Wayne Rooney has named a “brilliant” former England star as his toughest-ever opponent, given both his tackling ability and skill in possession of the ball.

Rooney reveals toughest-ever opponent

Very few defenders were able to get the better of Rooney on a regular basis, as evidenced by the fact the Manchester United legend is the third-highest scorer in Premier League history, with a whopping 208 goals to his name.

The Liverpool-born forward spent the majority of his career at Old Trafford, where he enjoyed a great deal of success, playing a part in the Red Devils winning five Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, one FA Cup and one Champions League.

During the Sir Alex Ferguson era, United were extremely dominant, but they did go three seasons without winning the title in the early noughties, given the emergence of Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, who finished top back-to-back in 2004-05 and 2005-06.

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The likes of Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Petr Cech all cemented themselves as Blues legends in the process, but it is their former captain who was named as Rooney’s toughest-ever opponent when speaking on The Overlap. The 39-year-old said:

“I’ve always said John Terry was one of the toughest defenders to play against. On the ball he was very good – he was brilliant, and he could tackle. I also used to like playing against big centre-backs because I wanted a challenge and wanted that body contact – I could spin them all and come off them, then take them on. John Terry was the toughest though.”

Terry was part of the greatest-ever Premier League defence

It should come as no surprise that Rooney regards Terry as his most difficult opponent, given everything the former England star achieved at Chelsea, most notably playing a key role in the west Londoners setting the record for fewest goals conceded in a Premier League season.

During the 2004-05 campaign, Mourinho’s side shipped just 15 goals across the entire season, with the 78-time England international missing just two games, and he has since gone on to lavish the Portuguese manager with praise.

Not only was the ex-Chelsea captain a rock at the back, but he is also the highest-scoring defender in Premier League history, scoring 41 goals in 492 appearances.

With Levi Colwill set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to an ACL injury, Chelsea are in need of a new centre-back, but it will be extremely difficult to find one capable of coming close to replicating the impact Terry had at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham Hotspur are now expected to open permanent talks to sign an “incredible” star, who could be their first signing in the January transfer window.

Spurs looking to sign midfielder

Tottenham have made a solid start to the campaign, taking 10 points from their opening five games, with a number of their summer signings hitting the ground running, including Mohammed Kudus, who grabbed two assists against Brighton on Saturday.

Having set up four goals in his first five matches, Kudus has already eclipsed his assist tally from last season, and the winger is not the only new addition who has caught the eye, with Joao Palhinha making an instant impression.

After his side edged a 1-0 win against Villarreal, manager Thomas Frank said of the central midfielder: “He’s a very good player. He stabilised us more in the middle of the pitch. So that helped, definitely … [The players] are working very hard, and that we have a very good foundation to stand on, in terms of our defensive organization.

Consequently, it will come as no surprise that Spurs are now looking to sign Palhinha permanently, according to a report from The Boot Room, which states they are keen to open talks over a deal for the midfielder this January.

The north Londoners have been very impressed by the maestro’s start to the campaign, and they are now set to hold discussions over a deal, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey adding: “He’s exactly what they expected. When he left, he was already one of the Premier League’s best holding midfielders. Watching Palhinha play in that position probably frustrates Manchester United fans, knowing he was available and could have joined them.

“I fully expect discussions about a permanent deal to begin in January once the transfer window opens.”

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"Incredible" Palhinha must be signed permanently

On the face of it, a deal shouldn’t be too hard to complete, given that Spurs have the option to make the central midfielder’s stay permanent for £27m, which seems like a very fair fee for a player of his quality.

Journalist Kyle Bonn has spoken particularly fondly of the 30-year-old in the past, praising his passing, work-rate and tackling ability.

Those talents are underlined by the former Fulham man’s performance across several key metrics over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Statistic	Average per 90
Passes attempted	65.81 (88th percentile)
Pass completion %	90.6% (95th percentile)
Tackles	4.03 (99th percentile)
Aerials won	2.22 (94th percentile)

With a 7.2 SofaScore match rating, the loanee was also Spurs’ highest-rated starter in the 2-2 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, courtesy of winning 10 of the 16 duels he contested.

As such, it is a no-brainer to bring Palhinha in permanently, and Frank will be hoping for a similar performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers next weekend.

Nottingham Forest are at the beginning of life under Ange Postecoglou, but results haven’t gone to plan since the Australian boss arrived at the City Ground.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s departure paved the way for Postecoglou to enter the hotseat in the East Midlands, though it is fair to say his tenure has yielded mixed reviews as he awaits a first victory in charge.

