another test for us. Not two 45-minute halves, but two periods of 20 or 25 minutes. For those who didn’t play today or played less, simply to give them some match rhythm as well, because some of them haven’t had a game in two weeks.”That is why Nagelsmann & Co. are very pleased that the Finns agreed to it. The match will not be quite as public as it was last night, but apparently some fans who won participation will be there.So the next test comes right away: “That will be the next task for us, to once again give all players the necessary playing time.”This afternoon, according to the national coach, another small event is planned before the DFB players head across the pond tomorrow. The real dress rehearsal will then take place on Saturday in Chicago against the USA.This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

Manchester City’s Nathan Ake set for Bournemouth return as Tottenham begin transfer dominoMan City defender Nathan Ake could return to the Vitality Stadium six years after leaving.Cherries set to part ways with Marcos Senesi amid intense interest from Tottenham Hotspur.Ake has won four Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League during time at City, amongst other titles.Bournemouth are exploring the possibility of a return for Nathan Ake as the Manchester City defender’s future looks set to be away from the Etihad Stadium. The Cherries are exploring the market for a central defender this summer after reports emerged claiming that Marcos Senesi has agreed to join Tottenham Hotspur on a four-year deal. Despite missing out on Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, Senesi frequently captained Bournemouth across the 2025/26 season to help them qualify for their first ever European competition, making 39 appearances in a remarkable campaign individually.From Spain: Barcelona face major hurdle in pursuit of Manchester City want-away defender Nathan AkeReport: Man City ready to sell Ake this summerAke has spent six years at City, winning multiple trophies including the UEFA Champions League and four Premier League titles to create history in the club’s most successful era under Pep Guardiola.However, with only 12 months remaining on his contract at the Etihad, City are willing to yield his departure this summer as they strive to reshape their squad following the exit of Guardiola, according to TEAMtalk. Ake spent four cultivating years at Bournemouth after initially joining the south coast club on loan from Chelsea before he made the move permanent in 2017.How has Ake fared at Man City since 2020?Not only did the Netherlands international establish himself as one of the most prospective defenders in the Premier League, he earned himself a £41 million move to City in 2020. Amongst his success, the 31-year-old has made 177 appearances in east Manchester and will certainly deliver success anywhere he goes, with the Vitality Stadium a reasonable next destination. Though Andoni Iraola is thought to be taking over Arne Slot’s job at Liverpool – with a pre-planned exit from Bournemouth at the conclusion of the season already processed – Ake is a versatile powerhouse who shows little weakness in a defensive line.Nathan Ake set to join Bernardo Silva and John Stones in mass Manchester City exodusHow could Man City’s backline take shape under Enzo Maresca?And with Marco Rose taking over from Iraola, the German head coach’s tactical flexibility and high-intensity demands match that of Ake’s strengths in a back three or four. There is the obvious suggestion that City will need to fill the gaps in a narrowing defence and it’s apparent that the first few months of Enzo Maresca’s reign will focus heavily on bringing in exceptional talent. While John Stones has already left, City’s backline could take further damage with reports also suggesting that Josko Gvardiol could well move to Barcelona this summer, though the La Liga club’s finances make the move highley unlikely.

COLOGNE, GERMANY - MAY 10: Arijon Ibrahimovic of 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Köln and 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 at RheinEnergieStadion on May 10, 2026 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Ralf Ibing - firo sportphoto/Getty Images) | Getty Images Bayern Munich youngster Arijon Ibrahimović will have options this summer after returning from his loan spell at FC Heidenheim — including a potential stay in Bavaria.However, if Ibrahimović opts to move on instead, or if Bayern decides there is no room for him in Vincent Kompany’s attack next season, he will reportedly have his pick of clubs.From Transfermarkt captured by @iMiaSanMia:Arijon Ibrahimović has several suitors in Germany and abroad. In the Bundesliga, Werder Bremen and Augsburg have him on their radar. Stuttgart and Hoffenheim have expressed their interest. From abroad, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Brighton and PSV are all interested in the 20-year old. Ibrahimović wants to play for a club with an attacking style of play, focused on ball possession and dominance, that would suit his profile as a versatile attacking player. It’s now up to Bayern to decide whether to integrate Ibrahimović in their squad for next season, or sell, or loan him out again [@uchterjung, @Transfermarkt]The 20-year-old has developed nicely in his season with Heidenheim, logging 2169 Bundesliga minutes after managing only a total of nine league minutes between Bayern and Lazio last year. However, his loan club’s 17th-placed finish means relegation to the 2. Bundesliga next season.Bayern is on the hunt for a new attacker on the transfer market, and there are some enticing names on that list, clubs with a penchant for fostering young talent and energetic play. It seems that it could be time for Ibrahimović to spread his wings. If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor… Join the conversation!Sign up for a user account and get:New, improved notifications system!Fewer adsCreate community postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community posts

