Dimitar Berbatov delivers Joao Palhinha verdict amid Manchester United transfer links
Former striker Dimitar Berbatov believes Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha would be a good fit for Manchester United amid ongoing speculation about his future.
Joao Palhinha Sport News
Manchester United reach FA Cup semi-finals after Fulham self destruct
Manchester United are through to the FA Cup semi-finals after securing a 3-1 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Ronaldo included on Martínez’s first squad for Portugal
LISBON, Portugal: New Portugal coach Roberto Martínez included Cristiano Ronaldo in his first squad on Friday since taking over from Fernando Santos following the World Cup. The 38-year-old Ronaldo was left out of Santos’ starting lineup for Portugal’s knockout-phase games at the tournament in Qatar, including the quarterfinal loss to Morocco. Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi team Al-Nassr, can add to his international record 118 goals when Portugal plays European Championship qualifiers against Liechtenstein on March 23 and at Luxembourg three days later. “Cristiano Ronaldo is a player who is completely committed to the national team,” Martínez said. “I don’t look at age or other aspects. He has the chance to help the team and pass on his experience to other players.” Martínez made very few changes to the squad he inherited from Santos. Pepe, aged 40, was back again in defense, while Ronaldo was joined by João Félix, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva as playmakers. Martínez joined Portugal after the Spaniard ended his six-year stint with Belgium following the team’s disappointing group-stage elimination at the World Cup. Portugal’s Euro 2024 qualifying group also includes Iceland, Slovakia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Football rumours: Manchester United monitoring Fulham’s Joao Palhinha
Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha. The Sun says the Red Devils view the 27-year-old as an excellent option to bolster their midfield, however the Cottagers are unwilling to let him go. United are not the only team monitoring the Portugal international either, with Newcastle, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham all believed to be keeping an eye on him.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: Win over Fulham was ‘perfect day’ for Arsenal
Oleksandr Zinchenko hailed Arsenal’s comfortable 3-0 win over Fulham as “a perfect day” for the Premier League leaders.
Sunday sport: Ireland face Scotland with sights on Six Nations grand slam
Ireland will look to keep their Grand Slam ambitions on track this afternoon when they play their final away game of this Six Nations campaign.
Portugal World Cup squad
Portugal manager Fernando Santos named his 26-man squad on Thursday for the World Cup in Qatar.
Ronaldo given full backing by Portugal boss Santos
Portugal’s coach Fernando Santos talks with Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo during the UEFA EURO 2020 round of 16 football match between Belgium and Portugal at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville on June 27, 2021. LLUIS GENE / POOL / AFP