Back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and Swansea City were followed by consecutive draws against Burnley and Real Betis, before Forest endured a frustrating loss against Sunderland last weekend despite creating a host of chances.

Urging patience, Postecoglou shared frustration at his side not being able to dispose of the Black Cats, albeit he did acknowledge his side were more than a match for their opponents in terms of their performance.

He stated: “Frustrating. Disappointing. It’s another game we have allowed to get away from us, where really we should be very comfortably overcoming (Sunderland). I didn’t think there was anything in it (free-kick decision). Irrespective, even if the referee has made an absolute high howler, we can still deal with the free-kick better. What we did after that is more of a concern to me than the decision.”

While Nottingham Forest’s frustration at the officials was reflected by Neco Williams, they do have plenty to build on; it isn’t as if they’ve been blown away by their opposition in any of their last four matches, excluding their defeat at Arsenal.

Ange Postecoglou’s frustrating start

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Swansea City 3-2 Nottingham Forest

Burnley 1-1 Nottingham Forest

Real Betis 2-2 Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest 0-1 Sunderland

Either way, people will already begin to form judgements, with many still fresh from memories of Postecoglou’s rollercoaster season with Tottenham Hotspur last term, ending the year with the Europa League trophy and a 17th-placed Premier League finish.

Tim Howard launches scathing Postecoglou verdict

Speaking to Premier League Productions, former United States and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has hit out at Postecoglou, claiming his methods lack pragmatism even if they are easy on the eye.

He stated: “I’m so sick and tired of these coaches saying, ‘This is the way I play, and I’ll lose my job, but I’ll play this way.’ No, you have to be pragmatic. You have to dig in. Yes, they use the football well and yes, they play well. But did you see that (Sunderland) performance? They were willing to dig in, every single one of them. That’s how you get results, and it shows.”

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Truthfully, there are two contexts to view Nottingham Forest’s situation in. On one hand, they have been unlucky not to claim more from their first five matches under Postecoglou, but a soft underbelly has no place in a side trying to claim Premier League points.

The Australian is known for his firebrand style of football, so fans will have to be encouraged by the flashes of what they’ve seen – particularly in Seville – and simply buckle up and enjoy the ride.

The BCB has stated that neither the player nor the BCCI has approached it for an NOC

Mohammad Isam14-May-2025

Mustafizur Rahman (left) flew out to Dubai with the rest of Bangladesh’s squad on Wednesday•BCB

Delhi Capitals’ (DC) signing of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for the remainder of IPL 2025 has hit a snag, with the BCB stating that it hasn’t been approached for a no-objection certificate (NOC).Usually, the IPL only announces signings after a player has received an NOC from his home board. According to its CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury, however, the BCB had yet to receive a request for one.”Mustafizur is supposed to go with the team to the UAE according to the schedule,” Chowdhury told ESPNcricinfo on Wednesday. “We have not received any communication from IPL officials. I have also not received any such official communication from Mustafizur either.”Related

Bangladesh are all systems go for two-game face-off against T20I-happy UAE

BCB to finalise Pakistan tour based on government directives

DC announce Mustafizur signing after Fraser-McGurk exits IPL 2025

IPL to allow temporary replacements for last leg of 2025 season

Mustafizur is part of the Bangladesh T20I squad that is due to play back-to-back away T20I series against UAE and Pakistan, both of which clash with the IPL. On Wednesday, hours after the IPL announced his signing as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mustafizur flew out to Dubai with the rest of Bangladesh’s squad.Bangladesh are due to play two T20Is in the UAE on May 17 and 19, followed by five in Pakistan on May 25, 27 and 30, and June 1 and 3. Those two series are in conflict with the IPL; DC are set to play their last three league matches on May 18, 21 and 24, followed by the playoffs should they get there.ESPNcricinfo has sought a response from DC on this development.

