DUBAI: The weekly social media posts published by Cristiano Ronaldo this offseason typically have shown the soccer superstar half-dressed, muscles bulging, either working out or promoting one of his many brands.
Remaining relevant and highly visible is clearly so important to the player who, along with Lionel Messi, is the greatest of his generation. That also extends to the final years of his career on the field, too.
It is why, for the 37-year-old Ronaldo, playing for Manchester United — still one of the world’s most famous sports teams, despite their recent trophy drought — just isn’t enough. He wants to be competing on the biggest stage, winning the biggest trophies while he can.
Hence the current standoff with United, which is becoming more damaging and disruptive as the days go by and the new season looms.
Publicly, Ronaldo has not yet returned to preseason training with the English club because of what has been described as “personal reasons.” The expectation, recently hired United manager Erik ten Hag repeats on an almost-daily basis, is that Ronaldo will be back before the Premier League begins and be a key member of the squad.
The reality, it seems, is different. Ronaldo reportedly wants out after just one season back at Old Trafford, with United no longer in the Champions League or in shape to compete with the best teams in England like Manchester City and Liverpool.
United finished sixth last season, 35 points behind first-place City.
So, while the rest of the United squad have been on tour in Thailand and Australia, getting match-sharp and acquainted with ten Hag and his methods, Ronaldo has been back home in Portugal with his family while his agent, Jorge Mendes, shops around seeking a new club for his most famous client.
Currently, there is no buyer.
And the Premier League season starts in about two weeks.
“I don’t know what Cristiano said to the club and to the manager,” said United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who also plays alongside Ronaldo for Portugal. “I don’t know what’s going on in his head, if he wants to leave. I didn’t ask them that.
“From everything we know,” Fernandes added, “he had some family problems so we have to respect his space, give him some space and that’s it. The only thing I asked Cristiano when he didn’t turn up was if everything was OK with the family. He told me what was going on, that’s it and nothing more.”
On the face of it, United still want to keep Ronaldo — he was the team’s top scorer last season with 24 goals and is back to being the club’s poster boy for the marketing department — and ten Hag has called the striker “extremely important” along with being “not for sale.”
But why would other top clubs be cold on a player who is still a guaranteed source of goals, and revenue for that matter?
Goals might be the aim of the game but they are not necessarily enough for a modern-day coach. A certain level of mobility and an ability to be part of a team pressing game counts for a lot, too, and Ronaldo does not offer that, even if he remains a supremely athletic player with that uncanny knack of coming alive in the penalty area and scoring from anywhere. A team’s structure must change to accommodate a player like an aging Ronaldo, covering for his deficiencies and the need to make him the focal point.
In short, his presence requires compromises to be made. He is a problem and a solution.
Maybe, if he ends up staying at United, ten Hag can come up with a system in which Ronaldo thrives and the players around him can cover for him and make the team operate in an efficient way. That’s easier said than done.
Thomas Tuchel — the sort of coach who values a team over the individual — clearly thought that wasn’t possible, given his Chelsea team were one of the clubs Mendes apparently spoke to. There was a glaring hole in Chelsea’s forward line, too, with Romelu Lukaku returning to Inter Milan.
Bayern Munich are another team to have reportedly turned down the chance to sign Ronaldo. There has been no desire from Real Madrid or Juventus to go back in for him, either.
Ronaldo’s wage demands are likely ruling out most of the other clubs competing in this season’s Champions League, a competition in which he is the record scorer with 141 goals — 16 more than Messi — and for which he lives.
It leaves Ronaldo in an awkward spot. Still one of the greatest scorers in soccer but a player unwanted by the best teams.
So what comes next? An uneasy truce with United and a sheepish return to a team playing in the Europa League and unlikely to be involved in the Premier League title race? Or can Mendes pull a blockbuster move out of the bag, like he did last year when Ronaldo sealed a sensational return to England?
For his brand and his legacy, Ronaldo will want the latter, ending what has turned out to be a nostalgia project without a happy ending.
And deep down, that might suit ten Hag, too, enabling him to start the rebuilding job at United with a clean slate.
Stay or go? Ronaldo’s future uncertain at Manchester United
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Stay or go? Ronaldo’s future uncertain at Manchester United
- Ronaldo wants to be competing on the biggest stage, winning the biggest trophies while he can
- He reportedly wants out after just one season back at Old Trafford, with United no longer in the Champions League
Son helps Spurs hold off Hoffenheim in Europa League
It also lifted some of the heat off manager Ange Postecoglou with his injury-ravaged team
PARIS: Son Heung-min helped Tottenham gain some respite from their Premier League woes on Thursday with a double in a 3-2 Europa League win at Hoffenheim to put them on course for the knockout rounds.
