Football news LIVE: Manchester United in Antony FA Cup final blow, Ederson benched for Man City, Allardyce leaves Leeds, Taylor abused by Roma fans
talkSPORT.com brings you all the latest football news, views and transfer gossip from the Premier League and beyond.
Top stories:
- Manchester United suffer another injury blow with Antony set to miss FA Cup final
- Referee Anthony Taylor and fans abused by Roma fans at airport
- Phil Neville sacked by Inter Miami as David Beckham hails contribution
- Anton Ferdinand leads West Ham walk-off after Dallas United player accused of using n-word in racism row
- Lionel Messi to leave PSG: Manager Christophe Galtier confirms summer exit
- Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou expected to be confirmed as Tottenham's new manager
- Chelsea's Mason Mount agrees personal terms with Manchester United
Pep Guardiola has eased concerns over the fitness of a number of key players ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester United on Saturday, and confirmed a surprise decision about his starting XI.
Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne and Manuel Akanji all missed the champions’ final Premier League game of the season at Brentford last week.
Guardiola said at a press conference: “They have trained well. They are more or less fine.”
The boss also confirmed No.2 goalkeeper Stefan Ortega will start against United, in keeping with his usual policy for all domestic cup fixtures.
He said: “He’s going to play. It’s always like that.”
Victory for City at Wembley would give them two thirds of a potential treble with next week’s Champions League final still to come.
Guardiola, however, is not yet thinking about the prospect of winning all three trophies.
He said: “We should think about what we have to do to win this one game. Nothing changes. We analyse the strengths of the opponent and see the weaknesses they have.
“It’s a football game, that’s the most important thing. We cannot control what’s on the outside. We do what we can to win the game.”
Manchester United have suffered a major blow ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup against Man City.
Erik ten Hag has revealed £90million winger Antony is unlikely to be available for the game.
The Brazilian was stretchered off in United’s 4-1 win over Chelsea last week, but Ten Hag was optimistic of having his former Ajax star back for the Wembley showpiece.
However, it appears that Antony’s chances of being available are now slim, serving as a blow to United who are already without striker Anthony Martial and defender Lisandro Martinez.
“Unlikely – there’s a chance but a really small chance,” said Ten Hag when asked about Antony’s availability.
“He didn’t make the progress [we wanted] so it’s unlikely he’s available. It’s about the players who are available and many times we were successful [without our injured players]. We have a good squad and from it, we’ll make a good team.”
James Maddison has taken to Instagram to react to Leicester’s relegation, and has possibly given a hint about where his future lies.
The England midfielder has been linked with the exit door after the Foxes’ drop to the Championship, with Tottenham and Newcastle linked with an interest.
But Maddison says the Leicester players will ‘continue to stick together’ after their bottom-three finish – does that mean he’s staying put to help the club seal an immediate return to the top flight?
“Absolutely devastated to be relegated from the Premier League,” wrote the star.
“I’ve took a bit of time to reflect on the outcome of the season and to be honest it doesn’t make it any easier at all.
“This will hurt for a very long time and probably stick with us all forever, but that’s life and it’s about how you bounce back from setbacks and failure and unfortunately that’s exactly what this season was… a failure.
“We should never have been in the position we were, with the players we have.
“But we take responsibility for that and the negativity that comes with it and continue to stick together @lcfc.”
Jesse Lingard is a free agent after being released by Nottingham Forest.
The former Manchester United midfielder signed a one-year deal with the City Ground club last summer, in a move that surprised many following links with a return to West Ham – where he previously starred on loan.
But his move to Forest didn’t work out as he made only 20 appearances for the club, and managed just two goals and two assists.
And he has now been released by Forest at the end of his contract.
The Premier League confirmed their retained list today, with Lingard among the number of players set to leave at the end of the current season.
“Six senior players’ contracts have come to an end: Andre Ayew, Cafu, Jack Colback, Jesse Lingard, Jordan Smith and Lyle Taylor,” the statement read.
