Mane and Ronaldo on target – FBC News
Source: Reuters Goals from Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo spurred Al-Nassr to a 2-0 victory over Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, lifting the Riyadh club three points clear of the champions on top of the standings. Mane opened the scoring and then provided the assist to Ronaldo as the Portuguese striker made it 2-0 in the 35th minute. Mane broke the deadlock just nine minutes into the match as he fired a first-time shot into the net. Article continues after advertisement Twenty six minutes later Mane sent in a cross that Ronaldo headed in from close range past goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic. The goal was Ronaldo’s fourth in the league this season, placing him second in the scoring charts, just one goal behind teammate and fellow Portuguese Joao Felix, who missed several clear chances during the match. Al-Ittihad struggled for much of the game, managing only two shots on target. They showed signs of life late in the second half but failed to break past Brazilian goalkeeper Bento. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Springboks Player Ratings: Who FIRED, Who Flopped
The Springboks were sensational on attack. An attack orchestrated meticulously by Sacha-Feinberg MngomeZulu. The Springboks ran in nine tries en route to a dominant 67-30 victory over Los Pumas in Durban during Round 5 of the Rugby Championship on Saturday night. As a result, the Boks have maintained their number one spot in the latest rugby world rankings. So, let’s take a look at which Boks flourished and fired. Additionally, we look at the players who were underwhelming against Argentina. SUPER SPRINGBOKS PLAYER RATINGS Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 9/10 Mngomezul was scintillating, stupendous and superb for the Springboks. He kick-started proceedings with a long-range penalty to get the Springboks scoreboard ticking. However, this was just the beginning of the MngomeZulu masterclass at Kings Park. He played as if he had the ball on a string. The Stormers flyhalf scored a hat-trick and orchestrated the backline meticulously. Sacha beat defenders at will. Additionally (as if a hat trick wasn’t enough), he provided a try assist for Kolbe. This was one of two perfectly measured and timed cross kicks. Pieter-Steph Du Toit – 8.5/10 PSDT is back to his old self. He reminded everyone why he was named the 2025 World Rugby Player of the Year. The powerful and elusive Springboks flanker made metres at will. He beat defenders and exploded into contact with plenty of metres made after contact as well. He also made some big hits on defence to round off a top-class display at 7 for the Boks. Welcome back du Toit! WHO FLOPPED Thomas du Toit – 5/10 The Bok front rower was far from his best. He gave away a couple of penalties. Du Toit an early scrum penalty and a high tackle. Eben Etzebeth – 6/10 The Springboks lock made 8 carries and 7 tackles in a gritty and attritional performance. However, he failed to get gain line dominance. Also, he did not make as many dominant hits as we have grown accustomed to. Siya Kolisi – 6/10 Kolisi did not do much wrong but he did not do anything great either. So, it was a solid shift but not great from our Springboks captain. He was subbed early in the second half.
Shane Lowry fires two-word expletive at American fan in controversial Ryder Cup match
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 Shane Lowry fired a two-word expletive towards an American fan at the Ryder Cup as tensions spilled over in the Saturday fourballs at Bethpage Black. The Irishman was left furious after a fan directed an insult and disturbed his partner Rory McIlroy as he was about to play, with Europe dominating the cup in New York after a 8.5-3.5 lead following the morning foursomes. Lowry responded on the course, though, with his eagle turning the match blue with the advantage on the fourth hole. The world No 24 drained a lengthy putt for three and then erupted in delight. Firstly, Lowry shouted “come on!” and then he turned to the crowd, screaming at a fan, “f*** you!” Lowry’s form skyrocketed after the hole, with another birdie on the fifth, extending Europe’s advantage in the match to two up. open image in gallery Europe’s Shane Lowry celebrates after a putt on the fourth hole at Bethpage Black (AP) McIlroy was subjected to similar behaviour in the morning foursomes alongside Tommy Fleetwood, with a shout during his backswing. He could be heard shouting, “shut the f*** up!” But the grand slam winner then responded with quality on the course, too. His sensational approach set up Fleetwood to convert birdie on the 16th hole, securing a 3&2 victory. open image in gallery Cameron Young of Team United States watches as Rory McIlroy of Team Europe putts (Getty Images) “I don’t mind them having a go at us that’s to be expected,” McIlroy had stated afterwards. “But when I’m trying to hit my shot, that’s a tough thing, give us some respect and let us hit shots.” Collin Morikawa had called for “chaos” on Thursday before the Ryder Cup started, though the crowd had mostly been tame on day one. But as Keegan Bradley’s side struggled, the volumed turned up, with insults delivered more regularly. open image in gallery Rory McIlroy of Team Europe looks on during the Saturday morning foursomes matches (Getty Images) McIlroy lost patience on the sixth hole, backing off a putt on the green twice, shrugging and glancing at the referee, with police flocking to fans directing barbs at the Irishman. McIlroy’s birdie putt narrowly missed left, prompting loud jeers and cheers from the American crowd. Lowry then converted his own birdie, halving the hole, with McIlroy lifting his arms and staring at the fans that had insulted him. More to follow…
Footy, Fairytales and Ferocity
Devotees of mullets, handlebar moustaches and sleeveless jerseys are in for a treat this weekend as Australian Rules football takes centre stage for a feline-themed Grand Final between the Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions. To the uninitiated, Aussie Rules football appears chaotic, with few rules and barely a pause for breath as 18 players on […]
Rory McIlroy involved in altercation with fans at Ryder Cup 2025
Rory McIlroy lets his frustration with the crowd show before hitting a brilliant approach shot on the 16th to help seal his foursomes match with partner Tommy Fleetwood on day two of the Ryder Cup. Follow day two of the Ryder Cup 2025. Available to UK users only.