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar struggled to find words after guiding his side to a second successive IPL title, admitting that lifting the trophy for the franchise was something he never imagined when he joined the team.RCB completed a successful title defence with a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Virat Kohli's unbeaten 75 anchored the chase after the bowlers had restricted GT to 155/8.Reflecting on the triumph, Patidar said the emotions were difficult to describe."I think it feels superb, you know. When we came here, a lot of memory of last year, the way we played last year. But at the same time, we have to be more in the present and feeling good. I think I don’t have words to express, but I’m feeling good."The RCB skipper revealed that bowling first was always part of the plan and praised his attack for executing it perfectly. Bengaluru's bowlers removed Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan inside the powerplay, putting the Titans under pressure from the outset."Yeah, it was a clear plan. I think when we win the toss, it’s easy to chase, you know, and our plan was easy - get their top three in the powerplay, so it will be easy for us. And the way our bowlers bowled throughout the tournament, not in this match, I think it was superb."Patidar made sure to acknowledge the entire bowling unit for their contribution to RCB's back-to-back titles."And the way Bhuvi, Hazlewood and Rasikh - I want to mention every bowler, KP, Suyash, Sheppy - I think they bowled brilliantly throughout the tournament."The title triumph capped a remarkable personal journey for Patidar, who joined RCB in 2022 and has now become one of only a handful of captains to successfully defend an IPL title."To be honest, I never dreamed of that, to be a captain and lifting a trophy for RCB. I think it was all written and I’m grateful for it."Patidar admitted there was less pressure on the squad this season after winning their maiden title a year ago, with confidence replacing the burden of expectation."Yeah, obviously, I think last year there was a lot of pressure because it was the first year for us (winning the title). And this year, I think we were pretty much confident because of the way we played in this tournament and everyone was looking in a good frame of mind."He also thanked RCB supporters for turning every venue into a home ground throughout the campaign."It was good to see fans were coming in every ground wherever we go. It feels like a home ground for us. So I think overall it was great, great for RCB."Patidar credited his improved batting form to extensive preparation before the tournament and the guidance he received from senior figures within the franchise."I think before entering the tournament, the pre-tournament prep was very good for me. The way I looked at my batting, I tried to analyse where I can improve, which are the shots I can improve on against the fast bowlers especially.""In the tournament I worked with DK and a lot of players, VK Bhai. I got so many inputs, ideas, and it helped me."The RCB captain also highlighted Virat Kohli's influence within the dressing room, praising the veteran batter for the way he supports younger players."I think whenever I see him, on the field and off the field also, he is always there for the team. He is always there for the players, especially the new players who are coming in.""They have a lot of hesitation to speak, but he goes straight away and talks to them. So I think it was superb."Patidar ended his post-match remarks with a special message for the fans who followed the team across the country."So this one is for you again, RCB fans - Ee Salanu Cup Namdu (This year also the cup is ours)."For a captain who never dreamed of leading RCB to a trophy, Patidar now has two IPL titles in two seasons, cementing his place in the franchise's history.

Brooklyn Rivera, 73, one of the most prominent Miskito political leaders in recent history, was arrested by the government in 2023. His family and other groups dispute the circumstances surrounding his death.

Carlo Ancelotti has won five Champions League trophies in his time as manager [Getty Images]Carlo Ancelotti was entering unknown territory.Despite having previously worked with 43 Brazilian players throughout his coaching career, the Italian manager had been in the South American country just once before - back in the early 2000s on a scouting mission as Juventus boss.So when, after much back and forth, he reached an agreement in May 2025 to lead Brazil as their first ever foreign coach at a World Cup, he knew he had to hit the ground running.And so he did.At one of his initial meetings in Rio de Janeiro, Ancelotti noticed plenty of the local staff at the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) trying to speak Spanish and even Italian to him."No, no," he reacted with a smile on his face."I'm the one who has to make the effort to speak Portuguese here."The 66-year-old was aware that if he were to win over a fanbase that takes a lot of pride in the Selecao and has always considered itself to be self-sufficient in football, he needed to do that.Such was his focus that he hired a Portuguese teacher and committed to four lessons a week."I was surprised by his commitment," Roberto Piantino, who has been working with him on his Portuguese, told BBC Sport."I remember once we finished a lesson on a Friday and, as usual, I asked him when he wanted to do the next one. He said: 'Tomorrow.' But that was a Saturday. I said: 'Of course, no problem.' That meant 9am in Vancouver [where Ancelotti lives with his wife]."It happened more than once. That showed me how serious he really was about learning."Sunday's 6-2 drubbing of Panama in their penultimate match before the World Cup kicks off was encouraging. Bournemouth’s Rayan scored his first goal for his country, Brentford's Igor Thiago was on target, while Vinicius Jr, Casemiro and Lucas Paqueta and Danilo also hit the net. Ancelotti will need every tool available to him though - Portuguese included - for the size of the challenge ahead this summer: preventing Brazil from setting an unwanted record.The five-time champions last won the World Cup in 2002 and have never gone six editions without lifting the trophy.There's a strong case, however, that the former Real Madrid and Chelsea coach is the right man for the job."One of the things Brazil needed the most was a manager bigger than the players," former international Walter Casagrande, now a respected football pundit, argued.Ancelotti ticks that box: a record five Champions League titles and trophies in all five of Europe's major leagues carry real weight, even in a dressing room featuring Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Raphinha and co.Injured Neymar could miss Brazil's World Cup openerWorld Cup: Every squad as they are announcedThe 'world champion' at adaptingIn appointing Ancelotti, Brazil confronted one of the biggest taboos in their football history: the national team being led by a foreign coach.Even with the Italian's CV, there was initial resistance."We are the only country to have won the World Cup five times. It's not that a foreigner should never coach the national team, but I would have gone for a Brazilian coach," said Cafu, a two-time World Cup winner in 1994 and 2002.At an event for Brazilian coaches in November, the tension around the subject became impossible to ignore.As Ancelotti went on stage to be honoured, he found himself listening to speeches from local colleagues criticising the presence of foreign managers in Brazil. "I have always said I don't like foreign coaches in my country. We, as coaches, are to blame for this invasion," said Emerson Leao, a 1970 World Cup winner.Such was the awkwardness that Ancelotti's son and assistant coach, David, left the event shortly afterwards.But that proved to be a largely isolated episode in Ancelotti's first year in charge.Despite inconsistent results - six wins, two draws and three defeats in his initial 11 matches - recent research from Quaest, a leading polling institute, found most Brazilians trust him.According to the survey, 41% approve of his work, compared with 29% who disapprove.With that support, the CBF moved quickly, renewing his deal until 2030 before he had even led Brazil at the World Cup.However, that was also a reflection of arguably Ancelotti's biggest strength: his ability to get people behind him.Sources have told BBC Sport that although he received the first draft of the contract in early April, he held off signing it for about a month. The reason was that he wanted three other CBF staff members - whom he credited with helping him to adapt in Brazil - to have their contracts extended until 2030, too."He is a chameleon," said 1994 World Cup winner Leonardo, who worked with Ancelotti at AC Milan and Paris St-Germain both as a player and as an executive."Wherever he goes, he adapts to the people, the team, the players. He is a world champion at that. If I ever bought a team, my coach would be Carlo. There is no other choice."He enters into symbiosis with the environment, and that has already happened here [in Brazil]. People like him."Ancelotti extends Brazil contract until 2030'We have two of the best five players in the world'Despite a chaotic four-year cycle - among other things, Brazil had their confederation president removed from office by court order, went through four different coaches and ended the qualifiers with their worst-ever campaign - Ancelotti still believes he can deliver their sixth World Cup title."We have two of the five best players in the world," he repeated in the corridors of the CBF headquarters.He's referring to Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr and Barcelona's Raphinha.But then comes the hardest part: making them perform for the Selecao the same way they do for their clubs. In Ancelotti's bold 4-2-4 tactical system, that hasn't been the case yet.Sunday’s win was just the third time the Italian has had the two on the pitch together, the previous times being in a 1-0 win over Paraguay in June 2025 and in a 2-1 defeat by France in March this year. On the latter occasion, however, Raphinha came off at half-time. With Rodrygo and Estevao Willian out injured, making that partnership work will be even more important.If that is still a work in progress, the dressing room is not. Ancelotti has already got the players listening."In the game against Paraguay [in June 2025], we needed to win to qualify for the World Cup. At half-time, a lot of people were talking, talking, talking. Then he said: 'Guys, wait. I'm going to smoke a cigarette, I'll be back in five minutes and then you can talk,'" Manchester United midfielder Casemiro said in an interview with former England defender Rio Ferdinand."After that, he came back, spoke, and everyone was like: 'OK. This guy is different.'"It was a classic Ancelotti moment: calm, simple and human. Even his Portuguese lessons seem to reflect that."I had prepared a lesson on imperative verbs," Piantino, who also works as a teacher with other players and coaches from Brazil and abroad, recalled."The material was ready, with a presentation explaining how imperatives work in Portuguese. But as soon as I started, he pointed it out: 'No, no, no, I don't communicate like that. I don't use imperatives. It's not my style to give orders like that.'"Ancelotti was on Italy's bench as assistant coach when Brazil won the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Now, he returns with them, hoping to take the Selecao back to the top in his own way.World Cup fixtures and group standingsHow to watch the World Cup on the BBCEverything you need to know about the World Cup