“Six academy players will also depart the club as they embark on fresh chapters ahead of the 2023/24 season: Billy Fewster, Alex Gibson-Hammond, Ryan Hammond, Nicky Hogarth, Adnan Kanuric and Lewis Salmon.
“The club would like to thank each player for their contributions during their time at The City Ground.
“Serge Aurier has triggered an automatic one-year extension to his contract, whilst our three loan players, Keylor Navas, Dean Henderson and Renan Lodi have returned to their parent clubs.
“Chris Wood’s loan deal from Newcastle United will become permanent from the summer transfer window open date.”
UEFA have decided to allow referee Szymon Marciniak to officiate the Champions League final after alleged links with a far-right movement in Poland.
Marciniak was investigated by UEFA after it was claimed he spoke at a recent event organised by a Polish far-right leader Slawomir Mentzen.
UEFA appointed Marciniak last month to referee the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan in Istanbul on June 10.
Mentzen, co-chairman of the Confederation party, launched the political slogan ‘We stand against Jews, gays, abortion, taxation and the European Union’.
Anti-racism group Never Again urged UEFA to drop Marciniak after claiming he had promoted and was one of the keynote speakers at an event held by Mentzen at the International Congress Centre in Katowice.
But UEFA have given him the go-ahead to referee the Champions League final after he issued an apology and insisted he wasn’t aware of the nature of the event he attended.
Uefa said: “After conducting a thorough review, we have received a statement from Mr Marciniak expressing his deepest apologies and providing a clarification regarding his involvement in the event.”
In a statement issues this afternoon, Marciniak said: “Upon reflection and further investigation, it has become evident that I was gravely misled and completely unaware of the true nature and affiliations of the event in question.
“I had no knowledge that it was associated [with] a Polish extreme-right movement. Had I been aware of this fact, I would have categorically declined the invitation.”
Marciniak, 42, became the first Polish referee to take charge of a World Cup final in Qatar last December when Argentina beat France on penalties.
West Ham manager David Moyes has condemned the treatment of referee Anthony Taylor.
Moyes is preparing his side for next Wednesday’s Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina in Prague.
And he is hoping there will not be a repeat of the scenes that marred this week’s Europa League final, as Roma boss Jose Mourinho was seen verbally abusing Taylor after the game, while the Premier League ref was also accosted by fans at the airport as he flew home.
“I didn’t see the game so I can’t comment on the game itself or the officiating,” Moyes said.
“All referees have a really difficult job and shouldn’t be put through any difficult situations, which I heard about this morning. That’s not correct.”
Nottingham Forest have confirmed Serge Aurier will stay at the club after triggering an automatic one-year extension in his contract.
The former Tottenham full-back will stay at the City Ground for another season after helping the club avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Aurier has established himself as a key player under Steve Cooper, making a total of 28 appearances and 22 Premier League starts since joining the club in September, scoring one goal – earning Forest a point in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in January.
Chris Wilder is wanted by Reading as their new manager, according to reports.
The Royals were relegated from the Championship to League One this season, and want Wilder to lead their quest for promotion back to the second tier next term.
It is claimed Wilder has been in talks with the club for a few weeks and they are hoping to get a deal done.
Reading have been without a permanent manager since Paul Ince was sacked with just five games to go in the 2022/23 season.
Reading are also said to have held talks with ex-Luton Town and Southampton boss Nathan Jones, but it appears Wilder is the No.1 target.
Newcastle are closing in on their first summer signing.
18-year-old Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh is set to join the Magpies from Danish club Odense for £6million [€7m].
The 2004-born winger is seen as a top talent for the future and will sign for the Premier League club in a permanent deal, with his medical to take place soon – according to Danish outlet B.T.
Minteh is expected to be loaned out after signing for the club, but he will not take part in Odense’s match against FC Midtjylland as his transfer to England goes through.
The teen star only joined Odense in August 2022, playing just 17 games for the club, and was first courted by Newcastle in January.
His arrival follows Newcastle's deal to sign 18-year-old Australian wonderkid Garang Kuol from Central Coast Mariners in January – who spent the second half of the season on loan at Hearts in Scotland – with the mega-rich club working hard to sign prospects who could become future Toon stars.
