Record-smashing striker Erling Haaland has admitted that Manchester City bought him for one key reason: to win the Champions League.
With the big Norwegian helping his team into the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday night —well, almost single-handedly launching them into it with five goals against RB Leipzig — the question once again arose as to whether or not City can actually do it this year.
As well as manager Pep Guardiola conceding that many would consider him ‘a failure’ if he falls short of winning the club’s first UCL title again this season, it being the only trophy that he hasn’t won since arriving at the Etihad, Haaland is making no bones about the job he was brought in to do either.
Speaking to CBS Sports after their massive 7-0 win, the star striker admitted: “Of course the club want to win the Champions League, they want to still win trophies. They won the Premier League four times out of the last five years so they didn’t bring me in to win the [league], they know how to do that already”.
🔵 Erling Haaland after last night's fantastic 5⃣ in the Champions League!
"So, you can read between the lines. I'm here to try to help the club develop even more and to win the Champions League for the first time."#MCFC#Haaland
The 22-year-old went on to say of his transfer, “you can read between the lines… I’m here to try to help the club develop even more, to try to win the Champions League for the first time.”
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As for his Catalan coach, he said that the idea of ‘failure’ is something he feels on a regular basis, insisting that no matter what he does or wins, “nothing will be enough, that’s why I enjoy it”.
Back in February, Guardiola said that it took him “a few years” to understand the kind of pressure being at City has piled on, noting that many push the “perspective that everything is a disaster if you don’t win some prizes” but that he doesn’t want to put any more on himself than there already is.
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He went on to quip, “I have to win three, four Champions Leagues [to be deemed a success]. Unless you are Madrid, the rest cannot do it, adding that the last two seasons we have been really close, really good games” and they will simply “try to do it again.” Having Haaland gives them more than a decent chance.
I mean, he still broke three other records in one night.
Pep also happened to bring up his ‘idol’… Julia Roberts? As you do. 😅https://t.co/Z07IfofRMc
Even without getting his chance for a double hattrick, Haaland managed to break three records in one night both on a club level and in the Champions League, so it’s safe to say the signs are looking positive.
Now on 39 goals across all competitions this season, the only question is will the goals come in the key games and the rest of the team put in the right performances in the big games?
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Either way, Pep will never be happy — we blame Julia Roberts and so does he…
Ruben Amorim has been sacked by Manchester United
Danny Jones
Ruben Amorim has officially been sacked by Manchester United.
The Portuguese head coach managed more than a year in charge of the Red Devils, but following a bad record overall, not to mention a blockbuster interview over the weekend, they have now parted ways.
Now fully confirmed by the club itself, Amorim’s 14-month stint as Man United boss is over, and an interim manager has already been put in place.
Writing in an official statement, MUFC said: “Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United.
“Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.
“With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.
“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”
For many supporters, it was abundantly clear that an ultimatum was likely, if not already imminent, after his visibly frustrated post-match press conference following the Wolves draw on Sunday, 4 December.
In case you haven’t seen it, you can see the clip in question down below.
United also confirmed that former player and club legend Darren Fletcher will be leading out the squad in their next game against Burnley this Wednesday, 7 January.
How would you sum up the 40-year-old’s time at Old Trafford, Reds?
Leigh Leopards star Tesi Niu accused of abuse by partner
Danny Jones
Leigh Leopards star Tesi Niu has been accused of physical and mental abuse by a person purporting to be his partner.
The allegations were made on Niu’s own Instagram, who has seemingly commandeered the account to share claims across social media along with various photos, which are yet to be fully substantiated.
An Australian-born former NRL athlete and Tongan international, Tesi Niu, has gone on to become an important first-team squad member for the Greater Manchester rugby club and has been a popular personality among the supporters.
With that in mind, the alleged abuse is one that has deeply troubled the fan base.
Accusations of alleged physical abuse have been made against Leigh Leopards centre Tesi Niu by his partner.
As you can see in the screenshots originally posted on Niu’s own channel and since reshared online, the individual who names herself as Kiani alleges that the 24-year-old rugby league player assaulted her on Christmas Day 2025 before going out and getting drunk.
In addition to sharing pictures of various bruises around her neck, shoulders and arms, the woman also writes that he took her phone and money to prevent her from leaving, as well as detailing that she is now pregnant with their third child.
Kiana Smith has been his partner for more than half a decade.
Circulating online over the weekend (4-5 January 2026), a full investigation into the claims is now thought to be underway.
Neither Tesi Niu’s representation nor Leigh Leopards have yet come out to comment on the allegations, but the Rugby Football League (RFL) have shared an official update regarding the situation.
You can see the rest of the IG stories down below.
As per a statement supplied to News.com.au, the English governing body said: “The RFL are aware of the social media posts. We will not be making further comment at this time.”
Anyone looking to report abusive behaviour can call the Greater Domestic Abuse Helpline, Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm, on 0800 254 0909.
Danny Jones -
16th March 2023 