CARLSBAD, Calif. – How confident was LSU that it could mount the biggest third-round comeback in NCAA Championship history? Head coach Jake Amos had already booked the Tigers flights home for Sunday night.Through 36 holes at La Costa, LSU sat T-27 out of 30 teams. At one point during Saturday’s second round, the electronic scoreboard showed the seventh-ranked Tigers in 31st place. They were 20 over and 17 shots outside of the top 15 entering Sunday, after which the field would be cut in half.“We had nothing to lose,” said Amos, who didn’t even debrief with his team on Saturday night, instead taking them to In-N-Out and not talking about the sloppy golf they’d displayed the first two rounds.On Sunday morning, the Tigers played Mario Kart and ping-pong, and it wasn’t until shortly before lunch that Amos presented the gameplan: be super aggressive on No. 10 and 11, survived through Nos. 12-14, then push the pedal down the rest of the back nine, try to turn a few under par and don’t let up from there.If nothing else, LSU could gain some momentum for next season.“Tigers don’t quit,” Amos said. “That’s the saying, and we didn’t. We were just trying to shoot the best we could, trying to be aggressive, and they executed to perfection. … We thought 15 under would be enough. I didn’t even think 18 under was possible.”The Tigers’ 18-under 270 was the lowest round of the day by nine shots and the third-lowest 18-hole score in relation to par in NCAA Championship history, one shy of the record shared by UNLV (1998) and Arizona (2000). Until Sunday, no team had made up 17 or more shots on the top 15 and made the 54-hole cut; LSU did even better, rising to T-12 with three other teams – San Diego, Tennessee and Stanford – all of which are just three strokes back of eighth-place Duke.Auburn leads at 22 under, followed by Texas (-19), Vanderbilt (-9), UCLA (-8), Arizona (-8), Oklahoma State (-8) and North Carolina (-6). Second-ranked Florida also rallied in the afternoon, climbing to T-10 with Virginia at 1 over, a shot back of Oklahoma in ninth.Freshman Dan Hayes not only led LSU with an 8-under 64, but his score also set the tournament record at La Costa and broke 2011 NCAA individual champion John Peterson's program record. Jay Mendell, Matthew Dodd-Berry and reigning first-team All-American Arni Sveinsson all shot at least 3 under, with Sveinsson’s 69 moving him to 4 over after a rocky start to his championship.Hayes carded nine birdies, six on his front and final side, though his best hole came at the part-5 18th hole, where he got up and down from 170 yards for par after hitting his second shot into the water.“Outrageous,” Amos said of Hayes’ round.Another SEC coach had an even better assessment of LSU’s performance: “That was f—king unbelievable!”“Now, it’s hard to back up a really good round with another really good round,” Amos added. “We see that in golf all the time. But I think we have the perfect gameplans and attitudes.”Hard to argue after Sunday. And yes, Amos had to cancel those plane tickets.

