MANCHESTER, United Kingdom: Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick and Paul Pogba provided four assists as Manchester United thrashed Leeds 5-1 at a packed Old Trafford on Saturday.
It was Man United’s Premier League season off to a flying start.
In front of 73,000, the biggest football crowd in the United Kingdom since March 2020, United ran riot with their two midfield maestros sparking hope of a challenge for a first league title since Alex Ferguson retired as manager in 2013.
Fernandes gave the home side a deserved half-time lead, but Leeds levelled early in the second-half through Luke Ayling’s stunning strike.
However, with Pogba in scintillating form, United were not to be denied as the Frenchman teed up Mason Greenwood, Fernandes and Fred, while Fernandes completed his first United hat-trick in thumping fashion.
“People talk about the quality of Paul, but his quality is not in discussion,” said Fernandes. “We know what he can do and today he showed that. He’s an important player for us.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men finished a distant second to Manchester City in the Premier League last season with any hope of a title challenge undone by their poor record in front of an empty Old Trafford.
The Theatre of Dreams was transformed into a cacophony of noise by a full house, which resulted in a similar transformation on the field from United.
The home fans were on their feet even before a ball was kicked to welcome Raphael Varane as the French center-back was paraded on the pitch following his arrival from Real Madrid for a reported £40 million ($55 million).
Varane was not registered in time to make his debut, while United’s other big money signing of the summer Jadon Sancho started on the bench.
“We know the quality of the players who have come in, but the team was already very good. We showed it last season,” added Fernandes. “We didn’t win trophies, but the team was growing up. We’ll achieve something with this mentality.”
United were also without Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani, but that allowed Pogba to thrive in his favored role on the left of a front three.
The 28-year-old has again been the source of speculation in recent weeks after starring for France in an otherwise disappointing Euro 2020 for the world champions.
But Pogba finally produced his international form for United as he surpassed his tally of assists for the entire 2020/21 league season inside 90 minutes.
Pogba’s dinked ball over the top perfectly picked out Fernandes to open the scoring on 30 minutes as Illan Meslier could not keep out his powerful effort despite getting his foot to it.
Leeds were lucky to go in at half-time only one goal behind and looked to have regrouped at the break when they levelled in stunning fashion three minutes into the second-half.
Ayling strode forward from right-back to unleash an unstoppable effort from 25 yards into the top corner for his first ever Premier League goal.
However, the jubilation of the traveling Leeds support was short-lived thanks to Pogba’s vision four minutes later.
Greenwood was the recipient of the defense-splitting pass this time as he sprinted clear of Pascal Struijk and fired accurately in off the far post.
Fernandes then slotted home his second of the afternoon from another Pogba pass before completing his first United hat-trick in style with a thumping finish into the roof of the net from Victor Lindelof’s long ball.
Pogba’s fourth assist of the afternoon teed up Fred to slot home a rare goal from the edge of the box.
Solskjaer could then afford the luxury of handing Sancho his debut with the game won as the £73 million winger and Anthony Martial were introduced for the final 15 minutes.
They could not add to the score, but United’s work was already done as they sent out an early warning to their title rivals.
Fernandes, Pogba shine as five-star Man Utd thrash Leeds
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Fernandes, Pogba shine as five-star Man Utd thrash Leeds
- Thrashing Leeds 5-1 was Man United’s Premier League season off to a flying start
- "People talk about the quality of Paul, but his quality is not in discussion," said Bruno Fernandes
Dubai set for second round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
- Athletes from children’s, youth, adult and masters categories will take part at Al-Nasr CLub on Feb. 8-9
ABU DHABI: The second round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship will take place this weekend (Feb. 8-9) at Al-Nasr Club in Dubai.
It will feature competition in the No-Gi division with athletes representing clubs and academies from across the country.
Participants in the U-12, U-14, and U-16 categories will compete on Day 1, followed by youth, adults and masters on Day 2.
Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, emphasized that the second championship was a pioneering model for developing talent across technical, physical and mental levels, creating a pathway for future champions. He said that the No-Gi competitions allowed athletes to experiment with innovative strategies and techniques, further enhancing their ability to adapt to the diverse challenges of the sport.
“The great turnout for the No-Gi competitions reflects the sustainable development of the sport and the growing interest in it at all levels,” he said. “The participation of younger age groups has become one of the championship’s key pillars, showcasing the success of the federation’s strategy to discover and nurture new generations of talent and future champions.
“The championship draws athletes and their families into a distinctive and supportive environment, strengthening community ties and reflecting the noble values jiu-jitsu is known for, such as respect, loyalty and teamwork,” Al-Dhaheri said. “It also promotes the importance of pursuing sports as a healthy lifestyle, further establishing its position as one of the country’s most prominent sporting and social events.”
Germany’s president visits Riyadh training center for briefing on women’s football development in Saudi Arabia
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the first German head of state to visit Saudi Arabia, was accompanied by Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal
- Regional Training Centers in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah are nurturing football talent in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation hosted Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Riyadh Regional Training Center on Monday.