Joe Cole urges Man Utd hierarchy to ‘change direction’ after latest humiliating defeat
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 Former Chelsea and England winger Joe Cole has suggested that Manchester United “need a different direction” after their loss to Brentford in the Premier League. The 3-1 defeat to the Bees was the latest loss of Amorim’s tenure, with the Portuguese yet to win back-to-back league games. He has earned just 34 points from 33 league matches since taking over in November 2024. Reflecting on the result on TNT Sports, Cole said that United fans “need to lower their expectations”, before suggesting that both the club and Amorim could benefit from a change. “There’s something in the harmony of the whole club, the group. It’s the heaviest shirt in world football, because of how poor it’s been, and the history of the club, the expectations. “The manager’s job first and foremost is to bring harmony and rejuvenate the culture. Whoever comes in has to fin a way to galvanise – first of all the players, we know there are some good players here – [but also] the club, the boards, the owner, the fans. “They need a different direction,” he added. Presenter Lynsey Hipgrave asked Cole if he meant a change “in terms of the manager?”, with Cole replying: “Yeah, it is…you know I don’t like saying that. “But I think for him as well. He was the bright young spark. That’s how high his stock was. He’s clearly a good manager as well, but the mix and the blend of the whole situation, I think it needs a culture change. “They went with this fella and it doesn’t look like it’s working,” he added. The result means Amorim has won just nine of his 33 league matches in charge of United, with the Portuguese lamenting “the crucial moments” in this weekend’s loss. open image in gallery (Getty Images) “Of course we want to win. We didn’t control the game. We played the game of Brentford,” said Amorim in his post-match interview. “We didn’t play our game. We only had control for some moments. But it was more or less all the same. We need to play our games, not the opponents, but they were stronger on that.” On pressure on his job after another defeat, he added: “It is always the same to lose at this club, it hurts a lot. We need to think about the next one.” United sit in 13th ahead of the remaining fixtures with the potential to end the weekend in 17th, with their next match coming at home to Sunderland on Saturday, 4 October.
‘My goodness!’ – McIlroy and Fleetwood on a charge
Rory McIlroy sinks a 22 foot putt for birdie on hole five to put himself and Tommy Fleetwood two up against Harris English and Collin Morikawa in their Saturday morning foursomes.