High-class fast bowling from Kyle Abbott put Hampshire in command against Warwickshire in their Rothesay County Championship tussle at Edgbaston.Abbott took five for 47, his second five-for in successive games, as Warwickshire were bowled out for 194 to sustain a first innings deficit of 106. It was superb, pitched up, swing bowling at the head of a strong collective effort from a seam attack against which only Ed Barnard (58, 55 balls) looked comfortable.Hampshire then leaned hard on Fletcha Middleton’s 76 (124 balls) as they reached 159 for six in their second innings. They lead by 265 overall, a significant advantage on a pitch still assisting the seamers.Warwickshire resumed on the second morning on 27 for two and swiftly lost both overnight batters. Nightwatcher Olly Hannon-Dalby edged Abbott to first slip before John Turner struck a crucial blow when Tom Latham, fresh from 184 on his debut last week, fell for just five when he edged to third slip.On a grey morning, against a swinging ball, batting was tricky. Sam Hain and Beau Webster grafted hard to add 62 in 21 overs, but Hampshire’s seamers sustained the pressure and Abbott removed both just before lunch. Hain’s dogged 23 (77 balls) was ended by a perfect outswinger. A nifty inswinger brought Webster’s fluent 41 (66) to a close when he inside-edged a drive on to his middle stump.Barnard, nudging the England selectors in this match with a half-century to follow his four wickets, defied with discipline but without support. Zen Malik was late on a straight ball from Brad Wheal and Ethan Bamber flicked James Fuller to mid-wicket. Barnard reached an accomplished 43-ball 50 but then nicked Abbott to wicketkeeper Ben Brown who collected again when Che Simmons edged Turner.Hampshire’s second innings began in the game’s first sunshine but the ball continued to move around and while Middleton settled, partners came and went. None of the other top six batters passed 15 as Mark Stoneman edged Hannon-Dalby to first slip, Bamber drew fatal edges from Nick Gubbins and Tom Prest and Webster removed Ben Brown, lbw, and Liam Dawson, caught at second slip, in three balls.At 99 for five, Hampshire were in danger of relinquishing their advantage but Middleton and Toby Albert added 52 in 15 overs to reassert their side’s control. Albert (29 not out, 52 balls) made important runs for the second time in the match while Middleton reached 50 (71 balls) for the first time in ten attempts this season. Though he was bowled by Simmons just before the close, on a pitch which examines the batters’ powers of technique and diligence, his work, like Fuller’s in the first innings, was of immense value.

Glasgow Rangers have held positive Ibrox talks with a leading Gers manager target to replace Russell Martin.

Managers who could replace Martin at Rangers

Sunday’s 1-1 Scottish Premiership draw with Falkirk proved to be the last straw for Martin at Rangers, who was dismissed that evening.

Gers chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe have since written an open letter to Ibrox supporters, telling fans that a ‘rigorous, thoughtful recruitment process is already underway’ to find a new manager, with the pair ‘treating it with the urgency it deserves’ and are ‘deeply involved’.

A number of targets have already been linked with a move to Glasgow, including former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl who is “appreciated by senior figures” at Ibrox.

Another candidate currently out of work is Sean Dyche. The former Everton and Burnley boss has been without a job since leaving Goodison Park, and he is thought to be very keen on moving to Glasgow.

In Europe, there have also been more names mentioned to come in and replace Martin. Dutch head coach Mark van Bommel is another “interested” in replacing Martin, whereas Spanish manager Quique Setien is also on the Gers’ radar after leaving Beijing Guoan.

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A ‘fan favourite’ and one of Rangers’ top targets, though, is former Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard, and there has now been a positive development over a return to Glasgow for the former title winner.

Rangers hold positive talks with Steven Gerrard

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Rangers have now had ‘positive progress in talks with Gerrard’ over a reunion at Ibrox.

It was stated on Monday that discussions were set to continue and that negotiations are complex, however, the ball appears to be rolling in regards to a move back to Glasgow for the 45-year-old.

Gerrard, who plays an attacking 4-3-3 system, averaged 2.15 points per game during his 192 matches in charge of Rangers between 2018-2021, winning the Scottish Premiership in 2020.

Days in charge

1,228

Games

192

Wins

124

Goals per game

2.12

Players used

65

His assistant from his time at Ibrox, Gary McAllister, was even asked about a return to Rangers with Gerrard on Monday, to which he said:

“We had a wonderful time there. We really enjoyed our time there. Steven did an amazing job to get that 55th title.

“He’s always going to be linked with Glasgow Rangers, he loved his time up there. You never know what can happen.”

Rangers look set to take their time when appointing their fourth manager of 2025 due to the current international break, but by the looks of things, a return to Ibrox for Gerrard is a real possibility.

It feels like it’s a bit late to say the wheels have come off for West Ham United.

The Hammers were knocked out of the League Cup in the second round and have lost four of their five Premier League games, by a combined score of 5-13.