Goals from Son and James Maddison lifted Spurs up to provisional fourth in the revamped league phase of European club football’s second-tier competition ahead of the night’s later games.
It also lifted some of the heat off manager Ange Postecoglou with his injury-ravaged team arriving in Germany after losing seven of their last Premier League games.
Postecoglou had pledged to win silverware for the first time for the London side since 2008 in his second season as boss.
With Spurs struggling in 15th behind Liverpool at home that leaves the Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup to fulfil his promise.
A win against Swedish outfit Elfsborg in their closing league phase game at home next week will give them an automatic ticket to the next round as one of the top eight finishers.
“I told them to enjoy it,” Postecoglou told TNT Sports.
“Winning away in Europe, it’s a significant victory for us and gives us a good foothold to get into those top eight spots which will give us a week off,” the Australian added.
They charged out of the stalls with Maddison receiving a pinpoint pass from Pedro Porro to fire the ball past keeper Oliver Baumann and into the roof of the net to give Spurs the perfect start after just four minutes.
Richarlison, making only his second start of the campaign, could have doubled the advantage but the Brazilian’s shot went straight to Baumann.
Attacking at will Spurs were looking to put the game to bed against their out of sorts German hosts.
And on 22 minutes Maddison turned provider to set up Son whose shot deflected off a defender, the ball flying over Baumann and into the far corner.
The big problem for Spurs given their leaky defense was to hold onto their superiority.
Brandon Austin started in goal for them, two weeks after making his debut, and was called on to make a full-stretched save to deny Tom Bischof as half-time beckoned.
VAR overturned a penalty decision to Hoffenheim after the hour when Austin collided into Max Moerstedt.
With the wind in their sails Hoffenheim halved their deficit minutes later when Spurs got caught on the counter, Anton Stach toeing the ball past Austin.
But Son’s angled shot with 13 minutes left on the clock settled the issue, although David Mokwa’s goal two minutes from normal time meant another nerve-jangling ending for Tottenham’s long-suffering supporters.
Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce drew 0-0 at third-placed Lyon to lift the Turkish side provisionally 19th and the door open to make the play-offs.
In the 2000 GMT kick-offs Manchester United host Rangers and table toppers Lazio play Real Sociedad.
Two Real Sociedad fans were taken to hospital after their group was apparently attacked by hardcore Lazio supporters ahead of the match at the Olympic stadium in Rome, the Spanish club said.
Bayern’s Davies ruled out ‘for time being’ with hamstring tear
- Bayern said scans confirmed the Canada international “sustained a muscle strain in his left hamstring”
- Davies could also miss Bayern’s Champions League playoffs in February
MUNICH: Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies is set for a stint on the sidelines after he was diagnosed with a torn muscle, the German club said in a statement on Thursday.
Davies, 24, was subbed out in first-half stoppage time in Wednesday’s 3-0 loss to Feyenoord.
Bayern said scans confirmed the Canada international “sustained a muscle strain in his left hamstring” and “would be absent for the time being.”
The club did not indicate how long Davies will miss but he will be in doubt for the trip to defending champions Bayer Leverkusen on February 15.
Davies could also miss Bayern’s Champions League playoffs in February, should the German giants fail to qualify for the top eight.
Wednesday’s loss to Feyenoord leaves Bayern with 12 points in 15th spot on the Champions League table, one point behind eighth-placed Leverkusen.
In the Bundesliga, Bayern sit four points clear of Leverkusen atop the table.
Japan football star Yui Hasegawa on life at Man City, her career so far and future goals
- Hasegawa admits the club is going through a tough period with injuries, but is still hopeful they can secure some silverware this season
- The Japan international is considered one of the best footballers in the world and is a pivotal figure on Gareth Taylor’s squad
ABU DHABI: On the back of a productive warm-weather training camp in Abu Dhabi, Manchester City women’s team have had a mixed bag of results, dropping to fourth in the Women’s Super League, while also advancing to the semifinals of the League Cup.
After going unbeaten in the first 10 games of their 2024-2025 campaign, City have been rocked by a spate of injuries with Dutch summer signing Vivianne Miedema and England international Lauren Hemp both undergoing knee surgeries, and WSL lead-scorer Khadija Shaw sustaining a lower leg injury that has sidelined her since early December.
City’s recent derby loss to Manchester United may have all but ended their WSL title hopes, but they still have plenty to play for in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup, while chasing a top-two finish in the WSL to secure a place in Europe next season.
Japanese star midfielder Yui Hasegawa admits the club is going through a tough period with injuries, but is still hopeful they can secure some silverware this season.
Hasegawa, 27, joined City from West Ham in September 2022 on a three-year deal and signed a contract extension last January that will keep her at the Academy Stadium until the summer of 2027.
The Japan international is considered one of the best footballers in the world and is a pivotal figure on Gareth Taylor’s squad.