Kane beats penalty record – FBC News
source: BBC / Website Forward Harry Kane scored twice, including a record-extending penalty, as he reached 100 goals in all competitions for Bayern Munich in their 4-0 win over Werder Bremen on Friday. The England captain, who netted a hat-trick in last week’s 4-1 victory over Hoffenheim, made it 2-0 with a 44th-minute penalty — his 18th consecutive successful spot-kick in the Bundesliga, maintaining a perfect record. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Brentford vs Manchester United live: Scores and updates from Premier League clash
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd More pressure from United as Dorgu wins a free-kick near the area, but it’s cleared before Cunha wins a corner off the rebound. Some nerves around the Gtech now, though Brentford clear the corner and almost launch a counter-attack before Ugarte sniffs out the danger. Chris Wilson27 September 2025 13:03 GOAL! Brentford 2-1 Man Utd GOAL! It’s scrappy, but United won’t care! Brentford are protesting that it might have gone out of play, or there might have been a foul on Kelleher, but it looks okay. The ball is fired long towards Dorgu on the left wing, and he just about manages to keep it in as he hits a looping high cross. It troubles Kelleher and he can’t clear it under pressure from Mbeumo, and it runs straight to Sesko a few yards out. His initial header is saved before the follow-up shot is cleared off the line, but it’s third time lucky as it rebounds kindly and he rifles it in from point-blank range! Chris Wilson27 September 2025 13:00 Brentford 2-0 Man Utd Brentford win a free-kick in a dangerous area near the box, and this could be another troublesome delivery. Damsgaard swings it in and the header reaches Bayindir, but the foul is given on de Ligt anyway. Nevertheless, Brentford are absolutely dominating the visitors on set-pieces. Chris Wilson27 September 2025 12:57 Brentford 2-0 Man Utd United are a little shellshocked here and they look tp reply quickly, but Sesko’s shot from distance flies harmlessly wide. Chris Wilson27 September 2025 12:55 GOAL! Brentford 2-0 Man Utd GOAL! It’s another for Thiago! United are undone by another long ball, as Thiago chests it down to Schade. He races into the box and forces Byindir to punch away the cross, but it goes straight to Thiago, who squeezes a low finish under the United ‘keeper! Arguably a poor initial punch from Bayindir, but Brentford won’t care! (Getty Images) Chris Wilson27 September 2025 12:53 Brentford 1-0 Man Utd Two good saves in as many minutes from Bayindir! The first comes a corner as van den Berg heads too close to the ‘keeper and he claws it away. Moments later, he pulls off an even better stop as the early cross is headed towards the top corner by Collins, and Bayindir does brilliantly to tip it over. The Bees are on top here! Chris Wilson27 September 2025 12:50 Brentford 1-0 Man Utd Nice combinations on the left from United but Sesko’s attempted pass wide to Mbeumo is cut out. Brentford win another throw-in and it’ll be chucked into the box. It’s another dangerous effort, with Kayode nearly throwing it straight into the net as Bayindir is forced to punch it behind. Fernandes heads the corner away for now. Chris Wilson27 September 2025 12:47 Brentford 1-0 Man Utd United look to respond immediately and Cunha drives towards goal before firing wide from just outside the box. The Brazilian has picked up some good positions in the pockets already today. Chris Wilson27 September 2025 12:44 GOAL! Brentford 1-0 Man Utd GOAL! What has happened here? It’s a superb finish whatever happened. It all starts from a United attack, with the final ball again mis-placed. Brentford win it on the edge of the box and they lump it long to Thiago, who is immediately clean through as Maguire has misjudged the offside line. He races through and into the box, and hits a superb half-volley that crashes straight past Bayindir! No chance for the ‘keeper! There is a VAR check for offside but it’s cleared, and Brentford lead! (Getty Images) Chris Wilson27 September 2025 12:41 Brentford 0-0 Man Utd Half a chance for United as they win the ball near halfway, and it’s their first meaningful attack. Cunha threads it through to Sesko, who sees his shot blocked before his lay-off to the Brazilian is mis-placed. Chris Wilson27 September 2025 12:37
Seismic change or a plan B? What now for Welsh rugby?
The WRU insists no decisions have been made and that it is willing for plans to be shaped after discussions with the professional clubs, players and supporters. But the plans have sparked an unfavourable reaction towards the WRU’s preferred two-team solution from many quarters, including former bosses Gareth Davies and David Moffett. Dragons have been the most vocal side, stating Welsh rugby “deserves better”, claiming no compelling case had been made for cutting two regions and the structures proposed were unacceptable. “We are extremely disappointed in the initial proposals – they simply don’t add up,” said Dragons chairman David Wright. “There is no way we can agree to the proposals as they currently are. Welsh rugby deserves better and the WRU must rethink.” Dragons and Scarlets supporters protested together at a recent pre-season friendly, with Llanelli and Newport councillors vocal in their criticism. Scarlets fans plan to protest before the opening league match on Saturday. Players are also unhappy, including Ospreys and Wales captain Jac Morgan who has indicated he would leave to play club rugby outside Wales if his current side was culled. The Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) has also warned the WRU proposals would “drive talent to leave Wales”. “The collective view of the players is clear: the proposed two-club model does not have their support,” said WRPA chief executive Gareth Lewis. Lewis said players believe the plans would reduce professional playing opportunities in Wales, particularly for younger players, shrink the player pool available for the national team, risk alienating supporters, damage the historic rivalries that define Welsh rugby and limit development.