It felt like it was more a matter of when, rather than if, Graham Potter was replaced in the London Stadium dugout.

Lo and behold, despite being put in front of the press on Friday afternoon ahead of their clash with Everton on Monday, he was given the boot on Saturday morning.

Nuno Santo was quickly announced as his replacement but with only a couple of days of training before the clash with the Toffees, it will be interesting to see if the Portuguese makes many widespread changes.

James Ward-Prowse could be one player who drops out as Nuno chases a debut win.

Why Ward-Prowse has to be dropped

West Ham spent around £30m to bring Ward-Prowse to the London Stadium in the summer of 2023, and considering he was sent on an unsuccessful short-term loan to Nottingham Forest last year, it’s been a failure of a move.

However, while the fans were desperate for Potter to drop the former Southampton star from the lineup, he continued to persist with the Englishman, something that arguably played a hand in his sacking.

The 11-capped Englishman has had a brilliant career in the top-flight, and there was a point at which his deadball abilities made him a genuine threat for the Saints, but those days are long gone.

Instead, the 30-year-old is now more of a hindrance in the middle of the park than anything else, unable to offer much in attack and not being anywhere near mobile enough to help out in defence.

We saw this duel problem on full display against Crystal Palace, as even though he took 61 touches and completed 41 passes, he amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of just 0.25.

Ward-Prowse’s game vs Palace

Minutes

90′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

61

Accurate Passes

41/48 (85%)

Crosses (Accurate)

5 (1)

Shots on Target

0

Ground Duels (Won)

6 (1)

Aerial Duels (Won)

3 (0)

Lost Possession

14

Fouls

3

Dribbled Past

2

All Stats via Sofascore

On top of that, he lost five out of six ground duels, all three aerial duels, was dribbled past twice, lost possession 14 times and gave away three fouls.

It was a horror show, and one that should see him nowhere near the starting lineup for quite some time, especially as West Ham have a new midfielder who could come in and surely do a better job.

West Ham's ideal Ward-Prowse replacement

While there are a few options Nuno could go with on Monday evening, he has to start Soungoutou Magassa in place of Ward-Prowse.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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The former AS Monaco ace is certainly still young and somewhat inexperienced compared to the Englishman, but he deserves a chance to show the fans what he can do tonight.

More importantly, though, he offers something the former Saints star no longer can: dynamism and quality.

According to respected analyst Ben Mattinson, the 21-year-old is blessed with a combination of “pure athleticism” and an ability to “spray passes wide out to the wings” because his “passing range is top.”

Moreover, Mattinson has claimed that “defensively there’s a high potential” in the youngster, which is borne out in his underlying numbers.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 1% of midfielders in Ligue 1 last season for dribblers tackled, tackles plus interceptions, and ball recoveries, as well as the top 5% for tackles won and more, all per 90 minutes.

He also put up some promising attacking numbers as well, ranking in the top 9% for successful take-on percentage and the top 17% for passes into the final third, also per 90.

Magassa’s Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

2.37

Top 1%

Dribblers Tackled

2.20

Top 1%

Dribbles Challenged

4.04

Top 1%

Tkl+Int

5.97

Top 1%

Ball Recoveries

7.90

Top 1%

Tackles

4.13

Top 2%

Interceptions

1.84

Top 4%

Tackles Won

2.20

Top 5%

Successful Take-On %

65.2%

Top 9%

Touches (Mid 3rd)

45.57

Top 12%

Tackles (Att 3rd)

0.53

Top 16%

Passes into Final Third

5.88

Top 17%

Switches

0.61

Top 17%

Aerials Won

1.14

Top 12%

All Stats via FBref

In short, while he is nowhere near the finished product, the “elegant” Frenchman, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, already appears to be a better player than Ward-Prowse.

Therefore, for Nuno to elevate the chances of claiming all three points, he should drop the 30-year-old and start Magassa.

Pep Guardiola has named the one player that he'd "love" to have back at Manchester City. City have previously shown a ruthless streak when it comes to cashing on players who no longer wish to play for the club, notably Leroy Sane who left the Premier League side for Bayern Munich in 2020. However, Guardiola has revealed that one "performing unbelievably" he'd welcome back.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Striker left City last summer

  Julian Alvarez left Manchester City for Atletico Madrid last summer having become frustrated at a lack of regular game time for the Premier League powerhouse. The 25-year-old started 31 league games in his final season at the Etihad Stadium, but a bulk of those came as a result of absences to either Erling Haaland or Kevin De Bruyne.

