Relaxed Ruben Amorim happy not to face pressure on Man Utd position
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is relieved not to be under the same scrutiny as Tottenham counterpart Ange Postecoglou but acknowledged ahead of the Europa League final that he will not be backed forever. The Premier League strugglers go toe-to-toe at San Mames in Wednesday’s all-or-nothing encounter, with the victor somewhat salvaging a soul-destroying season by securing silverware and Champions League qualification. Postecoglou’s position at the Tottenham helm looks in jeopardy irrespective of the result in Bilbao and Tuesday’s pre-match press conference became tetchy as the topic was broached. United’s media access was far more relaxed, by contrast, and Amorim looks set to keep his job as fans continue to chant his name despite his side sitting 16th, just a point above 17th-placed Spurs. When Amorim was asked if he was surprised and grateful not be under the same kind of pressure as Postecoglou given their similar records, captain Bruno Fernandes interjected: “He is. Who told you he’s not? He is.” Head coach Amorim laughed heartily and joked the United skipper wants his job, before admitting it is hard to explain the comparative lack of pressure. “I don’t know,” he said. “I know that in this kind of club, also in Tottenham but especially Manchester United, it’s strange because you have some coaches here that lose some games and are sacked. It’s hard to explain. “I think people see what we are trying to do. I think people see that sometimes I’m thinking more in the club than myself. “People understand, especially the board, that we have a lot of issues that in the context are really hard. I don’t know how to explain how the fans like me in this moment. Get 3 months free with ExpressVPN Servers in 105 CountriesSuperior SpeedsWorks on all your devices Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Get 3 months free with ExpressVPN Servers in 105 CountriesSuperior SpeedsWorks on all your devices Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. “I will try to prove myself to the fans, to the board but I don’t have an explanation for you. “But it’s a good thing, I never worry about that. That is a part of being a coach and the most important thing is I know what I am doing, and I explained everything before. “When we started, I explained about the storm (coming), I explained all the problems that we have to the board, so I was so clear. I explained that I will not change my idea. “They cannot say one thing that I said to get job and then I changed my mind. It was the opposite. “I think the board can understand that, I think the fans can understand that, but we will reach a moment that we have to win no matter what.” United have secured just six Premier League victories since Amorim succeeded Erik ten Hag in November, but their impressive unbeaten run in the Europa League has kept their campaign alive. “Nothing is going to change our season,” he said on the impact of the glory in Spain. “Players know, everybody knows the stuff, the fans know. “But winning a European title can help us to have that feeling that can help us to build (for) the future.” United took a 26-man squad to Bilbao, which includes full-back Diogo Dalot after he overcame a calf issue that threatened to bring his campaign to a premature end and centre-back Leny Yoro following a foot complaint. But Joshua Zirkzee’s place in training and on the plane was most surprising given Amorim said just five weeks ago that the forward was out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury. “They recovered quite well, they pushed,” said Amorim, who will be without injured defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez. “Of course we respect the feeling of the player, but we pushed a little bit because they wanted to be part of the team and that is a very, very good sign, and it’s very good for us. “Of course they are limited in the minutes for the game, but they can help us to win the game.”
