🚨 Mateus Fernandes' future should become clearer over the next few days as Manchester United and Tottenham and battle it out to sign him. It is anticipated a formal bid is close to being made which is likely to bring the situation to a head. [@sistoney67] #MUFC
🚨Manchester United offered West Ham a package of £85m for Mateus Fernandes which was £70m guaranteed with around £15m in add-ons.
They also offered a wage of close to £170k a week. This morning, United were offered the chance to match Spurs' bid, which was £85m all up front, and they refused to do so.
[@SullyTalkz]
#MUFC
🚨 Carlo Ancelotti on why he did not celebrate wildly after Gabriel Martinelli’s late winner for Brazil against Japan:
🗣️ “People asked me why I didn’t celebrate, but football is also about respect. Yes, we were happy to win, but I looked across and saw a Japanese team that had given absolutely everything. They fought with incredible courage, and I know exactly how painful a defeat like that can be.”
“Of course I celebrated inside because my responsibility is to Brazil and qualifying was our objective. But I’ve been in football for many years, and I’ve experienced both victory and heartbreak. Sometimes the best way to respect your opponent is to remain humble in your biggest moments.”
“Japan made us suffer for ninety-five minutes. They deserved our respect, not exaggerated celebrations. Brazil are through, but we know we must improve. Tonight we celebrate the qualification, but tomorrow we go back to work because the World Cup only gets more difficult from here.”
{@FoxNews }
🚨 Casemiro on Carlo Ancelotti against Japan:
“I looked at the bench thinking he might take me off. He looked back at me like he already knew something I didn’t. He left me on. I scored. Then he brought on Martinelli. Martinelli scored. At some point you stop questioning Carlo. You just wait to see why.”
Rio Ferdinand on nine African nations reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage:
🗣️ “I've been around football long enough to know when something special is happening, and what Africa has done at this World Cup is impossible to ignore. This isn't a surprise anymore it's a warning to the rest of the football world.”
“For years, people kept saying African teams had talent but lacked consistency. That excuse doesn't work anymore. They're tactically organised, mentally strong, and they're beating top nations because they've earned it.”
“When you watch Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, South Africa, DR Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Cape Verde and the other African nations, you don't see underdogs. You see teams that genuinely believe they can go all the way.”
“The biggest change isn't the quality Africa has always had quality. The biggest change is the confidence. These players aren't stepping onto the pitch hoping to compete; they're stepping on expecting to win.”
“I honestly think some of the traditional football powers underestimated Africa, and they're paying the price for it. That era of looking down on African football is over.”
“The rest of the world should be paying attention because this isn't a one-off tournament. This is what happens when talent meets belief, discipline and world-class preparation.”
“If you're still calling African teams 'dark horses,' then you haven't been watching this World Cup. They're no longer chasing history they're creating it.”
“This feels like the moment the football world finally accepts what many of us have known for years: Africa isn't knocking on the door anymore. It's already inside the room.”
Manuel Ugarte Ig: “A few days have passed since everything happened.
Suffering the most serious injury a footballer can face in one of the most important matches in my country’s history, and seeing it end this way without being able to stay on the pitch and support my teammates until the final whistle, is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Hitting rock bottom will make me stronger in every sense, and I truly believe that’s the case here.
Without a doubt, when life wants you to stop, it finds a way to let you know.
It’s up to me to take the positives from this.
Success in life is about starting again every time you fall.
I’m incredibly grateful to @AUFOficial and @manutd for being there for me from the moment it happened. A huge thank you as well to my family, my friends, and everyone who has sent me messages of support during this time.
I’ll be back stronger.”
#MUFC
Ian Wright on Elliot Anderson: “I was a little bit surprised he chose City over United if I’m totally honest. Especially with Pep [Guardiola] not being there.” [@itvfootball] #MUFC
🚨 José Mourinho to Beast Mode On: “I once had a player who didn’t want to take a small injection to play a match”.
“I took off my shoe and socks and I put my foot right in front of his face and I told the doctor: ‘GIVE ME THE INJECTION’. And he gave it to me and my toe was perfect”.
“Then I told the player, ‘C’mon you can also do it.’ He said: ‘No, you are crazy’… well”.
“He played NO matches with me after this”.
🚨 Aurélien Tchouaméni is happy at Real Madrid, but if his situation changes, he would like to play for Manchester United. [@AndyMitten, @TOTDevils] #MUFC
🎙️🚨 Zlatan Ibrahimovic after South Africa beat South Korea to qualify to the next round
🗣️ “I think this is a message to FIFA, they need to bring more African countries to the World Cup. Nigeria should be here too. Africa’s football is different. They don’t play unnecessary passes. when they get the ball, they attack you immediately. That’s the kind of football we want.
Europe’s football is boring, too many back passes and too many tactics. Morocco and South Africa have qualified to the next round. Morocco is the best Africa team in having possession. South Africa is the best in counter attack.
I think an African team will reach the semifinals this year. I’m happy,they deserve it. Africa should be the best, Mbappe should be playing for Cameroon, Olise should be playing for Nigeria and same for Vini too. I wish the whole of Africa luck in this tournament”. 👏
🚨Official: Manchester United players will report back to Carrington from Thursday 9 July. The international players will start to return throughout July and early August. #MUFC
🚨 Those close to Leny Yoro describe him as hugely ambitious to succeed at Manchester United and very happy at the club. He is motivated for the new season and already working in the summer break to return ready for the new campaign. [@TheAthleticFC] #MUFC
🚨Manchester United risk being blown out of the water for Mateus Fernandes by Tottenham on wages.
Sources say Spurs are “going big” on salaries for targets and are prepared to offer more than United for Fernandes.
[@samuelluckhurst]
#MUFC
🚨 Bruno Fernandes is set to stay at Manchester United. He he has already told teammates and those close to his circle that he intends to remain. [@JacobsBen] #MUFC