  With both fit, Alvarez was often dropped to the bench despite scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists in the 2023/24 campaign. As such, the 2022 World Cup winner pushed to leave with Atletico winning the race to secure his services.

  While City were keen to retain the forward, they were willing to sanction his exit and the striker shone in his debut campaign with Atletico. While Aleti finished the league season in third, Alvarez still scored 17 times and laid on a further four assists.

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• 'I'd love to have him'

  And Alvarez has started the season strongly, scoring six times in his opening eight league outings though Atletico have made a sub-par start to the campaign, winning only three times. However, Alvarez's performances for the Spanish side have not gone unnoticed, with Guardiola admitting he's one he'd "love" to have back at the Etihad.

  Ahead of City's game against Everton, Guardiola said: "Julian had to compete with Erling (Haaland), which was something extraordinary for us.

  "Julian Alvarez is top. That's why now he's at one of the best clubs in the world, Atleti, playing for a top class manager, players, performing unbelievably. Maybe I'd love to have him… but I understand why he left."

  Alvarez wasn't the only player who left City recently as Aymeric Laporte departed for Al-Nassr in 2023, another who was keen on more playing time under Guardiola, who added: "The Treble year, do you remember the players I left on the bench? Aymeric Laporte, an incredible central defender and a regular for the national team, Julian and others who I would love to have now, but they wanted to play more and left."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Did Man City replace Alvarez?

  City were caught short in attack when Alvarez left last summer as the Premier League powerhouse failed to sign a replacement for the Argentina international. The Manchester side only spent on winger Savinho from Girona and re-signed Ilkay Gundogan following his Barcelona release.

  However, after a disappointing start to the season, which wasn't helped by the absence of midfielder Rodri, City splashed the cash back in January, signing Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Nico Gonzalez and, crucially, Omar Marmoush, the Egyptian joining from Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt to replace Alvarez.

  Marmoush scored seven league goals following his move to City though has endured an injury-hit start to the Premier League season having made just two league starts, though he made the bench for Saturday's game against Everton.

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• Atletico looking to get back on track

  Atletico will look to get their season back on track when they face Osasuna on Saturday night. While Diego Simeone's side have lost just one league game this season, they returned to league duties eight points behind league leaders Real Madrid, who they demolished at home 5-2 last month.

  Alvarez is expected to lead the charge for Atleti, who are without the suspended Clement Lenglet for this must-win meeting in the capital. And the former City hitman is looking to add to his six league goals of the season when Osasuna make the trip to the capital.

  However, Alvarez has scored in just three of his eight appearances in 2025/26 having bagged a hat-trick against Rayo Vallecano and a brace in the Madrid Derby triumph at the end of September.

  Alvarez also drew a blank over the international break as he failed to score in Argentina's 1-0 win over Venezuela in Miami. Lionel Messi sat out the narrow victory but played the full 90 as the world champions eased to a 6-0 win over Puerto Rico, a match Alvarez watched from the sidelines while Lautaro Martinez bagged a brace from the bench.

Arne Slot brutally branded Manchester United a "long-ball team" as he claimed Liverpool "hardly conceded a chance" in their disappointing 2-1 loss at Anfield on Sunday. United registered their first victory at Anfield since 2016 and secured back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time since Ruben Amorim took over as head coach in November last year.

Liverpool stuck in a rut

Reigning champions Liverpool kicked off the season on a bright note as they won seven games in succession, including five in the Premier League. However, things went south towards the end of September when they suffered a 2-1 loss against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. More heartbreak followed in Turkey as they went down 1-0 against Galatasaray in the Champions League. Slot's men were then beaten 2-1 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and failed to bounce back against United, slumping to a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions for the first time since 2014.

Bryan Mbeumo handed the visitors a surprise early lead, which was later cancelled out by Cody Gakpo's equaliser in the 78th minute. Just when the Reds appeared to have gained the upper hand, Harry Maguire came out of nowhere and scored the winning goal with a clinical header in the 84th minute. The win helped United climb up to ninth in the table, while Liverpool dropped to fourth, four points behind leaders Arsenal.

AdvertisementAFPSlot aims dig at Man Utd tactics

Slot was understandably disappointed with the result, but felt that Liverpool did well to create several goal-scoring opportunities against a United team that often went route one.