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates to lose out on Aziz Ki
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates now face missing out on a major target who has consistently drawn links to the Soweto giants. Over the last two seasons, teams across the continent have widely touted the Burkina Faso international as one of Africa’s top talents. His impressive performances for record Tanzanian champions Young Africans have reportedly drawn interest from a host of major clubs. This includes those in the Betway Premiership. The likes of Mamelodi Sundowns have been a destination for the Ivory Coast-born attacker. But now, he appears ready to make a move to North Africa. Aziz Ki will be joining Wydad Young Africans forward Stephane Aziz Ki is reportedly on the verge of joining Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club. Botola Pro League giants are preparing to sign Aziz Ki on a two-year deal. This publication believes that their former head coach Rulani Mokwena played a huge role in getting the Yanga forward to join the three-time CAF Champions League winners. Chiefs and Pirates also linked to Yanga star Aziz Ki was also heavily linked with Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates in the recent transfer windows. But none of those potential moves materialised. As he went on to score five goals in nine CAF Champions League appearances for Young Africans. The Burkinabe footballer reportedly earns a monthly salary of R358 460. This makes him the highest-paid player in the Tanzanian League. His annual salary is R4 301 520, which means Wydad are offering above this. Aziz Ki’s signing for Wydad is seen as part of their efforts to strengthen the squad ahead of the Club World Cup. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Horse racing tips: ‘He has a lovely draw under Hollie Doyle’ – Templegate’s 5-2 NAP the one to beat
TEMPLEGATE takes on Wednesday’s racing looking for winners. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. DRAMA (8.10 Kempton, nap) He ran a career best when only just held in a competitive contest at Southwell last month. The handicapper has nudged him up a pound but that should not be a problem now back at a track he has won at twice in the past. He has a lovely draw in stall three which should allow Hollie Doyle to get him switched off early off and if he settles then he looks the one they all have to beat for in-form trainer James Ferguson. GETALEAD (5.25 Warwick, nb) Was a big eyecatcher when finishing strongly for third over shorter at Newton Abbot a week ago. A return to further will make him hard to beat. COMMANDING PRINCE (3.30 Ayr, treble) Should be hard to beat in this modest contest. First-time cheekpieces will help him focus and it would be disappointing if he does not progress through the handicap ranks. Templegate’s tips Ayr 2.00 Copper Knight2.30 Underwriter3.00 Henery Hawk3.30 Commanding Prince (treble)4.05 Hosanna Power4.42 John L Sullivan5.17 Beltane Brighton 6.00 Pop Dancer6.30 Immediate Effect7.00 Mr Ubiquitous7.30 Devasboy8.00 Versatile8.30 Mashaan Chepstow 2.22 Ammes2.52 Crackamour3.22 Shaatir3.55 Rosenpur4.25 Art Of Fox5.00 Marsh Benham5.35 Vape Kempton 5.05 Brize Norton5.40 Moderna6.10 Opening Bat6.40 Bill’s Baar7.10 Madame X7.40 Racingbreaks Ryder8.10 Drama (nap)8.40 Aikhal Warwick 2.40 Roadshow3.10 Rukaana3.40 Pride Of Paris4.15 Ukantango4.50 A Dublin Job5.25 Getalead (nb) FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
BiC Fiji FACT 2025 – FIXTURES
About FIJI FA Fiji was among the founding members of OFC along with Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The nation of around 800,000 has traditionally been one of Oceania best performers – second only to New Zealand in the FIFA rankings for men. The Fiji Football Association (FFA) nurtures hopes of one day toppling the giants in Oceania and qualifying for a FIFA finals competition.
Who has made Troy’s Premier League team of the week?
After every round of Premier League matches this season, Troy Deeney gives us his team of the week. Do you agree with his choices?
French club offers R20 million for Pirates target?
Soweto giants Orlando Pirates might have to look elsewhere for a new left-back. Vuyo Letlapa looks to be on his way to Europe. FRENCH CLUB WIN VUYO LETLAPA RACE? “There are local teams which have shown interest and Pirates were believed to be in the forefront to sign him but apparently the French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice is the one leading now,” a source told Soccer Laduma. “They are very close to closing the deal. Remember, we spoke about European interest before,” the insider added. According to another source, the French side have offered to pay R20 million for the Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs target. “Yes, that’s what Sekhukhune United are looking at. R20m is what the price is believed to be for Vuyo (Letlapa),” the source said to the outlet. Vuyo Letlapa in action for Sekhukhune United. Image: Soccer Laduma “And just like they did with Elias Mokwana to Esperance de Tunis, they are including a 30% sell on clause to the next club agreement on the deal. So, if Nice sells Vuyo then Sekhukhune United will get 30% from that deal. That’s why they are looking at R20m for now,” he concluded. WHICH OTHER LEFT-BACK SHOULD BUCS LOOK AT? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Shocking moment punches thrown as brawl erupts between Man Utd & Spurs fans in Spain ahead of Europa League final