Arab News recently caught up with Hasegawa at Emirates Palace to discuss her career, her time at Manchester City, and her goals for the future with both club and country.
Q: You’ve played in Japan, Italy and the UK, so you have experience seeing the development of women’s football across the globe. In your opinion, what is the state of women’s football right now compared to when you first entered?
YH: When I started playing football, I knew how big football was in the US and I was very inspired and fascinated by the American soccer community. However, when I started high school, I started to know how amazing the European football leagues are, and I really wanted to join them. Now, I’m with one of the biggest club teams and I’m extremely happy. I’m still going to try my best in my football career.
Q: What was the biggest challenge that you faced when you first left Japan and went to play football at AC Milan in Italy?
YH: When I first went to Italy, the biggest challenge was the language and also the cultural difference. The football culture in Italy was also very different from what I was used to and I couldn’t really play in my own style. The relation with my surroundings was different. It was still football but different football. I couldn’t play the best in my own style. I faced a lot of challenges; I couldn’t really connect with the people around me either. However, because I went to Italy, now I feel like I have improved and grown from that challenge as well.
Q: What is life like for you in England and what is your experience like with Manchester City so far?
YH: When I played in Italy or West Ham, I always had this dream of playing for Manchester City and being with this club. I can really play in my own style. I’m very, very happy. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity. For the lifestyle, I have two other Japanese players on the same team, so the three of us cook together and eat Japanese food. I’m really happy with the changes.
Q: When you talk about your style of football, how do you describe it? I read in an interview that you are a big fan of Andres Iniesta, and I’m curious; are you inspired by his style or how do you describe your own style?
YH: Of course, Iniesta was my inspiration. He has great technique. He can go against the opponents, he contributes to a goal when it is really important, he leads his teammates to bring to the goal, all these are things that I like. That’s how he inspired me. My style is that I want the audience to really enjoy my football and also lately I’m not just contributing to the offense; I think my strength is that I’m contributing to the defense as well. I’m trying to develop more a sharp sense of prediction.
Q: How confident are you in City’s chances of claiming silverware this season?
YH: The stage of my team at the moment; there are some injured players, so I realize that it might be difficult but I want to take it one game at a time and I am determined to win each game. I’m very confident. As a team as a whole, we are determined to win every game from now on.
Q: After England won the Euros, did you feel that the attention in women’s football in the UK has gotten bigger?
YH: I do feel so. Compared to West Ham, I feel like there is a lot more attention on me being at Manchester City and I feel that this team, the players individually, are all stars and each one of them have their own fans. I also noticed that a lot of children always call their names. I feel that the result is very, very important from the Euros.
Q: When you started playing football in Japan, there was no professional women’s league. What gave you the idea that this is something you wanted to pursue, even though you didn’t even have a professional league to look up to?
YH: When I started playing football when I was young, I always watched the men’s game. I didn’t know if there was a professional league in Japan but I just wanted to go pro. When I grew up to junior high school age, I was very surprised that there are women players that work for a company and they play in the company league. So I felt like even if this is my path, I wanted to continue playing football. And now, it’s my profession and I’m very grateful and I want to enjoy what I do.
Q: In Japan, there are some big names in women’s sport right now. There is someone like you, who is one of the best midfielders in the world. There is Naomi Osaka. How do you feel to be part of this generation of strong Japanese women in sport?
YH: I still wonder if I’m actually part of this group of Japanese star athletes, but I feel like outside of Japan, I get more recognized and valued, especially last year and this year. I feel that maybe in Japanese culture, female athletes are still not as valued in Japan. But I just want to be a female athlete that children can be inspired by and I want to bring good results as well.
Q: How much have you heard about the football scene in this part of the world for women? In Saudi Arabia, they are putting a lot of effort into the league over there and there is an Asian Champions League now as well, featuring a team from Abu Dhabi. Are you following much and how do you see the room for growth for women’s football in this region?
YH: I recognize that women’s football in the Middle East is still developing and women aren’t necessarily at the forefront. If I can contribute to making that place recognizable for female athletes, I would really love to contribute, and I would like to help in every way that I can and make a place to make female athletes more valued, not only in football but in sports in general.
Q: What are your biggest goals and dreams with Japan and with Manchester City?
YH: With Man City, of course winning the league is my goal at the moment. I have always wanted to play in the Champions League and in my favorite style of playing football, so winning the Champions League would be a goal for me as well. As for Japan, we have a new foreign coach for the first time (Danish coach Nils Nielsen) and we would like to bring back that 2011 (World Cup) winning moment once again. I would also like to contribute to the improvement of football culture in Japan.