Reflecting on the match, Slot told : "It is always difficult to play against a team that defends in a low block and mainly plays the long ball. It makes it even more difficult when you go one down after one minute when one of our players are on the floor. If you would have told me before the game that against the low block, against so many long balls, that we would have created as many chances as we did I would have not expected us to lose. But that is what we did. We had enough chances to score more than one goal, but on the other hand again conceding two and one of the two was the set piece."

Concerns over set-piece vulnerability growing

Slot also expressed his concern over Liverpool conceding from set pieces as he issued a warning to his players. The Dutchman added: "Yes. Of course, we concede maybe one or two extra chances apart from the goals we conceded but you always have to take extra risk when you are 1-0 down. Taking that into account, we hardly conceded a chance and we are waiting for us to score a goal, we have to defend the set piece. Like against Palace and a few other moments this season, we've conceded on a set piece and that is hard to take because it is very difficult to win a game of football if you have a negative balance on set pieces."

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Getty Images SportReferee hit with 'corruption' allegations

Mbeumo put United ahead inside two minutes with a composed finish after running in behind the Liverpool defence and firing into the back of the net. As he wheeled away in celebration, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister was sprawled out on the turf. The World Cup-winning Argentina international was holding his head, having been caught in a challenge just inside the Liverpool half. He was struck by a stray elbow from Van Dijk, which clearly left him in some discomfort and forced him to play the remainder of the game with a headguard. The game, however, was not halted, with Oliver allowing play to go on and the Red Devils to take the lead. Liverpool fans were frustrated with the referee's call as some of them even made 'corruption' allegations against the match official.

However, former referee Keith Hackett has backed Oliver for making the correct decision, as he told : "Three players challenged in a fair manner for the ball which bounced and put Man United on the attack. They went in to score a good goal. It appeared that Oliver had not seen the head injury and play was allowed to continue. Goal scored and correctly allowed. VAR cannot intervene on this, it is not a clear and obvious error."

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras realizou na manhã desta segunda-feira (21), o último treino na Academia de Futebol antes da delegação viajar para Pereira, onde o clube enfrenta o Deportivo Pereira, pelas quartas da Libertadores, na próxima quarta-feira (23).

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeiras24 anos depois, Palmeiras encara um colombiano em mata-mata de LibertadoresPalmeiras21/08/2023PalmeirasApós nove rodadas, Palmeiras volta a ser o concorrente mais próximo do Botafogo pelo título do BrasileirãoPalmeiras21/08/2023PalmeirasCom Dudu e Menino em transição, Palmeiras se reapresenta de olho na LibertadoresPalmeiras20/08/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

Com o atacante Dudu e o volante Gabriel Menino participando normalmente da atividade, Abel Ferreira comandou uma atividade técnica e tática, e deve contar com quase o elenco completo para iniciar a busca pela semifinal da Libertadores pelo quarto ano seguido.

Apenas Luís Guilherme, com um estiramento na coxa direita, e Endrick, suspenso, devem ficar em São Paulo.

Dudu que disputou somente os dois jogos contra o Atlético-MG neste mês, se recupera de uma lesão na panturrilha direita, enquanto Gabriel Menino sentiu um incômodo muscular na região da virilha, na vitória sobre o Cruzeiro e foi desfalque no último jogo, diante do Cuiabá.

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O zagueiro Luan, concedeu entrevista para a TV oficial do Verdão e pregou muito respeito ao Deportivo Pereira:

– Estamos falando de quartas de final de Libertadores e ninguém chega ali por acaso. Se eles estão ali é porque eles têm qualidade e fizeram por onde, construíram uma trajetória. Encaramos esse jogo com muito respeito. Vamos para a Colômbia tentar sacar um bom resultado e na próxima semana temos o jogo na nossa casa. Acredito que estará uma atmosfera linda de Libertadores e vamos para lá para fazer o nosso melhor – disse o camisa 13.

O Palmeiras viaja no avião de Leila Pereira para a Colômbia nesta tarde e faz o último treino já nesta terça-feira (22), em Pereira, antes do primeiro duelo das quartas de finais da Libertadores.

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+ 24 anos depois, Palmeiras encara um clube colombiano em mata-mata de Libertadores!

Deportivo Pereira e Palmeiras se enfrentam nesta quarta-feira (23), a partir das 21h30 (horário de Brasília), e o jogo terá transmissão da Rede Globo e dos Canais ESPN.