THIS is the shocking moment a brawl erupts between Manchester United and Tottenham fans as punches get thrown ahead of the Europa League final. Up to 70,000 Man Utd and Tottenham fans have flooded the streets of sunny Bilbao in good spirits and with drinks flowing. 8 Shocking footage shows Man Utd and Spurs fans brawl in Bilbao’s streetsCredit: X 8 This football hooligan is pictured picking up a wheelie bin before throwing it at the opposing fansCredit: X 8 Football fans can be seen hurling whatever they can get their hands on during the vicious brawlCredit: X But in nearby San Sebastian, the mood took a dark turn with footage surfacing on X of a fight between the two sets of supporters. In the shocking video, a large group of football hooligans are seen brawling as they throw objects and punches at each other. Residents alerted authorities at around 9.20pm after they witnessed violent behaviour on Fermín Calbetón Street. Witnesses say the fight broke out when two large groups of supporters began shouting and hurling insults, It quickly escalated into a full-blown brawl, with both Man Utd and Spurs fans grabbing whatever they could to throw at each other. One hooligan overturned a terrace table and used it as a weapon against the other group. Drinks and bins were also hurled, creating a chaotic scene that posed a serious risk to local businesses and passersby. Several local police patrols rushed to the scene after reports of the brawl and quickly restored order. No arrests have been made so far, but officers have stayed in the area to keep the situation under control. An ambulance was also dispatched, with several people treated at the scene. Up 70k Man United and Spurs fans begin flooding Bilbao soaking up sun & cervezas ahead of Europa League final However, after further assessment, staff determined no one needed to be taken to the hospital. It comes as tens of thousands of Brits landed in Bilbao ahead of the highly anticipated final. Some are braving an epic 32-hour-plus ferry ride which set sail at 10pm on Sunday evening and won’t arrive until 8am on Tuesday morning. With flights to Spain rocketing over £1,000 after the Prem teams sealed their final spots, many took advantage of the cheaper sea-route option, which set them back £260 for a cabin. 8 Witnesses say both sets of supporters began hurling insults before the chaos eruptedCredit: X 8 A football fan is pictured punching an opposing supporterCredit: X The sky-high air prices are due to just six direct flights from Britain to the Basque region’s industrial port city each day. And with only 65 hotels in Spain’s tenth largest city, accommodation has been fully booked for weeks. Each club has millions of fans across the globe, but since there are just 14,000 tickets allocated to each team, bagging a seat to the showpiece event has been a tricky task. Last night, precious tickets to the big game were selling on the black market for up to £10,000. EasyJet was charging £1,823 to fly from Gatwick to Bilbao on Wednesday morning and return on Thursday morning, while the cheapest hotels for Wednesday night cost around £1,200. But for those fans who managed to snap up the golden tickets, footage has shown them enjoying themselves. A Bilbao bar was flooded with Brit fans chanting and drinking ahead of the anticipated final. Spurs fans were also seen welcoming the team bus as it arrived in the city one day before the clash. Footage taken by The Sun showed fans arriving to fill the streets of Bilbao about 40 hours before kick-off. Both sets of supporters have been pictured marching through the streets, chanting songs with beers in hand as they gear up for the Europa League final. Footie fanatics get the party started early By Sun man in Bilbao, Dave Courtnadge IT’S barely midday in Bilbao on the day before the Europa League final between Manchester United and Spurs – but it’s already getting lively. I arrived in the city at about 9am after a 32-HOUR ferry ride from Portsmouth. And the first thing a lot of fellow fans planned to do was find a pub for a well-earned drink. Walking around the area around the San Mames stadium this morning, a fair few others had the same idea. Many have had long journeys, stopping off overnight in another city to keep down the soaring cost of getting here, with some direct flights over £1,000. So it’s no surprise many are already getiing the party started, or the Bilbao leg of the party anyway. Spurs fan Gary, who flew out from London before an overnight stay in a Madrid hotel resembling a “prison cell”, joked as he supped a pint in the sun: “I’m just getting some practice in for tomorrow.” The atmosphere has been brilliant so far, and hopefully that will continue. There had been claims that Spurs fans are set to outnumber United fans by 5 to 1, with an estimated 50,000 supporters of the two English sides expected to arrive. One Tottenham follower I spoke to joked that they had bought all the flights out of London to keep the Reds out. Based on the number of Spurs shirts I’ve already seen, he might be right. 8 Residents alerted authorities at 9.20pm after witnessing violent behaviour on Fermín Calbetón StreetCredit: X 8 Police arrived at the scene and quickly got the situation under controlCredit: X 8 No arrests were madeCredit: X