Pit Boost to debut at inaugural Jeddah E-Prix on Feb. 14-15
- Feature will showcase EV ultra-fast charging technology, add thrilling new dimension to select Formula E races
- Formula E co-founder says Pit Boost will challenge teams, drivers to make high-stakes decisions under intense pressure
JEDDAH: The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is set to revolutionize the race-day experience with the launch of Pit Boost, a new feature debuting at the inaugural Jeddah E-Prix at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on Feb. 14-15.
Designed to enhance strategy, unpredictability and fan engagement, Pit Boost will showcase EV ultra-fast charging technology while adding a thrilling new dimension to select Formula E races across Season 11.
Alberto Longo, co-founder and chief championship officer, Formula E, said: “After an extensive testing and simulation process, we’re pleased to finally present this game-changing technology to the world. It marks one of the most ambitious and impactful additions not just to our series, but also to modern-day motorsport.”
Pit Boost will challenge teams and drivers alike to make high-stakes decisions under intense pressure, he added.
“The potential for dramatic overtakes, unexpected twists and human ingenuity will elevate the excitement for our fans, and showcase Formula E and the FIA’s relentless commitment to innovation,” Longo said in a statement on Thursday.
Marek Nawarecki, senior circuit sport director, FIA, said: “This pioneering new feature will add another strategic element to the sport.”
What is Pit Boost?
Pit Boost is an innovative mid-race feature that provides a 10 percent energy increase (3.85 kilowatt-hours) to race cars through a 30-second, 600kW rapid recharge in the pitlane. The mandatory sporting feature — deploying more than double the power of current consumer superchargers — adds another strategic element during select races, with the potential to dramatically alter race outcomes and tactics.
Strategic racing impact
Pit Boost is set to redefine race strategies in Formula E. Drivers and teams will have to weigh the benefits of an energy boost against the risk of losing track position during the pit stop. Choosing the optimal moment for their Pit Boost will be pivotal, introducing heightened stakes and an extra layer of drama to every race.
As the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship continues to lead the charge in advancing electric mobility, Pit Boost highlights the rapid progress in EV charging technology. The innovation addresses one of the key challenges in EV adoption — charging speed and time — and demonstrates Formula E’s unique position as a “race-to-road” technology platform.
LeBron James announces new team for UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF
- Team AlUla named after the ancient city in Saudi Arabia
- ‘E1 is a new type of global competition that’s revolutionizing water racing and I’m proud to be at the forefront of its expansion,’ says professional NBA star
RIYADH: Professional NBA star LeBron James announced on Thursday that his team, Team AlUla, are set to join the fleet for the 2025 E1 season that begins with the E1 Jeddah GP on Saturday.
James’ team have been named after the ancient city in Saudi Arabia, and will be piloted by Rusty Wyatt and Catie Munnings.
The LA Lakers star, 40, said: “As a lifelong fan of sports and competition, the opportunity to own an E1 team that represents such a high level of innovation in sports is incredibly exciting.
“E1 is a new type of global competition that’s revolutionizing water racing and I’m proud to be at the forefront of its expansion in season two.”
The UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF sees teams go head-to-head in high-energy racing in iconic global cities, including Doha, Monaco, and Miami, in a bid to be crowned champions of the water.
Wyatt, a Canadian powerboat star, is one of the sport’s promising talents after being recognized as Rookie of the Year at the prestigious F1H20 UIM World Championship in 2024.
Alongside Wyatt is Munnings, the UK’s first-ever female Red Bull motorsports athlete and a previous FIA European Rally Championship Ladies’ Trophy winner. The British racer joins from Team Brazil after securing an impressive three podium places in E1’s debut season.
James joins a roster of team owners in the championship that includes NFL Hall of Famer Tom Brady, tennis legend Rafael Nadal, Hollywood actor Will Smith, international DJ Steve Aoki, footballing superstar Didier Drogba, philanthropist and businessman Marcelo Claure, cricketer Virat Kohli, and Grammy Award-winning musician Marc Anthony.
Team AlUla are led by co-team principals John Marlow and Barny Whitwham, who have a combined 30 years’ experience working in commercial and technical roles across blue chip organizations, FIA Formula One and World Rally Championship motorsport teams.
They are joined by a crew with equally strong sporting, technical and partnerships prowess across global motorsport and sports categories.
Alejandro Agag, chairman and co-founder of E1, said: “We are thrilled to welcome James and Team AlUla to the UIM E1 World Championship.
“With LeBron’s championship pedigree and history of excellence in globally celebrated sports, his entry into E1 sets the stage for an incredibly competitive and high-energy season on the water.”
With new teams, innovative technology, and iconic race destinations, Agag says the 2025 season will represent an exciting evolution for E1.
Rodi Basso, CEO and co-founder of E1, said: “As E1 prepares for a second season that will deliver new teams, more iconic race locations, and more thrilling on-water action, it’s with immense pride and excitement that I welcome Team AlUla and LeBron to the Championship.”