Jose Mourinho has been told he must take responsibility for the disgraceful scenes that saw Roma fans confront referee Anthony Taylor at Budapest airport.
That is the view of Ref Support UK CEO Martin Cassidy, who has also expressed his fear that a match official could soon be murdered.
Speaking on the Sports Breakfast, Cassidy said: “It’s a really worrying incident this, and we just hope that Anthony and his family are OK and are being supported properly.”
He added: “I think people need to recognise the consequences of what they say, what they tweet, what they do.
“Look at what has happened just domestically, we’ve said for a long time that we fear a match official is going to get murdered.
“And this is another step closer to that.”
Manager Sam Allardyce has left Leeds United by mutual consent, the club have confirmed.
The Whites were recently relegated from the Premier League to the Championship.
Allardyce was appointed on May 3 and failed to win any of his four matches in charge.
The former England boss said: “It has been an honour to manage Leeds United, a great club with an incredible fan base, who deserve to be in the Premier League. I have really enjoyed working with the staff and players at the club and I would like to thank Angus Kinnear for the opportunity. I’d also like to highlight the outstanding work of Karl Robinson and Robbie Keane who have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks.
“At this stage in my career I am not sure taking on this challenge, which is potentially a long-term project, is something I could commit to, but I wish the club every success for the future and hope the club returns to the Premier League, where they belong.”
Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear added: “We thank Sam for being brave enough to step in and do all he could to save us. Sadly, it was not to be, but Sam, Karl and Robbie did everything they could to lift the mood at Thorp Arch and Elland Road and for that we are all extremely grateful.”
West Ham were caught up in a racism row during a match against Dallas United at The Soccer Tournament on Thursday.
The fixture was suspended after a Dallas United player was accused of using the n-word towards West Ham’s Frank Nouble in North Carolina.
Anton Ferdinand, who was playing for the Hammers in the exhibition tournament, could be heard saying ‘I am here to set a precedent’ before the English side left the pitch.
During the row, ex-West Ham defender Ferdinand could also be heard threatening to ‘punch up’ a Dallas United player before leading his Hammers teammates off the pitch.
Ferdinand was involved in a high-profile racism case in 2011 when an independent disciplinary panel found then-Chelsea captain John Terry guilty of racially abusing him during a Premier League match.
A West Ham statement read: “The players made a collective decision to walk off the pitch as a team in support of our player. As a club, everyone at West Ham United stands shoulder to shoulder in solidarity against all forms of discrimination and abuse.
Dallas United have now left the lucrative seven-a-side tournament after their Friday fixture was cancelled, although it is unclear whether the American side were disqualified or left of their own accord.
Refereeing body PGMOL says it is appalled by ‘unjustified and abhorrent’ abuse directed at Anthony Taylor after video footage emerged of him being accosted by angry fans at Budapest Airport.
Taylor and his family can be seen trying to evade a mob, who were shouting at him as he travelled home after refereeing Wednesday night’s Europa League final between Roma and Sevilla in the Hungarian capital.
The Premier League official was criticised for his performance in the final by Roma boss Jose Mourinho during his post-match press conference after the Italian side lost on penalties to Sevilla.
And in video footage which later emerged on social media, the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager is seen gesticulating at Taylor and officials in the stadium car park and heard saying “disgrace”.
In the incident at the airport, clips on Twitter show a chair and drinks being thrown in the direction of Taylor and his group as they make their way through a gathering of Roma fans.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said in a statement on Thursday evening: “PGMOL is aware of videos circulating on social media showing Anthony Taylor and his family being harassed and abused at Budapest Airport.
“We are appalled at the unjustified and abhorrent abuse directed at Anthony and his family as he tries to make his way home from refereeing the UEFA Europa League final.
“We will continue to provide our full support to Anthony and his family.”
Manchester United could offer Harry Maguire as makeweight in a deal to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea, according to reports.
talkSPORT understands Mount has agreed personal terms with United but the Red Devils are yet to agree a fee with the Blues.