Casemiro: Man United star shines on international stageManchester United had two players in international action on Sunday.The Red Devils have numerous players preparing for the World Cup this summer, and two of them are set to play for Brazil.CasemiroCasemiro will leave Old Trafford this summer, with a deal to Inter Miami reportedly in the works.He has just come off an outstanding season for United, and he impressed once again in Brazil’s 6-2 win over Panama. Casemiro headed in Vinicius Junior’s shot to give the Brazilians the lead.In 45 minutes of action, he created one goal with an assist and played one key pass.He completed 86% of his passes and 100% of his dribble attempts.Casemiro also won both his tackle and aerial duels, and the midfielder came out on top in three ground duels during the match.Matheus CunhaCunha had a much more challenging 45 minutes for the Brazilians.He has been in great form this season for United, especially during the final four months of the campaign.Unfortunately, he scored an own goal. He jumped in the wall to defend a Panama free kick, but the ball unluckily deflected into the net past Alisson Becker.Cunha did not have any shots on goal and also failed in all three of his dribble attempts.He made one key pass and completed 82% of his passes during his 45 minutes on the pitch.Cunha made one interception defensively but could only come out on top in one of his five ground duels.The Brazilians will next be in action in a friendly match against Egypt on Saturday night.Casemiro stats vs PanamaFeatured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Imagesonline pollsThe Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Arsenal admire Brentford striker Igor ThiagoArsenal admire Brentford striker Igor Thiago as the Gunners look to bring in attacking reinforcement this summer, according to the Daily Mail.The North London club is coming off a very successful season in which they clinched the Premier League title after 22 years.Arsenal also reached the UEFA Champions League and League Cup finals, one of the most memorable campaigns in recent seasons.However, Mikel Arteta’s side is not resting on its laurels, especially in the transfer market, with the club already assessing targets.Arsenal have been linked to Julian Alvarez, but his future lies elsewhere, forcing the club to turn to other targets.Thiago took the Premier League by storm this season, bagging 22 goals and creating six big chances.After an injury-riddled first season in England, he has exploded and caught the eyes of clubs like Arsenal. It remains unclear if the club will push to secure his services.Besides his goals, he has been praised for his professionalism. Brentford boss Keith Andrews believes he has serious grit about his personality.However, a move for Thiago would raise questions, given that Arsenal only made a major outlay last summer to bring in Viktor Gyokeres.Gyokeres’ profile is strikingly similar in terms of physicality, direct running and penalty-box presence.Adding another high-cost, front-foot No.9 of the same mould makes no sense, particularly when squad balance across wide and creative areas still requires refinement.Arsenal may be better served by identifying a more cost-effective forward.The Gunners need someone with different qualities, or a flexible, impact-style option capable of rotating in without disrupting the structure.Depth is important, but having the same profile in one position is not always progress.The smarter play could be a cheaper, equally clinical alternative that complements Gyokeres rather than mirrors him.It will ensure the Gunners have a variety of weapons and firepower throughout a demanding season.

ONE Championship returns to Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, June 5, with another exclusive card for members of The Inner Circle, streaming live at live.onefc.com.A contracted flyweight kickboxing showdown and a strawweight Muay Thai clash between two of the weekly series’ most battle-tested fighters lead a five-bout card that spans three disciplines.View this post on InstagramIn the main event, Kongchai Chanaidonmueang meets Valerii Strungari in a strawweight Muay Thai bout with serious stakes for both men.Kongchai is the most active fighter in ONE Friday Fights history with 17 appearances on the weekly series, and he arrives on a three-fight win streak that includes wins over Walter Goncalves, Thway Lin Htet, and Mehrdad Khanzadeh. The former Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion has everything needed to compete for a contract. The question has always been whether he can go for the finish when the opportunity presents itself.Strungari offers a genuinely difficult test. The Moldovan pulled off one of the more remarkable comebacks on the weekly series when he stopped Sanit Aekmuangnon at ONE Friday Fights 133 with a third-round knockout after being thoroughly outclassed through the opening rounds. It was a result that snapped Sanit’s four-fight win streak and announced Strungari as a threat to anyone in the division. He is a high-volume pressure fighter who swarms opponents with fast combinations, and he arrives with extra motivation after dropping a decision to Denkriangkrai Mavinn Muaythai at ONE Friday Fights 148.View this post on InstagramIn the co-main event, Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi steps into the ring against Yuan Pengjie in flyweight kickboxing action. The Sor Dechapan standout is one of the most decorated performers in ONE Friday Fights history.He’s a contracted athlete who has earned three bonuses on the weekly series, knocked out Nakrob Fairtex with a first-round head kick at ONE Fight Night 32, and pushed the legendary Sam-A Gaiyanghadao the full distance at ONE Friday Fights 137. He is creative, unorthodox, and dangerous at every range, mixing flying knees, spinning elbows, and sharp timing into a style that is genuinely difficult to prepare for.Yuan arrives bringing a complete kickboxing arsenal to the ring. The Chinese southpaw works off a busy jab and piles on damage with his straight left, and he is dangerous when he corners opponents on the ropes and unloads with power hooks. He is light on his feet and moves well, but his tendency to lunge forward makes him readable for a high-IQ fighter like Jaosuayai, who has built a career on punishing exactly those kinds of habits.View this post on InstagramThe rest of the card fills out a compelling night across three disciplines. Banluelok Sitwatcharachai faces Rak Erawan in atomweight Muay Thai — two Thai fighters who know how to end fights early and have the combined finishes to prove it. Julian Mayorga takes on Taiga Orii in bantamweight MMA, a matchup between two unbeaten athletes who have finished every single one of their professional bouts. And Belgium’s Rahim Tcherchaiko makes his ONE debut against China’s Zhang Jinhu in flyweight kickboxing action.The Inner Circle June 5 Full CardKongchai Chanaidonmueang vs. Valerii Strungari (Muay Thai – strawweight)Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi vs. Yuan Pengjie (kickboxing – flyweight)Banluelok Sitwatcharachai vs. Rak Erawan (Muay Thai – atomweight)Rahim Tcherchaiko vs. Zhang Jinhu (kickboxing – flyweight)Julian Mayorga vs. Taiga Orii (MMA – bantamweight)Source

The Taiwan president’s spokeswoman said China used “baseless pretexts” to punish journalists, which she called evidence that Beijing was a “troublemaker.”

