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Andrew Cesare Richardson

After a hectic week of football, we were treated to a relatively quiet Friday night across Europe, with Bayer Leverkusen’s latest uninspiring result the main attraction.
But don’t worry, there were still some interesting updates and, as usual, a fair bit going on elsewhere.
With tennis, Formula One and even some athletics updates, we have you covered.
So here’s a quick look at the main headlines from while you were sleeping.
Tata’s Ney say

Inter Miami boss Tata Martino would not be drawn into rumours Neymar could one day join his side, though equally refused to hide his desire to make it happen.
It was during Martino’s solitary season as Barcelona manager in 2013/14 that Neymar moved to Catalonia and, the following season, in came Luis Suarez – and totally unrelated, out went Martino – to form one of football’s most famous striking trios alongside Lionel Messi.
Messi and Suarez are now firing in the goals together in MLS, while Neymar recently bought a property in Miami. So what does this mean, reporters asked Martino.
“Oh, so everyone who buys a house in Miami is going to play for us? They’ll have to shut down the real estate market,” the Argentine boss jokingly replied.
For those unaware, there is a strict salary cap in Major League Soccer with each club allowed up to three players whose total fees are unrestricted.
As well as Messi and Suarez, Miami boast fellow former Barcelona stars Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets making space for further Designated Players tough.
“With Leo [Messi] already here and the rest of the guys, anything is possible. What I can’t imagine is if the league doesn’t make the salary rules more flexible, how would something like this go forward,” Martino added.
“It’s one thing to write about it and talk about it in the media, that’s fine and there is no consequence, but in reality, how would it happen? Nobody explains that. MLS has strict rules, we can’t break them, unless they decide to change the rules.”
Neymar’s contract with Saudi side Al Hilal expires in June 2025. Just saying.
Bayer’s snooze fest
The Bundesliga’s top two from last season met on a Friday night after a feisty German Super Cup clash earlier this season.
But Leverkusen’s 0-0 draw with Stuttgart was a far cry from that thrilling 2-2 draw in August as the wasteful hosts dropped yet more points in their underwhelming title defence.
Victor Boniface, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong were all guilty of missing big chances as last season’s champions made it 11 points dropped so far this campaign with a goal difference of just +5.
They only dropped 12 points in the whole of last season and now sit five points off joint leaders Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig, having played a game more.
“We created plenty of chances – but we needed to take advantage of them. We were missing the last pass unfortunately and that’s why we’re disappointed,” Leverkusen talisman Granit Xhaka said of the defeat.
Next up, just the small matter of manager Xabi Alonso returning to Anfield as Leverkusen visit Liverpool in the Champions League.
Ten Hag’s thanks

Erik ten Hag thanked the Manchester United fans following his dismissal from the club.
Languishing in 14th place in the Premier League and coming off the back of a season in which they finished eighth, an exit had seemed inevitable.
Yet the axe finally came after a relatively unfortunate defeat to West Ham and Ruben Amorim was named as his successor. Though he won’t start right away.
But back to Ten Hag. The Dutchman released a statement which read: “Dear fans, let me start by thanking you.
“Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable. The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you.
“I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad.
“We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.
“I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Thank you for this chapter in my life.”
Zverev roars into semis

German third seed Alexander Zverev knocked Stefanos Tsitsipas out of the Paris Masters with a 7-5, 6-4 victory in the quarter-finals on Friday, ending the Greek’s hopes of qualifying for the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin, Italy.
While the opening set was a tight affair, the second was one-way traffic as world No 3 Zverev built a 5-3 lead before wrapping up the victory in one hour and 40 minutes.
Zverev served well against the 10th seed, especially in the second set, firing down nine aces and winning 71 per cent of his first serves in the contest.
“I thought the whole match was a very good level from him,” Zverev said. “I got into the match and I found my rhythm and felt more and more comfortable and am happy with the win.”
The 27-year-old, who improved his head-to-head record with Tsitsipas to 6-10, joins Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal as the only active players to reach 20 or more Masters semi-finals.
McClaren one and two
Oscar Piastri beat McLaren teammate and title contender Lando Norris to take pole position for the sprint race at the Formula One Brazilian Grand Prix.
Norris had clocked a strong time to go almost three tenths clear of Piastri, but the Australian improved to post the best time of 1 minute, 08.899 seconds.
“It was a tricky session but I’m happy to have qualified on pole. My first lap didn’t feel amazing so I knew I could improve, and my second lap felt good and the tyres held on. I’ll try and win but we’ll see,” Piastri said.
Norris skipped his second lap and finished 0.029s behind Piastri, while Charles Leclerc of Ferrari completed the top three.
“A little bit surprised we were so quick today, but a pleasant one. A good first lap, made too many mistakes on my second so boxed. Just too many mistakes,” Norris said.
Leclerc will be joined in the second row by three-time world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull, who has won every sprint race so far this year.
Ikeda facing ban
Olympic and world silver medal-winning race walker Koki Ikeda of Japan has been provisionally suspended for doping, the Athletics Integrity Unit said on Friday.
Ikeda placed second in the 20 kilometres event at the Tokyo Games three years ago and at the World Championships in Eugene in 2022. He finished seventh in Paris.
The AIU said his case was related to readings from his athlete biological passport. It was not immediately clear when the case would move forward.


Manchester United win dramatic ‘crisis derby’, Chelsea are challengers, Saints sack boss

Liverpool, Arsenal drop points, Bayern Munich beaten and Taiwan golfer earns LIV spot

Kho still in running for LIV spot, new boss Tuchel promises England players a clean slate

Tottenham snatch late draw against Rangers, wins for Manchester United, Chelsea in Europe

While you were sleeping

Messi, Neymar, Suarez reunited? Ten Hag says thanks, plus Paris Masters and Brazil GP

Neymar has been strongly linked with a reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami after buying property in Florida. Photo: Reuters

Luis Suarez (left) and Lionel Messi (right) are at Inter Miami – could Neymar (centre) join them? Photo: AP

Erik ten Hag released a statement expressing his gratitude for the support Manchester United fans showed him. Photo: Reuters

Alexander Zverev celebrates during his Paris Masters quarter-final victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas. Photo: DPA

English Premier League: Manchester United confirm Portuguese Ruben Amorim as head coach

Manchester United describes Ruben Amorim as “one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football”. Photo: EPA-EFE

Ruben Amorim led Sporting Lisbon to Portuguese league titles in 2021 and 2024. Photo: AFP

United sacked Erik ten Hag as manager after a loss to West Ham left them in 14th place. Photo: Reuters

Verstappen blasts critics, Alcaraz’s nightmare in Paris, ‘clarification’ over Amorim move

Feeling the pressure Max? The Red Bull driver has had several testy exchanges with reporters ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix. Photo: DPA

Ruben Amorim was also answering questions on Thursday, but in the end said very little. Photo: DPA

The victor, Ugo Humbert, celebrates his win over Carlos Alcaraz in Paris. Photo: AFP

Sport

Football

Inter Miami boss addressed rumours regarding reforming the MSN in MLS, while Alexander Zverev beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the French capital


Inter Miami boss addressed rumours regarding reforming the MSN in MLS, while Alexander Zverev beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the French capital.


English Premier League