Chelsea value the 24-year-old midfielder at around £70million and The Sun claims England defender Maguire could be offered as part of the deal.
United reportedly consider Maguire’s worth to be around £30m.
Phil Neville has been sacked as manager of Inter Miami, who are co-owned by former Manchester United teammate David Beckham, it has been announced.
Neville, who was appointed in 2021, has been relieved of his duties with Miami bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference with five wins and ten defeats this term.
Inter Miami assistant head coach Jason Morales will assume the role on an interim basis.
“When we appointed Phil we knew he would give Inter Miami his all and I have watched him work incredibly hard and with real commitment towards the ambitions we set out for the club,” Beckham said.
“He and his family embraced Miami and he has devoted himself to the drive to bring success to the city and to our fans.
“”Phil has made a real contribution to the culture of our club with his qualities as a leader and knowledge as a coach.
“Sometimes in this game we have to make the toughest decisions and sadly we feel the time is right to make a change. I want to personally thank Phil for his hard work, his passion for our club and for his integrity as a person.”
Referee Anthony Taylor and his family were confronted by angry Roma fans as he looked to board a flight from Budapest.
The Englishman attracted negative attention for his performance in the Europa League final between Sevilla and Roma on Wednesday night.
It was the Spanish side who came out on top on penalties, much to the annoyance of the Italian giants who were unhappy with Taylor’s performance having given out 14 yellow cards in total.
Clearly still angry at the outcome of the match, Roma fans gathered at the airport in Budapest to see him off, however, it was anything but a fond farewell.
Supporters shouted abuse at the 44-year-old as he and family members were was quickly ushered through a door by police into a more secure area.
In a statement, refereeing organisation the PGMOL said: “PGMOL is aware of videos circulating on social media showing Anthony Taylor and his family being harassed and abused at Budapest Airport.
“We are appalled at the unjustified and abhorrent abuse directed at Anthony and his family as he tries to make his way home from refereeing the UEFA Europa League final.
“We will continue to provide our full support to Anthony and his family.”
That’s it for today on talkSPORT.com’s football news blog.
We’ll be back tomorrow with the latest on all the big football stories, including build-up to Saturday’s FA Cup final between Manchester United and City.
Arsenal have been handed a boost in their pursuit of West Ham skipper Declan Rice.
The Gunners face competition from Bayern Munich and Manchester United in the race to sign the 24-year-old.
But according to the Daily Mail, the England international will snub a switch to join the Bundesliga champions.
Instead, he is prioritising a move to join another English side, with Arsenal claimed to be the frontrunners in securing his services.
It is believed that the north Londoners are ready to offer the Hammers a club-record £90million.
But that bid will only go in after West Ham face Fiorentina in next week’s Europa Conference League final.
talkSPORT understands that Manchester United and Chelsea are keen on signing Rasmus Hojlund this summer.
The 20-year-old is a full Danish international and plays for Atalanta.
The striker scored eight goals in Serie A last year and shares the same agent as Erik ten Hag.
But he is just one of a number of strikers on the radar for both clubs, with the Red Devils and Blues desperate to bolster their attacking options after underperforming in front of goal during the 2022/23 Premier League season.
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has refused to comment on where he will be playing next season.
Speaking ahead of Los Blancos’ clash against Athletic Bilbao, the 35-year-old addressed rumours linking him with a switch to Saudi Arabia.
He said: “Speak to Madrid fans? Speak about what? Why speaking of the future if I’m in Madrid.
“Who’s speaking is internet. The reality is NOT internet.”
Benzema continued: “I know how much Real Madrid fans love me. I feel that when I’m on the pitch. I give my best for them, always.
“I always say that we play with 11 on the pitch but also with crucial factor, Real Madrid fans.”
He added: “Stay or leave Real Madrid? At the moment, I’m here… we have a game on Saturday.
Marco Asensio will reportedly sign for Paris Saint-Germain when he leaves Real Madrid this summer.
The 27-year-old winger had attracted the interest of Arsenal and Aston Villa, but French giants PSG look set to win the race.
It was revealed earlier in the week that Asensio would depart Madrid at the end of the season after negotiations over a new deal broke down.