Thunder predicted to trade Chet Holmgren for No. 3 pick, NBA champion in Draft-Day blockbuster originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Oklahoma City Thunder’s season came to an end on Saturday night when they lost Game 7 to the San Antonio Spurs. A major storyline from the series was that Chet Holmgren did not appear to take the same types of shots he normally does.After the series concluded, several people were asked about Holmgren’s production. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault made it very clear that OKC is better with Holmgren.“Every minute Chet Holmgren’s been on the team, we’ve been the 1 seed in the Western Conference,” Daigneault said Sunday, when the team gathered for end-of-season meetings. “And it wasn’t the case before Chet was healthy.”During their exit press conferences Sunday, Holmgren met with the media to assess his season. Of course, he was asked about his performance and struggles during the series. Holmgren felt he was not as aggressive as he normally is.“I have to dive into the tape to understand the specifics of it, but a part of it, I was getting closed out heavily and just being out of rhythm at times. I feel like there were definitely opportunities to get more attempts up that I didn't in the moment. That's an area to improve," Holmgren said.The Thunder are expected to be aggressive during the NBA Draft this offseason, with two first-round picks in hand. A mock draft-night trade has Oklahoma City sending Holmgren to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for the No. 3 pick and additional assets.“A legal trade framework the Thunder can execute on draft night to trade up for a top prospect: OKC receives: Cam Boozer (No. 3 overall), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Santi Aldama. Grizzlies receive: Chet Holmgren, Nos. 12 + 17 overall, Future 1st-round picks,” Sidery posted.This would be a massive trade for the Thunder to consider, though it would be driven in part by Oklahoma City’s need to manage its financial situation this offseason. Boozer would be an intriguing fit in OKC and would have time to develop within their system.The Grizzlies would receive two first-round picks, which would be significant for their rebuild. The Thunder would also add veteran pieces in Caldwell-Pope and Aldama. Oklahoma City would have to weigh the decision carefully, but it could also open up flexibility this offseason to make additional moves and retain key pieces within the organization.More NBA news:Mavericks' Kyrie Irving receives update on future after Dallas parts ways with Jason KiddLakers-Cavs trade pitch sends LeBron James to Cleveland for $90M Luka Doncic lob threatLakers urged to sign $60M lob threat to replicate Luka Doncic-Dereck Lively connectionESPN's Shams Charania reveals major update on LeBron James returning to the Lakers

Barcelona already have €100m bid on the table for superstar forwardBarcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez appears to be more serious than many initially believed, with fresh reports claiming that the Catalan giants have already taken concrete action to bring the Argentine forward to Spotify Camp Nou.According to information emerging from Mundo Deportivo, sources close to Barcelona have confirmed that the club formally submitted an offer to Atletico Madrid for Alvarez. The proposal, worth €100 million, was sent directly to Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany via email.The development is significant because Atletico had previously denied receiving any official offer for the Argentine international. However, the latest information suggests that Barcelona’s proposal did indeed exist, even if the situation was later overshadowed by the public statements and responses coming from the Madrid-based club.Barcelona remain hopefulAlvarez is very serious about Barcelona move. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)Barcelona’s position throughout the saga has been calm, as the club is not looking to create tension with Atletico Madrid or engage in a public dispute over the matter. Instead, the Blaugrana view the situation as a normal transfer market operation, similar to many negotiations that take place every summer.What Barcelona are making clear, however, is that their interest in Alvarez is genuine. The next move now belongs to Atletico Madrid. The Spanish capital club can choose whether to respond to the proposal or simply stand by their current position regarding the player’s future.What does Alvares want?Julian Alvarez wants to play for Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)For now, Alvarez’s desire is to join Barcelona and the Argentine is understood to have communicated his intentions through his representative, Fernando Hidalgo, who has already held discussions with Barcelona officials regarding a potential transfer.On the other hand, Atletico Madrid remain in a strong position, as Alvarez is under contract until 2030, while his €500 million release clause gives the club complete control over the situation. Hence, there is no obligation for Atletico to negotiate if they do not wish to.Nevertheless, the fact that Barcelona have made a formal offer and that Alvarez is interested in the move means this story is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

‘Very close’ – Real Madrid president drops major Vinicius contract updateReal Madrid president Florentino Perez has addressed two topics that have generated significant discussion around the club in recent weeks, offering clarity on both Vinicius Jr’s future and Anas Laghari’s role behind the scenes.Speaking during a recent media appearance, Perez reflected on his plans for the club while also responding to criticism and speculation surrounding several internal matters. His comments arrive at an important moment as Real Madrid are in the middle of presidential elections.Perez defends trusted allyOne of the subjects raised during the interview was the involvement of Anas Laghari, whose influence around the club has been questioned by electoral candidate Enrique Riquelme despite not occupying an official position within Real Madrid’s organisational structure.Perez has responded to Enrique Riquelme. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)“Why is there a person with so much power alongside the president who holds no official position and who, moreover, is involved in most of the club’s operations?” Riquelme had said.Responding to those concerns, Perez spoke warmly about his long-standing relationship with Laghari and his family. Explaining why he values his advice, the Real Madrid president said, “I saw Anas being born. He’s like a son to me because his father was like a brother. “He was also a civil engineer and we worked on projects together in Morocco. His father was brilliant and so is his son. “He only helps me because he’s exceptionally intelligent. He also helps me at ACS, but he isn’t at ACS, and nobody says anything. Nobody here is going to take any money.”Vinicius’ renewalPerez has defended Vinicius Jr. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)Perez also addressed the ongoing conversation surrounding Vinicius Jr. and his long-awaited contract renewal. With rumours continuing to circulate regarding the Brazilian’s salary demands and future, the club president moved to calm the situation.“Some people are wrong (those who boo him). They read certain newspapers and get put in a situation. “Vinicius is a star and I’m delighted he’s with us. He’s very close to signing. People say he’s asking for a lot of money but that’s a lie. I’m not going to force him into anything,” he concluded.Source: Mundo Deportivo