Steinmeier, the first German head of state to visit Saudi Arabia, has travelled to the Kingdom to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of a three-day tour of the Middle East.
Steinmeier visited the Riyadh Girls’ RTC for a briefing on the development of women’s football in Saudi Arabia. His appearance highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to developing sport across all levels in the country.
Steinmeier was accompanied by Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal and Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi.
The Riyadh RTC is one of four such training centers across the Kingdom that are developing football talent in a safe, educational, and supportive environment.
The centers focus on physical health, social skills and mental well-being. There are facilities in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah.
The Riyadh Girls’ RTC was launched by the SAFF in 2021. Now operating for the fourth year, there are 60 female players enrolled from under-8 to under-15.
The Jeddah center, in its third year, has 100 female players, while there are 80 in Dammam, and 60 in Madinah.
The work of the RTCs to prepare players for elite-level competition has proved vital since their launch, with 60 percent of the under-17 women’s national team scouted from the centers during the 2023/2024 season.
Saudi Pro League expands global footprint with Brazil push
- SPL executives are in South America to meet Brazilian League, Brazilian Football Confederation
- There are more Brazilian players in the SPL than from any other overseas nation
SAO PAULO: The Saudi Pro League has started a strategic expansion drive into Brazil with the aim of strengthening ties with one of the world’s biggest, most enthusiastic football markets.
The SPL is currently home to 26 Brazilian players, more than any other overseas nation. With more than 100 matches streamed on YouTube in Brazil via Canal GOAT and Band, the league reached 50 million views in 2023-24, creating a solid platform for an initiative which strives to deepen engagement with Brazilian fans, broaden the SPL’s visibility, and create new commercial opportunities.
As part of its strategy, SPL executives are presently in Brazil to meet representatives from the Brazilian League, the Brazilian Football Confederation and leading sports marketing agencies, as well as existing and potential partners.
Mohammed Basrawi, the Saudi Pro League’s general manager of marketing, communication and content, said: “Brazilians have a deep and passionate football culture, and we want to bring them closer to the excitement of the SPL by establishing a long-term and immersive presence in the country.”
The SPL is launching official Brazilian social media channels to provide fans with localized content, behind-the-scenes access, and exclusive engagement opportunities. The league will also introduce a local fan community to enhance its connection with Brazilian supporters. Additionally, the SPL’s presence in Brazil will extend to key football events, ensuring strong on-the-ground engagement at key points in the football calendar.
By investing in Brazil, the SPL is solidifying its global stature while also embracing the passion and heritage that define Brazilian football, marking an exciting new chapter in the league’s international journey.
Tatum shines as Celtics down Cavs, Lakers thrash Clippers
- Kyrie Irving scored 34 points but it was not enough to stop the Dallas Mavericks from taking a 118-116 defeat against Philadelphia 76ers buoyed by the return of Joel Embiid
- Karl-Anthony Towns scored 27 points and hauled down 20 rebounds to help the New York Knicks to a 121-115 win over the Raptors
LOS ANGELES: Jayson Tatum scored 22 points as the Boston Celtics laid down a postseason marker against the high-flying Cleveland Cavaliers with a 112-105 victory on the road on Tuesday.
In a heavyweight showdown between the Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers and the second-ranked Celtics, Boston produced a clinical display to seal a deserved win.
Tatum led the Boston scoring but it was the Celtics’ balanced offense that proved too much for the Cavaliers.
Tatum was one of five Celtics players to finish in double figures, while Derrick White’s 20-point contribution — which included six three-pointers — played a key role in securing a Boston victory.
Kristaps Porzingis finished with 19 points and Jaylen Brown 16 while Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland scoring with 31 points.
Boston had looked poised to inflict a crushing defeat after outscoring Cleveland 28-15 in the first quarter before opening up a mammoth 20-point lead in the second.
But after trailing 43-23 midway through the second quarter, Cleveland came roaring back to cut the deficit to 10 points at halftime.
The Cavs kept chipping away at the Boston advantage in the second half but some superb shooting by the Celtics ensured the visitors always kept the hosts at arm’s length.
Elsewhere, Los Angeles Lakers recruit Luka Doncic looked on from the bench as his new teammates demolished the Los Angeles Clippers 122-97.
LeBron James led the way for the Lakers with 26 points while Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves added 20 points apiece.
The Lakers improved to 29-19 with the win and are sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference standings.
“We’re just trying to play good basketball and keep stacking days, tonight was another one,” James said. “We came out with the right mindset, we had a great scheme and we executed that.”
In other games, Kyrie Irving scored 34 points but it was not enough to stop the Dallas Mavericks from slipping to a 118-116 defeat against a Philadelphia 76ers lineup buoyed by the return of Joel Embiid.