After winning a multitude of honours over the course of nearly a decade at the Bernabeu, he will leave as a free agent.
The Athletic report that he will sign for PSG, with a long-term agreement in place between the player and club.
Asensio will earn around £8.5million-a-year at Parc des Princes, with the transfer to be completed after the weekend.
Got a spare two hours?
LaLiga have just posted a supercut video of EVERY KARIM BENZEMA GOAL HE HAS EVER SCORED in the Spanish top flight.
Meanwhile, it’s claimed the French striker has agreed a mega-money move to join Saudi club Al-Ittihad.
Reports say the 35-year-old will sign a two-year contract worth a staggering €400million.
Yikes.
Benzema is expected to face the media to confirm his future this evening.
Here’s more from Ange Postecoglou as the Celtic boss responded to suggestions he is the new favourite for the Tottenham job.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the Scottish Cup final, the 57-year-old – who is on a 12-month rolling contract at Celtic Park – said: “You are making it sound as if it’s the first time this has happened to me.
“We have done this dance a few times this year. The players are well aware of where my thoughts lie.”
Postecoglou has been linked with numerous Premier League clubs this season including Leeds, Everton, Brighton, Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
“The players have been really good at focusing on what’s important,” he said. “What’s important is being ready for a big game on Saturday.
“I have handled it before and I’ll handle it the same way. It doesn’t enter my sphere of thinking because my role is to make sure the team is absolutely prepared for what the next challenge is.”
The former Australia head coach also dismissed questions over whether he had talks planned with the club hierarchy.
“No, because again that would mean me planning, organising, thinking about things other than Saturday,” he said.
“Look, I understand that’s your job to ask these questions because that’s the role you are in, but you are not invested in this football club like I am, like the players are, like our supporters are.
“I woke up this morning thinking about one thing, the same thing I have been thinking about for the last five days. I really want to make sure that we play well in this cup final and make it a truly special season.
“I know this football club has had a lot of success recently including trebles but over the history of time there aren’t too many that can claim to that. Not just for myself but for some of these players, it might be the only one they get. So we need to focus on that.
“It’s a massive role to be manager of this football club and for me to be dismissive of potentially our biggest game of the year is just not going to happen.”
Darren Bent claims Lionel Messi would struggle to get into Arsenal’s first XI.
The Drivetime host and ex-Premier League striker was asked about Messi’s next move, with confirmation he will leave PSG this summer.
But he doesn’t want to see the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner come to English football.
“Do I want to see Messi in the Premier League? Do you know what, I wouldn’t now.
“He is the greatest player that has ever lived, but I feel like people would try to pick too many faults in him – like what’s happened in France. People in France have slated him. Ripped him to pieces.
“I think the only place Lionel Messi needs to go is back home – and that’s Barcelona. That’s the only place I want to see him. That’s the only thing that would make sense. It’s where he became the best ever.
“To watch him in the Premier League would be incredible, but I just feel people wouldn’t appreciate him properly.”
Asked if he would get into Arsenal’s starting XI, Bent stunned us all by claiming no, he wouldn’t.
Come on Benty!
“Maybe up top instead of Jesus,” he said. “But I’d keep Saka and Martinelli on the wings [over Messi], because we play a different brand of football.
“I’d have Messi in the squad, just to watch him.
“Listen, this is not a lifetime achievement award. I think the game has moved on now. You can’t have passengers, everyone has to do their part.”
With Messi and now Benzema moving on to pastures new this summer, there are more high-profile exits are to be expected at Bayern Munich.
According to reports, the German champions are ready to sell ex-Premier League trio Sadio Mane, Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry.
Despite lifting the Bundesliga title for the 11th straight season on Saturday, bayern have had a poor season overall and bosses are preparing for a mass overhaul of their squad and culture within the dressing room.
Mane’s big-money arrival from Liverpool has not worked out and he was punished by the club earlier this season for fighting with teammate Sane.
Now the Daily Mail claim both players could be heading for the exit door this summer, along with former Arsenal forward Gnabry.