Liverpool set to move for top target this weekLiverpool Move Fast as Andoni Iraola Emerges as Leading Head Coach CandidateLiverpool’s search for a new head coach has moved with the sort of urgency that tells its own story. After a bruising season, a costly summer spend and the abrupt dismissal of Arne Slot, the club appear determined not to allow uncertainty to drift into the World Cup window.According to reporting from The Guardian, Liverpool will hold formal talks with Andoni Iraola this week as they look to appoint Slot’s successor before the tournament begins on 11 June. Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and Lens coach Pierre Sage are also expected to be considered, yet Iraola has emerged as the clear frontrunner.Iraola Fits Liverpool’s Need for SpeedThere is obvious logic to Iraola’s candidacy. The 43 year old is available without compensation after leaving Bournemouth, where he delivered European football to the Vitality Stadium for the first time after three impressive seasons.That availability matters. Liverpool do not have time to indulge in a long courtship. The World Cup is approaching, the transfer market is already moving and the next head coach will need to inherit a squad still carrying the aftershocks of last season.Iraola also has a relationship with sporting director Richard Hughes, who brought him to Bournemouth. In a club structure now dominated by Hughes and Michael Edwards, trust and alignment may prove almost as valuable as tactical theory.Slot Exit Shows Ruthless Liverpool ReviewSlot’s departure was swift and unsentimental. He was reportedly told his Liverpool career was over around 90 minutes before the club announced the decision at 12.30pm on Saturday.Photo: IMAGOThat brutality reflects the seriousness of the review led by Hughes and Edwards. The assessment considered results, performance data and the broader direction of the team. Players were not consulted, while supporter unrest was noted without being decisive.The conclusion was stark, Liverpool did not believe the team were likely to improve under Slot.That is a heavy judgement on a coach who delivered a Premier League title in his first season. Virgil van Dijk’s tribute captured the emotional contradiction of the moment: “We’ll never forget winning the Premier League in our first season together. Thank you, Trainer, and best of luck to you and your family for the future.”Hughes and Edwards Under FSG SpotlightFenway Sports Group’s continued backing of Hughes and Edwards is significant. Last summer’s spending approached £450m, yet Liverpool’s season still unravelled. That places enormous pressure on the next decision.A head coach appointment now becomes more than a football decision. It becomes a test of the entire structure. Liverpool have built their modern identity on clarity, conviction and the ability to see value before others do. Iraola would represent a return to that kind of thinking, a coach with upward momentum, defined ideas and Premier League experience.World Cup Deadline Raises StakesLiverpool want this done before the World Cup for good reason. Delay would risk losing momentum, losing targets and allowing rival clubs to shape the summer conversation.Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace have already shown interest in Iraola. Palace may also rival Liverpool for Sage. The market is moving quickly, and Liverpool appear to understand that hesitation now could be expensive later.If Iraola is the preferred candidate, Liverpool’s task is simple. Move decisively, establish the fit and give the next head coach enough time to reshape a squad that badly needs direction.Our View – Anfield Index AnalysisFrom a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this feels like one of those appointments that will define far more than one season. Iraola is intriguing because he is not the biggest name, nor the loudest one, yet his Bournemouth work carried a clear tactical fingerprint. They pressed, ran, attacked with courage and improved players. That should matter to Liverpool.There will be fans who worry about the jump from Bournemouth to Anfield, and that is understandable. Liverpool is a different universe, different pressure, different scrutiny, different expectation. Yet the club cannot appoint by reputation alone. They need a coach who can make sense of the squad, restore attacking rhythm and reconnect the players with a clear plan.What makes this story even more fascinating is the Hughes link. If Hughes brought Iraola to Bournemouth and now wants him at Liverpool, this becomes a huge judgement call from the sporting department. Edwards and Hughes have survived the Slot fallout. Now they have to prove their model still works.Supporters will also notice the timing. Getting this done before the World Cup feels essential. Liverpool cannot afford another summer where recruitment and coaching ideas pull in different directions. If Iraola is the man, give him time, give him clarity and give him authority. After the chaos of the last campaign, that may be the first real step back towards belief.

Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to show ‘ambition’ and sign Europa League winner this summerArsenal boss Mikel Arteta has set his sights on Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers ahead of the summer transfer window.The Gunners won their first Premier League title in 22 years and came close to adding the Champions League trophy.Arteta reportedly sent a clear message to Arsenal’s hierarchy after losing Saturday’s final to Paris Saint-Germain at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.He told the club to show ‘ambition’ in the transfer market and make marquee additions to take the North Londoners to the next level.According to the Mirror, Arteta has got Aston Villa’s Rogers firmly in his sights.The Spaniard likes versatile players, and Rogers can play as an attacking midfielder and a left winger.But Arsenal face competition from PSG, who are also impressed with the player’s development at Villa.Rogers has had an excellent 2025-26 campaign, making 17 goal contributions in 37 league appearances to help his side secure Champions League qualification.The 23-year-old also played a pivotal role in the Lions’ Europa League triumph, scoring three goals in 15 matches including his strike against Freiburg in the final.Villa could be open to selling their prized asset to help balance the books.But a deal is expected to cost an enormous fee, with the forward’s contract not expiring until 2031.Arsenal spent £250 million last summer, and so they may need to sell before bringing in new players.Gabriel Martinelli is expected to leave the Emirates Stadium, while Gabriel Jesus is also facing an uncertain future at the club.