Embiid, who has missed the past month with a knee and foot injury, produced a superb triple-double of 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, and scored the go-ahead basket with 22 seconds remaining to help the Sixers claim a precious win.
Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers scoring with 33 points, with 13 assists and four rebounds.
The Mavericks were without new recruit Anthony Davis, who was part of the blockbuster trade that sent Doncic to the Lakers.
Davis is still nursing an abdominal strain but is expected to be ready to make his debut later this week, either against Boston on Thursday or against Houston on Saturday.
In Toronto, Karl-Anthony Towns scored 27 points and hauled down 20 rebounds to help the New York Knicks to a 121-115 win over the Raptors.
The pre-game ceremony once again saw Canadian fans boo the US national anthem in protest at US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats.
In New York, the struggling Brooklyn Nets (17-33) upset the Houston Rockets 99-97 thanks to a D’Angelo Russell three-pointer with three seconds remaining.
Jabeur through to last 16, Raducanu eliminated at Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
- Tunisian defeats Jelena Ostapenko and will face Japanese rising star Wakana Sonobe on Wednesday
ABU DHABI: Three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur overcame Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets on Tuesday to reach the last 16 of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, while Emma Raducanu suffered a disappointing early exit at the hands of Marketa Vondrousova.
Elsewhere, Belinda Bencic, Leylah Fernandez, Magda Linette and Linda Noskova all progressed on day four of the tournament.
Jabeur faced Ostapenko in the day’s final match on Stadium Court, and it was a case of saving the best for last as the two players pushed each other all the way in a wonderful contest.
In truth, it was a match in which neither player deserved to lose, but Jabeur did enough to edge it, winning the first set via a tie-break before taking the second 7-5 to set up a last-16 clash with 17-year-old Wakana Sonobe.
In a meeting of Grand Slam champions, Raducanu faced Vondrousova and began the match brightly. Having forced an early break of serve to go 3-1 up, the 22-year-old appeared to be in the ascendancy.
A double fault in the following game, however, set the tone for what followed as she struggled to recover, with Vondrousova winning five consecutive games to take the first set.
While Raducanu, at times, produced moments of brilliance, she was hampered by a series of unforced errors. Both players had their moments in the second set, but it was Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, who displayed greater consistency in her game.
At 5-3, Raducanu broke her opponent, who was serving for the match. But it was indicative of her overall performance that in the following game, the Brit was on the opposite end of a break. Vondrousova now progresses to the last 16, and meets Yulia Putintseva, courtesy of a 6-3, 6-4 victory.
Bencic, winner of the inaugural Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open in 2023, made a triumphant return to Zayed Sports City as she overcame the challenge of Rebecca Sramkova in three sets.
Making her first appearance at the stadium since winning the competition, Bencic started the match confidently, dropping just two games as she took the first set comfortably.
Sramkova produced a strong response to win the second set. But Bencic, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist, totally overwhelmed her opponent, running out a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 winner, and setting up a last-16 meeting against Veronika Kudermetova.
Canada’s Fernandez, runner-up at the 2021 US Open, edged a tight and entertaining encounter against Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima on Stadium Court early in the day.
After the first set had swayed back and forth, it was ultimately settled via a tie-break in the favor of Fernandez. It was a high-tempo contest with both players producing some fantastic shots and intense rallies, and the second set followed a similar pattern to the first.
Once again, a tie-break was required, but sensing victory was in her grasp, Fernandez seized control, winning all seven points without reply to claim a 7-6, 7-6 victory. Fernandez now faces Lulu Sun, conqueror of Caroline Garcia, in the next round.
Noskova took just 61 minutes to qualify for the last 16 as she ruthlessly dispatched Magdalena Frech, winning the first set without dropping a single game on her way to a 6-0, 6-3 victory. She now faces Paula Badosa, a semifinalist at the recent Australian Open, in the next round.
Linette also secured her place in the last 16 courtesy of a straight-sets victory, getting the better of Mexico’s Renata Zarazua, who can count herself unlucky to go out following a spirited performance in which she pushed her opponent all the way.
A semifinalist at the 2023 Australian Open, Linette edged a tight first set before an even closer second went right to the wire. Even during the tie-break, it was difficult to separate the two players, but with the Pole leading 7-6, an over-hit shot from Zarazua settled the contest.
Linette’s reward is a meeting with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who booked her place in the last 16 courtesy of a 6-3, 6-1 win over 2020 Australian Open champion, Sofia Kenin.
In the doubles, Japanese duo Shuko Aoyama/Eri Hozumi came out on top in their match against Asia Muhammad/Demi Schuurs.
Both pairs had won a set each with relative ease, but the decisive part of the game was a completely different story, going right to the wire as Aoyama/Hozumi eventually sealed their passage with a 2-6, 6-1, 10-8 victory.
On Wednesday, reigning champion Elena Rybakina begins the defense of her crown against Katie Volynets, while Daria Kasatkina, last year’s beaten finalist, takes on Ashlyn Krueger.
