These Manchester United and City footballers could play together at Euro 2020
The Euro 2020 tournament finals are better late than never in 2021 and, from the 24 competing countries, 10 different nations are represented by footballers currently playing for either Manchester United or Manchester City.
The Euro 2020 tournament finals are better late than never in 2021 and, from the 24 competing countries, 10 different nations are represented by footballers currently playing for either Manchester United or Manchester City.
Premier League stars will have to put domestic club rivalry and local bragging rights to one side when they go on international duty. Fitness permitting, these Red Devils and Citizens players may well take to the field for their respective countries during Euro 2020 (UEFA has kept 2020 as the official name).
Spain
La Roja have won two of the last three editions of the Euros, but the current Spanish side has a very different look to it to the dominant force they were in world football between 2008 and 2013. United goalie David de Gea is obviously first-choice between the sticks.
He is joined regularly in Spain national squads these days by young City defender Eric Garcia, who has been of rumoured interest to Barcelona. Etihad holding midfielder Rodri and attacker Ferran Torres, signed from Valencia this past summer, should also see action at Euro 2020. Spain meet Poland, Slovakia and Sweden in one of the easier pools at the tournament.
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Portugal
Over the last 15 years, in particular, there has been a strong Portuguese presence in the Premier League. As the reigning and defending European champions, they too are a team in transition as veteran national coach Fernando Santos has brought fresher faces through from the Euro 2016 triumph. He needs to as Portugal play world champions France and Germany in their group this time.
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Star United midfielder Bruno Fernandes can look forward to playing alongside City’s Bernardo Silva in support of the great Cristiano Ronaldo. In defence, meanwhile, Ruben Dias has been a revelation since signing for Pep Guardiola from Benfica with full-back Joao Cancelo also a Portugal regular.
Netherlands
Qualifying for major international tournaments has been something the Dutch have failed to do in recent years, but they will be at Euro 2020. The spine of their side should contain two Manchester-based footballers in Donny van de Beek from United in the engine room and City defender Nathan Ake at the back.
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The Clockwork Orange have a seemingly easy Euros pool on paper which pits them against Austria, Ukraine and play-off winners North Macedonia. This is why they are odds-on favourites with online football betting sites to top Group C at Euro 2020, and 10/1 chances to win the tournament.
England
Belgium, France, Germany, Sweden, Scotland and Wales all have at least one footballer playing for either United or City that should be heading to the Euros, but the most obvious nation is England. Gareth Southgate has a wealth of homegrown talent and options across the two clubs, as he prepares for group games with Scotland, the Czech Republic and old rivals Croatia.
From Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling starting wide in attack to Harry Maguire and John Stones in defence, as many as eight players from United or City could pull on the Three Lions jersey for the tournament. Southgate also looks sure to include youngsters like Phil Foden, Mason Greenwood and Dean Henderson in his plans for the Euros.
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Police search for man who threw punch at Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith boxing match
Daisy Jackson
Police are searching for man who threw his own punch at the AO Arena after Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith boxing match.
The man in question is believed to have vaulted over a barrier inside the arena just as the match itself came to an end.
He then punched a man sat behind him in the face, before making off on foot.
He left two women and a man he was with behind.
Police are now appealing to witnesses of the assault on Saturday 21 January 2023 to come forward with any information.
#APPEAL | Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault at the AO Arena on Saturday 21 January 2023 after the Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith boxing match.
If you know this man (pictured) please contact GMP on 101, quoting reference number INC/0075491/23. pic.twitter.com/vr6zsUI6ri
CCTV images of the suspect have been released by GMP.
They said in a statement: “Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault at the AO Arena on Saturday 21 January 2023 after the Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith boxing match.
“It is reported that then man (pictured) vaulted over a barrier inside the arena just as the boxing match finished, and struck a man sat behind him in the face.
“The offender then made off on foot, leaving two women and a man he was with, behind.
“Officers believe that the suspect is possibly from the Merseyside area. If you know the man or have any information relating to the crime, please contact GMP on 101, quoting reference number INC/0075491/23.
“Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111.”
Featured image: GMP
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Ronaldo ‘will return to Europe’, says Al-Nassr FC head coach
Danny Jones
Al-Nassr FC head coach Rudi Garcia has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo “will return to Europe” after his contract is up.
The former French footballer turned coach, who previously managed in his home country and Italy before heading to the Middle East, revealed that despite suggestions that this move signalled the end of his time in the sun, Ronaldo won’t end his career at Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo’s lucrative deal runs until 2025, reportedly earning around £175 million a year — the equivalent of approximately £3.6m a week (madness) — but it looks like the Portuguese star isn’t content with just cashing in on his big-money move.
Speaking in a press conference last week, Garcia said that he fully expects to see CR7 playing football in Europe after his time in Saudi Arabia comes to an end.
🚨🎙️ Rudi Garcia: "Cristiano Ronaldo will not retire with Al-Nassr. He will return to Europe at the end of his career to retire." pic.twitter.com/SQTx5IGUZV
The 58-year-old conceded that despite his star man being “a positive addition [who] helps to disperse defenders… He is one of the best players in the world. He will not finish his career at Al-Nassr, he will return to Europe.” Garcia did not give any suggestion as to where might end up next, however.
It was recently reported that the 37-year-old striker had a so-called ‘Newcastle clause‘ in his new contract given the obvious Saudi connection and could move to the club on loan next season, but those claims have since been refuted by multiple outlets.
While he certainly delivered on his technical debut for the club in an exhibition against PSG, grabbing two goals to Messi’s one in a thrilling 5-4 defeat, he failed to score in his first official competitive match against Al Ettifaq on 22 January.
However, Al-Nassr still managed a 1-0 win and currently sit top of the Saudi Pro League by one point and with a game in hand above title rivals, Al-Hilal. Say what you will about the sporting icon but it’s only a matter of time before he opens his account.