Chelsea wait to hear whether £22m winger transfer will go through – decision this monthTyrique George could make his loan move to Everton permanent this summer, with the Toffees weighing up whether to activate the clause.If you enjoy Chelsea News coverage and want to see more of it, add us as a preferred source on Google to make us a favourite and see more of our content.Chelsea don’t have a lot of easy sales to make this summer.Their players who have done well and increased their value are naturally the ones they want to keep, while the ones they want to sell are the ones who are struggling, and aren’t like to get suitable offers.One exception is Tyrique George, who they loaned out to Everton. The 20 year old spent last season on loan at Everton, and despite not making regular starts impressed enough off the bench that the Toffees are apparently interested in signing him.George future still unclear as Everton decide on optionNizaar Kinsella reported on Saturday that Everton are “weighing up” whether to activate the clause to make his loan permanent for something in the region of £22m.Frankly we’d rather have kept George in our squad than sign Alejandro Garnacho for £40m. But that decision has been made now, and unless there’s a miracle and a buyer comes in for Garnacho, he will be staying and George will be the one going it seems.In other news…Robert Sanchez looks more and more likely to go into next season as Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper once again.Angelo Stiller has been suggested as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernandez – but he may have the same problem that the Argentine does.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CHELSEA NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON THE APP STORECheck out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:

Diaz storms Bundesliga and Malen’s Roma surge: The top signings in Europe’s big five leagues this seasonThe 2025/26 season is almost over in Europe and its time to look back at the success stories. Transfers can make or break a club's ambitions and we've ranked the best signing made in each of Europe's top-five leagues.Our top transfers have been picked based on expectation, value, and impact.Bundesliga - Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich)Listen, we knewLuis Diaz was good. Part of Liverpool's title success last season, the Reds regrettably decided they could do without the Colombian this time around.While Arne Slot's side have endured a miserable campaign, Diaz has been dynamite for aBayern Munich team ripping up all kinds of records. His mix of tenacious work and technique has terrorised full-backs, as part of a formidable frontline alongside Harry Kane and Bayern Munich.Diaz's debut season at the German giants ended 29 goals and 16 assists on route to a domestic double. What an impact.Premier League - Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United)Rayan Cherki and Granit Xhaka each have arguments in thePremier League, but it's hard to look past Dominic Calvert-Lewin.The 29-year-old joined on a free transfer with question marks over his fitness and goal record, having netted 12 league goals over the previous three campaigns at Everton.Instead, he led Leeds toPremier League survival, with a 14-goal return in the Premier League earning Calvert-Lewin an England recall in March.La Liga - Joan Garcia (Barcelona)A great goalkeeper can make all the difference and Joan Garcia has proven to be just that. Signed for just €25m from rivals Espanyol, he's shown he belongs in the top tier.A series of remarkable saves have seen the Spanish shot-stopper shine under the Camp Nou spotlight, with elastic reflexes and the maturity to handle the demands at Barca. ALa Liga champion and Zamora Trophy award conclude an excellent first year.Ligue 1 - Florian Thauvin (Lens)The veteran returned toLigue 1 last summer for just €6m and that has been a steal for Lens. Thauvin ended the campaign with 14 goals and 10 assists as Lens secured Champions League qualification and ended a 27-year trophy drought by winning a first-ever Coupe de France.Remarkably, he made his first France appearance in six years and scored against Azerbaijan in October. A move to Mexico in 2023 looked the end of Thauvin at the top level, but the 33-year-old has returned to France with a bang.Serie A - Donyell Malen (AS Roma)Talk about instant impact. Oddly overlooked at Aston Villa,Donyell Malen has found a home in Rome.The Dutchman scored 14 goals in just 18 league games following his January loan move, a deal that has unsurprisingly been made permanent.Malen's red-hot form carried Roma to Champions League qualification for the first time in seven years.

Rejuvenated Man United lead the way in impressive statistics for 2026Numerous Manchester United players will have their minds firmly focused on the upcoming World Cup.Nonetheless, fans will be forgiven for reflecting on what has been an impressive few months.Great finishAfter a diabolical 15th-place finish the season before, Manchester United were desperate to improve this season.The team found itself in sixth place under Ruben Amorim, but the Portuguese head coach was sacked at the very start of January.Michael Carrick took over, and the Red Devils went on an incredible run which saw them secure Champions League football.Impressive statisticsThe club’s official website has highlighted some impressive statistics which reflect what a good end to the season the Red Devils have enjoyed.United’s end-of-season tally of 71 points was the most they had secured since 2023, and a good 29 points more than last season’s total of 42.The Red Devils were also the best team in the league in 2026, particularly since Michael Carrick became the head coach.United “picked up 41 points in 19 games after 1 January – one more than champions Arsenal.”Supporters will be hoping this is a good omen for the upcoming campaign.Nobody scored more goals in the league in this timeframe either. The tally of 36 was two more than second-placed Manchester City.What’s more, “no team took more shots at goal than United in 2025/26, although Manchester City did match our 595 attempts. We did end up having the most on target, with 215 to 205.”United also impressed in that they did not lose any back-to-back games in the season, the only team in the league to achieve this.They have also not managed this feat since the 2017/2018 season under Jose Mourinho.Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Imagesonline pollsThe Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

MADISON – It's fair to say Wisconsin’s first big weekend of official visits was a success.The Badgers opened their doors to 19 high school players over the weekend. Six of them had yet to commit to UW at that point.By the end of the day May 31, two of those six announced commitments to Wisconsin.Four-star receiver Jai Jones declared his intention before noon. Nathan Jones, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker, waited until the evening to announce his commitment.Jones attends Desert Edge High School in Goodyear, Arizona, the same program that produced Badgers linebacker Jon Jon Kamara. He played his junior season at Notre Dame Prep in Scottsdale, Arizona, and finished with 84 tackles that included 61 solo stops, 23½ tackles for a loss and 11½ sacks.Jones is a consensus three-star prospect who announced 15 offers on Instagram, the last coming from Wisconsin on May 8. Five other Power Four programs offered: North Carolina, Florida State, Baylor, Kansas State and Arizona.His commitment pushes the Badgers total for the 2027 class to 15.The class entered the day June 1 ranked No. 18th in the nation by 247sports and No. 24 by Rivals/On3.More: How Wisconsin football's 2027 recruiting class is shaping upThis article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 3-star linebacker Nathan Jones commits to Luke Fickell, Wisconsin