Crystal Palace duo Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton miss FA Cup afterparty after being hospitalised
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton were absent for Crystal Palace’s FA Cup celebrations after being taken to hospital. Palace captain Guehi was substituted in the second half of his side’s fairytale 1-0 victory over Manchester City after taking a blow to the eye, which left him seeing stars. The 24-year-old still managed to lead his team up the famous Wembley steps and lift the club’s first ever major trophy, doing so alongside Palace stalwart Joel Ward, the only remnant of the team that earned Premier League promotion 12 years ago. However, Guehi was then taken to hospital in an ambulance after he complained about a loss of sight, with there initial fears that he may have suffered a fractured eye socket. Guehi avoided a fracture but sustained severe bruising, putting him in doubt for Palace’s final two games of the season. He was discharged from hospital at midnight, meaning he missed Palace’s celebration party at Boxpark Wembley. Palace midfielder Wharton also revealed his own hospital trip after being sent for a concussion assessment following the final. A late Kevin De Bruyne shot hit the back of the 21-year-old’s head, sparking concerns that he may have also suffered a head injury. Crystal Palace won their first ever major trophy by beating Man City in the FA Cup final (Nick Potts/PA Wire) Wharton took to Instagram late on Saturday night to post a photo of himself in a hospital robe. Having similarly missed the team party, he made a joke hinting that he had no memory of the win, writing: “Apparently we won the FA Cup.” Palace defied the odds to emerge victorious against serial tournament winners Man City, with Eberechi Eze’s first-half goal leading Oliver Glasner’s side to a historic first title.
Fijiana ramp up preparations ahead of Oceania Championship – FBC News
[Source: Fiji Rugby/ Facebook] Some standout players from the Fiji Rugby Union’s franchise competition, along with select members of the national women’s 7s team, have joined the Vodafone Fijiana 15s camp as preparations intensify for the upcoming Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship. The squad is in camp in Nadi with just 18 days remaining before the tournament kicks off at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on June 6th. Head coach Ioan Cunningham says the additions are part of a broader effort to build depth and versatility as the squad eyes both regional success and long-term goals. Article continues after advertisement “We have some franchise players who performed really well in the franchise matches and deserved to be here. We’ve also introduced some of the 7s players just for them to observe our environment and obviously looking at them as we move closer to the World Cup.” Fiji will open their Oceania campaign against Tonga, a match Cunningham says is vital for setting the tone ahead of a tougher fixture against Samoa a week later. He also emphasized the advantage of playing on home soil and the confidence that it can bring.The team has been building steadily since their last outing against the Wallaroos in Suva, and Cunningham says the internal competition for spots has lifted standards in camp. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Rulani Mokwena rejects Wydad’s offer to stay as assistant coach
Rulani Mokwena has reportedly rejected Wydad‘s offer to stay at the club as an assistant coach or Technical Director. As a result, Mokwena has effectively left Wydad by mutual consent after he was put on special leave by the management. This is according to SABC Sport, who previously reported of outstanding salaries owed to Mokwena by Wydad. The 38-year-old mentor was in charge of 35 competitive matches for Wydad. He won 14, drew 14 and lost seven. Orlando Pirates legend says no to Rulani Mokwena’s possible return. Image: X/@WACofficiel WYDAD ON RULANI MOKWENA – FULL STATEMENT Wydad Athletic Alub and Rulani Mokwena have mutually agreed to terminate their contract with immediate effect. The club expresses its deepest gratitude to coach Mokwena and his technical staff for their unwavering commitment, hard work, and sacrifices during a challenging season. Their professionalism and dedication have left an indelible mark on the club. Coach Mokwena extends his heartfelt thanks to our esteemed president for his visionary leadership and steadfast support, to the players and staff for their passion and talent, and to the supporters for their unwavering loyalty. WHERE TO FOR THE YOUNG SA COACH? Leave a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.