MADISON – It's fair to say Wisconsin’s first big weekend of official visits was a success.The Badgers opened their doors to 19 high school players over the weekend. Six of them had yet to commit to UW at that point.By the end of the day May 31, two of those six announced commitments to Wisconsin.Four-star receiver Jai Jones declared his intention before noon. Nathan Jones, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker, waited until the evening to announce his commitment.Jones attends Desert Edge High School in Goodyear, Arizona, the same program that produced Badgers linebacker Jon Jon Kamara. He played his junior season at Notre Dame Prep in Scottsdale, Arizona, and finished with 84 tackles that included 61 solo stops, 23½ tackles for a loss and 11½ sacks.Jones is a consensus three-star prospect who announced 15 offers on Instagram, the last coming from Wisconsin on May 8. Five other Power Four programs offered: North Carolina, Florida State, Baylor, Kansas State and Arizona.His commitment pushes the Badgers total for the 2027 class to 15.The class entered the day June 1 ranked No. 18th in the nation by 247sports and No. 24 by Rivals/On3.More: How Wisconsin football's 2027 recruiting class is shaping upThis article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 3-star linebacker Nathan Jones commits to Luke Fickell, Wisconsin

Oil prices climbed as investors weighed a renewed exchange of military strikes between the United States and Iran against signs that both sides remain engaged in negotiations.

NEW DELHI: Star batter Virat Kohli and all-rounder Krunal Pandya were seen dancing to the beats of dhols after Royal Challengers Bengaluru sealed back-to-back IPL titles on Sunday. RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final to lift their second IPL trophy.The celebrations were in full swing after the historic triumph. In a video shared by RCB on social media, Krunal was seen dancing with the trophy to the sound of dhols. He was later joined by Kohli, who arrived in a t-shirt and shorts and joined the celebrations as the team soaked in the success.RCB, who won their maiden IPL title in Ahmedabad in 2025, have now become only the third franchise after Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings to successfully defend their crown. They also extended the streak of Qualifier 1 winners going on to lift the trophy to nine consecutive seasons.Teams to win consecutive IPL titlesCSK – 2010 and 2011MI – 2019 and 2020RCB – 2025 and 2026Multiple IPL title wins5 – MI5 – CSK3 – KKR2 – RCB— RCBTweets (@RCBTweets) Powered by Kohli's fastest IPL half-century, RCB completed a clinical chase of 156 at a packed Narendra Modi Stadium to secure back-to-back titles.Kohli smashed a 25-ball fifty and remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 deliveries, an innings studded with nine fours and three sixes. It was also his highest score in an IPL playoff match.The veteran batter continued a remarkable streak as well — RCB have not lost a match since 2025 whenever Kohli has scored a half-century.Kohli was adjudged Player of the Match in the final.Oldest players to win Player of the Match in an IPL final38y 219d – Anil Kumble (RCB, 2009)37y 207d – Virat Kohli (RCB, 2026)37y 94d – Faf du Plessis (CSK, 2021)36y 344d – Shane Watson (CSK, 2018)"Well, it’s the stuff that you dream of. I’ve thought of this moment many times, that, you know, once when we win the IPL, I should be standing there hitting the winning runs and tonight it was possible. So yeah, just a dream day for us," Kohli said after the match."And as I mentioned straight after the game as well, we just felt really relaxed coming to the game today and really confident about how we wanted to go about our game and what kind of team we have. And that gives you confidence to just, you know, see any kind of situation through. But yeah, in a chase, I felt really comfortable out there knowing exactly what to do," he said. 131433935

A lightweight championship unification bout between champion Ilia Topuria and interim titleholder Justin Gaethje headlines the UFC Freedom 250 fight card on June 14 at the White House. It will be Topuria's first title defense. Topuria is a heavy betting favorite two weeks out from the event, but should he be? UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovksi broke down the main event matchup on his YouTube channel and gave his prediction for the outcome."Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, White House, main event fight. Huge fight. Ilia obviously looking like the favorite. The pros are saying this could be a very, very bad night for Justin Gaethje," Volkanovski said. "Justin Gaethje, obviously a durable, aggressive fighter and still quite calculated. A lot of people see him being so aggressive and think he's just going to be so open for Ilia. ... Justin Gaethje has a lot of offense, very aggressive, but he will still try and put himself in defensive positions. He'll shell up.""So Gaethje, I think being defensive coming forward with maybe trying to come forward, pressure, really shield up, not giving easy options for Ilia is going to be his approach. I've seen him sort of do that, and I think he's going to know he needs to do that," Volkanovski added. "It just depends on what Gaethje shows up. Topuria is also an aggressive fighter with deadly accurate hands. He's precise with his counter strikes and can end a fight with one shot. But it won't be easy according to the featherweight champ. "Are there easy ways to find a finish for Ilia? No. This is going to be maybe a little bit harder," said Volkanovski. "But as soon as Gaethje opens himself up ... As soon as he tries to open up and let his hands go off, you know, take the opportunity, I just believe Ilia is going to be too sharp and just catch him. I think he's safe enough and defensive enough to not fall into any of Gaethje's traps and then as soon as Gaethje opens up, game over.""I think it's going to be a KO for Ilia," predicted Volkanovski. "He's the favorite for a reason. I think he's just going to be too much and he's going to be the KO victory."